MELBA'S ARRIVAL IN MELBOURNE.

Evening Star, Issue 11700, 4 October 1902, Page 3

MELBA'S ARRIVAL IN MELBOURNE.

Maaame Melba and her party travelled from Albury to the Victorian capital in the car which was used by the Duke and Duchess of York while in Victoria. As the tram approached Melbourne the tion of welcome became still more pronounced, and when it ran at last into Spencer street somewhat behind time the scene was one of extraordinary enthusiasm. Long before half-past twelve o'clock—the hour at which tho Sydney express should steam intb the station—the yard adjoining the main platform was crowded, says the 'Argus,' by men, women, and children anxious to get a first glimpse of the world-famous singer. What with policemen vainly en-' deavoring to keep a track clear to the gates for a carriage, photographers perched up on portable and miniature towers, in order to obtain a good " snap," and thousands of persons good-humoredly hurtling one another in a fight to secure the best positions, the enclosure presented a scene of animation only equalled by the reception accorded to the first Governor-General. Lord Richard Nevill was first in welcoming the diva on Lord Tennyson"s behalf, and Sir Samuel Gillott immediately followed suit for the city, at the some time; presenting a very handsome bouquet. Then there were relatives and old friends and new acquaintances pressing forward for a hand clasp, and all within reasonable reach were not disappointed. Arid for friends divided from her by the crowd there was a merry wave of the hand. The hands were, however, soon filled with bouquets, which appeared to spring out of the ground, until Madame Melba could carry no more.

After the first few seconds spent in satisfying curiosity, cheers burst out within the barrier, and acted like a match to powder in stirring up the crowd outside to loud hurrahs. Nobody evinced any desire to pilow her to escape to her carriage. For a few minutes she could not move forward, and her retreat was cut* off. Then burly and impasfive Mr George Musgrove placed himself on her left hand, and Mr T. A. Patterson on the risht, a sturdy young fellow led the way, and the little party began to cleave through the crowd. After a short but fierce struggle t'ae carriage in waiting was reached, and Madame Melba took her seat. But where were the rest of her party? Lost in the crowd and imprisoned for some time! Strong and willing assistance was near at hand, however, and they were rescued one by one and piloted to the gate. Meantime the crowd were cheering themselves hoarse.' and the central figure in this Royal reception was bowing continually. To a friend standing by the carriage steps she handed/a bunch of violets. "Give us all some," a voice called out amidst a deafening clamor, and. evidently deliehted by the suggestion, Madame Melba began to tear up the heap? of flowers that filled the seats of the carriage, and to throw them to all side<\ The melee that ensued was indescribable. Men almost came to blows in cisputing the right of possession of a daffodil, women, looked unutterable things at one another over a few sadly-damaged violet?, while boys, with a keen eye to business, gathered all they could and tried " lo turn an honest brown" by offering to eeti their prizes as "Melba mementoes," and thev had a brisk market. '" :*:''

The minuteUhe off there ■«a*X.soanjale for flowers,which had fallen

to the ground and been trampled underfoot. It did not matter that they were utterly destroyed; they would recall the scene, and be envied exhibits in suburban homes. '

The jourrjey through the city, up Collins street, down Swanston street, and thence to Myoora. Toorak, was a triumphal progress. Collins street and Swanston street were lined with people, who overflowed the footpaths into the roadway, and the trams were stopped. All the windows were occut pied, and the cheering and waving of handkerchiefs recalled tho Melbourne of some recent great occasion The carriage could only proceed at a snail's pace. Halfway up x the block a band struck up ' Auld lang syne/ This was the' signal for redoubled cheering, and Madame Mclba rose to.iter feet to convey: her thanks by a most expressive bow. Along the St. Kilda road groups of enthusiastic people cheered the distinguiJ'hed Melburnian, and in the Toorak road large numbers of ladies, who had been waiting patiently for hours, gave' her most fervent greeting. • '