DISAPPEARANCE OF AN ACTOR IN MELBOURNE.

Evening Star, Issue 4760, 4 June 1878, Page 3

DISAPPEARANCE OF AN ACTOR IN MELBOURNE.

The * Argus' gives the following account of the scene in the Theatre when the disappearance of the well-known actor, Mr Bates, was announced:—"The Trail of the Serpent " was announced for performance at tho Princess's. Soon after eight o'clock, when portions of the audience showed signes of impatience for the play, the music ceased,

but in place of the curtain rising, Mr Wallace stepped in front of it, and spoke nearly as follows:—" Ladies and gentlemen,— I am placed in a very awkward position. You come here to see a new play, and the piece was rehearsed ond prepared for yeur entertainment. I am not here to make you a stage speech or hackneyed excuse. The fact is simply this : Mr Bates, who was cast for a triple character, has, since 11 o'clock this morning, mysteriously disappeared. Search has been made, but no trace can be found of him. Mrs Bates is here, nearly broken-hearted. Mr Bayless is here; he has gone to great expense to put the piece on the stage in a suitable manner. Everything is ready (here the curtain was raised, and the

opening scene, 'The Mill,' displayed.) We cannot play the piece without Mr Bates, and we arejnot prepared to substitute any other. Under these circumstances I ask your consideration for Mr Bayless, your sympathy for Mrs Bates, and beg you to retire. The money paid for tickets will be returned." The announcement caused a good deal of excitement, and the calls for sympathy for Mrs Bates and Mr Bayless were responded to readily. The piece was subsequently played with a Mr Bussell in Mr Bates's part, but it did not draw. Mr Bates turned up in Ballarat.