MELBA LETTER FOUND IN OLD GISBORNE HOME

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22637, 14 May 1948, Page 4

MELBA LETTER FOUND IN OLD GISBORNE HOME

An undated letter from the noted I Australian prima donna, Dame Nellie | Melba, to a friend in Gisborne was re- ' covered recently from its lodging place .in a house that was being stripped and removed from the site it had occupied for many years. The letter, apparently, had slipped down behind the mantelpiece and had remained there for a number of years. It was on crested paper of Government House, Melbourne. One of the early occupants of the house concerned, situated at 373 Gladstone road, was believed to be a Mrs. Chancellor, who had been a school mate of Dame Nellie Melba. They had attended the school at Lillydale, Melbourne, together. The letter reads: “My Dear Maggie, “Many thanks for writing. I am strong again, but not quite well, which is a bore. However, the doctors say I will be fit soon. “I am now in the middle of my people's concerts. It is too thrilling and the rush for tickets unprecedented—3o,ooo tickets sold in a few hours—it is unbelievable. “My little Pamela is too adorable.. and I love her. She is very pretty with lovely blue eyes and such a pickle. “I hope to return in July, but I love Australia and I love my home in the mountains. Wishing you a merry Christmas and many happy New Years. “Yours affectionately, Nellie Melba.”