THE WILTSHIRE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11247, 27 June 1922, Page 2

THE WILTSHIRE

RIMUTAKA TO TAKE BALANCE OF THE CREW. The Rimutaka, which is at present at Auckland, will take tho remainder of the crew of the Wiltshire, numbering about thirty, to London. Captain Hayward and the chief, second, third, and fourth officers will proceed by the same vessel. The Rimutaka is expect, ed to leave Auckland this (Tuesday) evening for Opua. She then goes tc Napier and on to Wollington, leaving that port finally for England on July 12th. Some of those who are staying with friends will join the steamer at Wellington. SALVING THE CARGO. MR G. 0. WRIGHT’S TENDER ACCEPTED. Cable advice recoived from London by Messrs Campbell, Ehrenfried and Co., agents for Lloyds, states that the tender of Mr G. C. Wright, of the London Salvage Association, for salving the cargo from the Wiltshire has been accepted. Mr Wright stated to an Auckland “Star” reporter that he would commence operations as soon as possible, but there was a great deal of preliminary work to be done at the Barrier in connection with the housing of the men and arranging tho commissariat department, so that the employees would bo well looked after. He was very pleased with the class of labour offering in Auckland, and bad got nearly all tile men he required, though he intended to bring a few of his own men from Australia. A wireless plant would be erected, so that Auckland would be in ready communication with the scene of operations. Regarding the oargo salvaged, consignees would have the first opportunity of taking it. Tho amount of the tender was not disclosed, but Mr Wright stated that he intended to spend as much as possible of the money required in connection with tho work in Auckland.

WORLD-FAMED -COMIC OPERA

I "THE MAID OF THE MOUNTAINS.” An exceptional cast is promised in the •T. C. Williamson production of “The Maid of the Mountains.” This includes Messrs Phil Smith, Arthur Stigant (of pantomime “dame” fame>, Leslie Holland, Andrew McMestor, Robert Chisholm, Itfionc Stewart, and Gladys Moncrieff. The J. C. Williamson splendid comic opeia production “The Maid of the Mountains” will be seen here on Saturday next for the first time. Of this charming musical attraction the critic of the Adelaide “Register” writes :“It is difficult for a play to live up to a big reputation, and. expectations are not always realised. The coming of the ‘Maid of the Mountains' was heralded by a fanfare of trumpets, in a publicity sense '.Vhv.se facts set a high prospective value on the entertainment, but ‘The Maid of the Mountains' was- evidently up to the estimate of the audience, which overflowed the Theatre Royal on the opening night. ‘The Maid of the Mountains’ is an admirable blend of comic opera and dramatic interest, with the latter, perhaps, as the stronger feature. It rises to rare artistic distinction, if only for the 'body* in the play, as contrasted to the frivolous emptiness of so many placed in the same category. The plot ‘is tangible, and one of changing moods, ranging from adventure and love to envy and romance, and there is a company capable of bringing out all the light and shade of q. remarkably tense story. The scenery is rich in daring and bizarre effects, the frocking and costumes brilliant, and the whole movement full of tinted animation, and with a rich Spanish audacity in colour and design. The claim that ‘The Maid of the Mountains* in its musical significance approaches real opera is fully sustained. There are moments oi delightful melody, with sombre and sentimental themes conspicuous, as befits the. dominant circumstance of the narrative. The spontaneous enthusiasm of the crowd at the opening performance showed that 0. C. Williamson, Ltd., had scored another great success.” The box plans for the first six nights ■ and the first two matinees (Wednesday and Saturday week), will be opened at the Bristol Piano Company to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock. In view of the popularity of the attraction heavy advance booking is anticipated.