POPULAR STARS

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 111, 6 November 1935, Page 13

POPULAR STARS

MR. AND MRS. CYRIL RITCHARD

RECEPTION AT D.I.C.

Crowds of people thronged the entrances and lounge of the D.I.C. yesterday afternoon to catch a glimpse of the popular musical comedy stars, Miss Madge Elliott and Mi-. Cyril Ritchard, on their way to the reception given in their honour by ;the management of the D.I.C. Miss Elliott was a charming figure in an afternoon coat of marine blue wool, with finely-tucked insets and upper sleeves, the pointed cape being edged with blue fox fur. A twisted scarf of mustard, cherry, and navy blue, outlined the throat, these shades being repeated in the pompoms which finished her upturned hat of marine blue velour. The guests, of honour were received by Mrs. Knox Gilmer (president of the Wellington Amateur Operatic So-

ciety) and Mr. W. Simm (manager of the D.1.C.), and, after meeting representatives ■of various local theatrical societies in the lounge, proceeded to the attractively-afranged, U-shaped tables in the tearoom. Baskets of irises, tied with mauve ribbons, slender crystal vases of the same flowers,' and low bowls of roseshaded stock decorated the tables. Shoulder sprays of deep red roses and cyclamen were presented to Miss Elliott and Mrs. Knox Gilmer. . ■ After the delicious refreshments provided had received due attention, several brief and happy speeches were made. Mr. Simm, introducing the guests of honour, said he was glad to give his guests the opportunity of meeting Mr. aria Mrs. Ritchard in more intimate surroundings than over the footlights. "It is said that all the world loves a lover," continued' Mr. Simm. "If most lovers possess the personality and charm of our guests today, that is not to be wondered at, and there is no doubt that the wave of popularity which has swept Australia and New Zealand since their wedding has been wholly sincere." He concluded by advising Mr. and Mrs. Ritchard not to choose springtime for their next visit to New Zealand, and suggested mid-winter as a more likely season. "There is no finer art than the art. of acting," said Mr. C. A. L. Treadwell (patron and past president of the Wellington Amateur Operatic Society), "and in these two artists we have portrayed in the highest sense, culture of voice and grace of form. We realise that at present in New Zealand we have stars of the first magnitude, who only a few months ago were delighting London with their art and their personalities." A hearty welcome was extended by Mrs. Knox Gilmer on behalf of the Wellington Amateur Operatic Society, who raid she personally and artistically echoed Mr. Treadwell's words. In reply, Mr. Cyril Ritchard thanked the management of the D.1.C., and the people for their extraorijinary and touching interest in his wife and himself as people. "Of course," he said, "we should be furious if you were not interested in us as artists, too, for then we should soon be out of a job." They had been surprised and a little frightened of the public interest which their wedding had created in Australia, and when they arrived in New Zealand had found the same spirit. They were enjoying their tour so well that he was sure they would make a "farewell appearance" every year till the opposing candidates, Mrs. Knox Gilmer and Mr. Treachvell, would each in turn have to pass a Bill to keep them out of the country. The guests included members of the J. C. Williamson Musical Comedy Company and representatives of various amateur theatrical societies in Wellington. A very enjoyable bridge party was given by Miss Dorothy Casey in honour of Miss Edna Cooke, whose marriage is to take place shortly. Miss Cooke was the recipient of many useful gifts for her kitchen. Among those present were Mesdames G. Rock, M. J. Casey. R. C. Watson, O. Ronberg. C. Woodbury, and Misses D. Anderson, R. Henkley, E. Cooke, M. Casey. Z. Bright. N. Greig. Z. Gordon, B. Downing, and Valeric Rock.

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