PARISIANA.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 77, 31 March 1928, Page 7 (Supplement)

PARISIANA.

PROSPECTS OF SINGERS. . BETTER AS SERVANTS. STORM IN THE MUSICAL WORLD. (By GEORGE CECIL.) So dismal is the outlook for the hundreds of girls who, studying at the Conservatoire and with the various teachers abounding in Paris, hope to attain operatic eminence, that a famous soprano, now on the retired list, was invited by a newspaper, to write an article oR the subject. "Your own remarkable triumphs will make your contribution all the more valuable," quoth the polite editor. "None can be so helpful as yourself in giving these young people friendly advice. Tell them if they are right—or wrong—in embarking on a career which may quickly end in bitter disappointment."

The heroine of success upon success needed little pressing, and dashed into the subject . . . "Many of the socalled teachers are ignorant and impudent quacks. A duck 'knows as much about singing as do most of the rascally charlatans. And even if every one of these girls became a competent singer, ready with a dozen roles, each might have to wait so long for an engagement that, growing tired of waiting, they would go mad! No opera for them!" Warming to her work, the dauntless scribe abused the "rascally charlatans" for a column, winding up by advising I would-be Marguerites and Carmens to become domestic servants. . . "You thus will at least secure board and lodging," she wrote, "and sufficient wages to keep you in clothes and other necessities. You might do worse! Besides, servants are so frightfully scarce that good wages are going begging. . . ." The "would-be Marguerites and Carmens" are indignant at the suggestion, though it must be admitted that a verv large percentage of the English girls studying in Paris are not fit to be heard outside the family circle. All, however, egged on by their flattering teachers, firmly believe that upon them depends the future of the lyric stage— each counts on being the successor to Calve and Tettrazini. Some already fancy themselves vastly superior to these unforgettable artists, such is the assurance of youth. 1

A Dangerous Joke. A party of Paris boys, having read that in Persia death by means of cement is_ reserved for certain offences, determined to experiment on an unsuspecting playmate. Making their way, during the workmen's luncheon hour, to a building which is under construction, ■they gained an entrance, and found sufficient newly-mixed cement for their purpose, and a conveniently shaped packing case. One of the lads, a little, half-witted creature, was gagged, and placed, stooping, in the receptacle, his callous, sturdy comrades rapidly shovelling cement about his body. Presently the mixture began to stiffen, and to the consternation of the executioners, who had intended extricating the criminal in good time. Unfortunately, ignorant of the rapidity with which cement sets, they waited too long; only, upon the gag slipping, did the prisoner's yells enlighten them. Mercifully, the watchman, waking from liia midday slumber, quickly took in the situation. The Sides of the case were prised open, hammers and chisels assisting; the cement was chipped away, the victim—more brightened than hurt—being liberated. The last named, upon regaining his liberty, at once showed signs of dawning intelligence, lucidly accusing each playmate of attempted murder. Evidently shock to the system benefited him.

At this juncture the foreman arrived upon the scene, and the police having been 6ent for, the executioners were inarched off to their respective homes Mild, however, was the punishment, French parents utterly failing to agree with the dictum of Solomon. An hour's confinement in the cellar was considered sufficient for the delinquents — not so much as the sight of a birch rod. Nor were the young brutes sent t-o bed supperless, Parisians being tender hearted wliere their offspring are concerned, never withhold food. Incidentally they have not the least idea how to bring up children.