ROSIMA BUCKMAN

Evening Post, Volume CIII, Issue 113, 16 May 1922, Page 11

ROSIMA BUCKMAN

NEW ZEALAND'S PRIMA DONNA

ENTHUSIASTIC CIVIC RECEPTION.

A civic reception was tendered yesterday afternoon inutile Concert Chamber of the Town Hall to Miss Kosinu. Buckman, the eminent singer, who is paying a visit to New Zealand, her birthplace, after nine years' absence culminating in a series of triumphs in the wqrld of opera. The Concert Chamber was crowded to the doors. The Mayor (Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P.) presided,' and on the platform ware the. Prime Minister .(the.Rt. Hon. W. P. Massey), the Bt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, and many other notable personages. The distinguished singer was accompanied by her husband, ' Mr. Maurice D'Oisley, and her mother. She received on the platform* a handsome bouquet from her admirers. The audience rose toy applaud. •The Mayor, in introducing the guest of the day, said that tliss Buckman. w.is a native of New Zealand in a broad sense, born at Blenheim, but resident since in various towns of t!is Dominion. On behalf of the citizens of Wellington lie extended her a cordial welcome '.Applause.) The Mayor ■ racoanieJ the steps in the 'progress of Miss Buckman from early beginnings until «ne triumphed in Alfred Hill's "Moorish Maid," in which she took the leading part. Miss Buckman had been associated with Madame Melba and most of the great singers of the day. Among these was Mr. M'Cormack, who had helped to introduce her to a career, of which New Zealand was justly proud. (Applause.) The Mayor mentioned the leading' parts in which Miss Buckman had succeeded' so well. . During the air raids ,in London Miss Buckman stuck to her guns .when one of these raids took place and finished her performance, when the lxunbs were dropping about. , It was a tribute lo New Zoalanders that 'they could stand f&st when troubles^ were about. (Applause ) In a busy life she had found tiiiii: for love, courtship, and marriage., and fhny could all congratulate her husband on winning such v. wife. (Annlause.) The Prime Minister, who.was greeted with applause, added his welcome, to that of the Mayor. Miss Buckman had made .good, and everybody was delighted with her distinguished 'Career. New Z^alaaders were proud of her, and welcomed her home. (Applans.e.) She had. won imi through her" determination ; and tenacity of purpo.se and untiring industry, and become one of the greatest stars'm the operatic stage to-day. She would not find much change in the people liere since she had left. Perhaps their social habits were changed for , the better. (Ap;plause.) Mr. Massey referred to the i community singing; and suggested Miss Buckman should come along. (Laughter.) He hoped Miss Buckman and her husband would have a successful trip in. eveyy sense of the word. (Applause.) Sir Joseph Ward, in adding to the words of welcome, characterised Miss Buckman as, one of the brilliant stars of the operatic world. She had won throug-h in spite of all the odds. They were proud of their countrywoman, the greatest artist, they had produced in the singing world. She was a great asset to New Zealand. (Applause.) She had advertised New Zealand as a 'brilliant exponent, of her art, and was to this .Dominion what Melfe was to Australia, (Applause.) Sir Joseph, in conclusion, paid .a high tribtte to the 'singer's mother; They all. lipped that Miss Buckman would go,on-in her calling to make a greater name-still. (Applause.)' ' Councillor T. Forsyth added a welcome on behalf of the City Council. He referred to the opinion of Mr. Robert Parker given some years ago, that Miss.Buckman would become a great prima donna. (Applause.) • ' . Mr. Robert Packer spoke of the time when Miss Buckman first sang- in Wellington in "Faust,", and a.gain when in her kindness she came and sang in the farewell conceit? given to him on his re.tirement fr'cSm the leadership of the Musical .Union. When he first heard Miss Buckman he said: "Here, at last, we have a singer! A singer, who, if she only had the opportunity, will go far." It was a delight in every way to be associated with '. her. She had'her opportunity, and.had gone far. He.had followed her career with the greatest pleasure, a.nd on behalf of her fellow workers he hoped her success would long continue in the art she adorned so well. (Applause.) The Mayor' read a telegram inviting Miss. Buckman to Blenheim, { where they would give her a true welcome. In reply; Miss Buckman, who ' was greated with ' enthusiastic applause and cheers, said she was so overcome she could hardly express her feelings. It was her one thought to come back to New Zealand and sing to them. Her wish was fulfilled, and she.had Brought a husband with her' tc share her joy. "A thousand thanks," ?'she concluded; "a thousand thanks for this wonderful, beautiful Velcome." (Loud applause.) The Mayor then called Mr.' Maurice D'Oisley, who said, amid applause, he was at least a New Zealander by marriage. ■ Applause.) It was true his wife had worked, worker harder than anybody he had ever known.. He had never known anybody with such grit. She,had been-faced with every obstacle possible, and had overcome them one by one and reached the position she de--served. (Applause.) He thanked them, all for the exceeding kindness of their reception, which he would never: forget. (Applause.)',. An/, enthusiastic* gathering closed with the singing of the National Anthem.