CLARA BUTT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13691, 6 March 1908, Page 5

CLARA BUTT.

[UY TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, Thursday. Madame Clara Butt and Mr. Kennerloy Rumford made their final appearance in the Dominion at the Town Hall to-night, before a vast audience, which manitested the greatest enthusiasm throughout. Madame Butt sang seven songs and three duets with Mr. Rum ford, a.nd both artists were recalled half-a-dozen times after the last item, and they had to sing the duet, "The Keys of Heaven," before the audience would depart. A feature of the programme was the singing of Mr. Alfred Hill's " Waiata Poi" song by Mr. Rumford, who is charmed with the composition. The company will leave for Australia tomorrow.

The tragedy recalls that at Barusley, England, early in January, by which 16 children lost their lives, and 40 were seriously injured. The little ones attended a matinee cinematograph exhibition, for which specially low prices were charged. Admission to the gallery being' one penny, the gallery was soon crowded, and an attempt was made to transfer some of 'he

ticket-holders, who were nearly all children, from the gallery to the pit. The children, descending eagerly, met those who were still coming up. First, there was a, crush, and then there was a panic. Children on the lower steps of the staircase were thrown down, others fell on them, and although all possible assistance was given as soon as possible, over 50 were dead or seriously injured'.