O.P. CLUB WELCOME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11686, 22 June 1901, Page 2 (Supplement)

O.P. CLUB WELCOME.

DINNER TO SIR HENRY IRVING AND

MISS TERRY. After their American and provincial tour. Sir Henry Irving and Miss Ellen Terry were entertained to a welcome-home dinner by the O.P. Club lately, at the Criterion Restaurant.

The welcome was general and flattering. A cheering crowd gallic!ed in the street, and a cheering assembly met at dinner. Mr. Cecil Raleigh was in the chair. At his left hand sat Sir Henry living, at his right Miss Terry, pleasantly smiling in response to the welcomes showered noon her. The guests included Miss Violet Vanbrugh, Mr. Arthur Bourchier, Mr. .Martin Harvey. Mr. H. B. Irving, Miss Dorothea Rail J, and Mr. Austin Brereton.

Mr. Raleigh proposed the health of the guests "our dear, well-beloved, and respected friends., who stand absolutely at the head of the dramatic calling wherever the English tongue is spoken.' Sir Henry Irving said, he was deeply moved by the affectionate welcome which had been accorded him. Mr. Raleigh asked why they could not speak of "Lady" Ellen Terry — why she had no til or decoration from the Crown'' "But," said Sir Henry, "she has the legion of honour in the hearts of all her friends!" (Cheers.)

Sir Henry then crossed swords with Mr, Raleigh about art and the drama. Far himself, lie thought Shnkespere a vital force. Mr. Raleigh thought- Shakespere at the best w:is a veritable Monument, like Stonehenge. But out; could not be sure what constituted a sound commercial policy for an indefinite period, liven Shakespere has been profitable at one time or another; and the lightest and merriest of popular entertainments had been known to pass out of favour. "J. have long been an advocate for an endowed theatre, to which Mr. Raleigh, I understand, objects, on democratic principles, as one might object, to the National Gallery. But has he considered the comprehensiveness of an endowed theatre? It would be a home, not of lost causes, but of causes which, for temporary reasons, had ceased to make both ends meet.

" It might be utilised lr, preserve all forms of dramatic art when they chanced to appeal to minorities, it might even in time to come produce a Drnrv Rune melodrama '' (Laughter.)

Miss Terry added a few simple words of thanks. "It is always a wrench," she said, "to go away, and hoi tick work to stay away, but it seems worth the while when one comes back to receive such a charming welcome home. I can only say ' Luck and thanks, and thanks, and ever thinks'"' (Cheers.)

Mr. Carl Hentschel responded for the O.V Club.