"NOT WORTH WHILE."

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 13, 16 January 1929, Page 8

"NOT WORTH WHILE."

TOURS OF ANTIPODES.

MR. BOUCICAUI.T'* OPIHIOV.

DIFFICULTIES OF TRAXSPOftT.

There is no possibility of New Zealand and Australia being visited by leadis* English stage artiste if the present difficulties in travelling and transport continue. Such is the opinion, of Mr Dion Boucicault.

"There is a definite doubt of fulfilling one's contract," says Mr. Boucicaulf "the reason being t*» extreme uW veniriice caused by strikes in Australia For instance, during uir risit to the Commonwealth I had a* lot of trouble in having my pro]terty carried from Brisbane to Adelaide. Myself I carrr everything—even to a wine "lass—«i altogether I had some hundreds of tone of stuff. Instead of being able to have it taken by sea, I had to have it railed and before Adelaide was reached tw were several changes. After leavS Brisbane early on a Wednesdav roornfof we reached Adelaide the 'followtaf Saturday. We then had to ee t to wort and rehearse for a performance the um. night. ""*

Will Advise Others to Stay Home. "No! Wl, en English artist* can eaior a successful season in the Old Conntrr or by going to America, which is but fir.' days away, or even to South Africa, onlv thirteen days' travelling, without a*r inconvenience, there is nothing alluriai in travelling twelve thousand miles to meet the annoyance which is now unavoidable on a visit to Australia. It » unfortunate, for I like visiting this nut of the world. Previously, I had ureed such artists as Sir Gerald du Maurier and Miss Gladys Cooper to come out here, but if, when I return to England, their ask my advice on the matter. I shall c«rtainly urge them not to consider it. "How fortunate it is that New Zetland is free from the disturbances that wave over Australia! While we were in Melbourne there were bomb outrages and lots of trouble caused by geutlemeo who, instead of working, would rather plar with guns." r • Farewell to Kew Zealand.

When the present tour ends. New Zealand audiences will have seen the last of Mr. Boucicault and his wife, Mies Irene Vanbrugh. On his return to England, Mr. Boucicault intends to take a rest for several months, after which he will go to South Africa to avoid the Englieh winter. After that, his work will be confined to producting and, to use hi* own words, "helping the youngsters." It is impossible not to* agree with the comment of the "Sydney Morning Herald" on Mr. Boucicault s announcement of hie farewell to Australia and New Zealand. "Mr. Boucicault and Miss Vanbrugh hare," it amid, -in the pursuit of the art to which they have devoted their lives, sedulously " preserved the high traditions of the illustrious predecessors whose achievements stand like high peaks to command the admiration and lead the imagination captive, as one examine* the records of the stage in this country. Though Australia is still young, as the age of nations is counted, its theatre has already achieved a notable history, and in that history on* of the leading chapters is that which n> lates the successes of the artists who have just bidden us farewelL . . . Audiences say farewell to these eminent artists with poignant regret."