H. B. IRVING'S TOUR.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1388, 14 March 1912, Page 7

H. B. IRVING'S TOUR.

A-HAPPILY-WORDED FAREWELL SPEECH. IB* Telceranlt.—Press Vinciatloa.) Christchurch, March 13. _ The conclusion of:: Mr. H. B. Irvine*! New Zealand tour in Christchnrch to night was marked by scenes of extraor dinarr enthusiasm. The season closet with "The Bells," Mid when the drams ended. Mr. Irvijip «'•>« called before the curtain and greeted with prolonged an planse and cheering. In a most happily worded little sneccJi he said he could no Fay liow sorry" hn was that that; was hi: last night in Ke«- Zealand. He coulc assure those present that his tour througl New Zealand would bo one of the hap piest and proudest' recollections of hi: theatrical , life." He ■ had no words ii which tD express his gratitude for tin splendid welcome .given him in the Do minion, and if he tried to express it hi was sure his -words would fail him.. Hi could only thank the New Zealand pwipli with all his heart, and could assure then he would never forget them. .He liopee also that ho would not be altogether for gotten. -.(Loud .'applause.) After all. tix actor could' only'live in.tho hearts am memories of those who had seen him and if he, his wife, and his company should .live, at any rate for a time, it tho hearts and memories of the people o] New Zealand, they would be more thai; happy and proud. He tanked them witli nil his heart. It wan a long way tc come from England, )lmt it was wortl coming a much longer distance to ineel with such a welcome, and he hoped ii would-be his good fortune and his privilege in the future to come- back. (Loud ap plause.) A largo Crowd assembled outsidi the theatre, and Jlr; Irvin? was agair heartily cheered as he left. The company will leaTO for the north to-morrow nighl en rorite for Sydney, and after playing r farewell season of two weeks there will re turn to England.