LONDON IN AND OUT OF SEASON.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9355, 20 February 1892, Page 1 (Supplement)

LONDON IN AND OUT OF SEASON.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

London, January 8,

THE HOLIDAYS.

Despite the unpleasant weather which has held during the' Christmas and New Year holidays, the great British public was not to be deterred from attempting its annual enjoyment and Londoners swarmed out to the various places of interest by thousands. Railway managers gave with unstinted hand facilities for the middle and .working classes to run down to the seaside or to favourite rural spots at rates which are cheapened year by year lirst and foremost among the objects of attraction stands the Crystal Palace, In summer or winter wet or dry, the great glass house at bydennam offers an equal number of amusements. Its resources are so numerous and varied that the weather, be what it may, has no power to lessen its popularity. On Boxing Day 20,000 people elected to spend their holiday under its crystal roof, where, with pantomime side shows, military bands, marionettes, and variety entertainments, the time was beguiled up to a late hour at night. Windsor Castle was thrown open to visitors, and many availed themselvesof the opportunity. The state apartments were free for inspection at 11 o'clock, and the rooms shown to the public included the Vandyck, Zuccarelli, and ante-chamber, together with the vestibule and the Queen's Jubilee presents The .Albert Chapel, where the late Duke of Albany is buried, was open and the wreath of immortelles placed by the Queen on the marble floor was still to be seen lying near Prince Leopold's tomb. The Natural History Museum-was- patronised byabout 5000 people, and the South Kensington one by just double that number. Christmas however, does not mean holidays to everyone, and of all those working at that time none are more pushed than the post office authorities It will perhaps serve to afford some idea of the work at the post office to state that in London alone the extra correspondence dealt with during the few days of the festive period amounts to over 50,000,000, being three times the normal amount for one week. And it does not affect letters alone, for the parcel post people had to deal with over 1,000,000 extra parcels in the same period. Very few delays were experienced, however, for the system is almost perfect in its way; and to my own knowledge letters which were posted at 1 o'clock on Christmas morning were delivered in London by the same morning's post at 10 o'clock. This is speed with a vengeance. UOYALTY IN DISTRESS. Within the last fortnight two blows have fallen upon the court circle. The first is the accident to Prince Christian of SchleswigHolstein. It seems that the Prince, together with the Duke of Connaught, Prince Henry of Battenberg, and Prince Alfred of SchleswieHolstein, was out. shooting in the royal preserves at Osborne. They had nearly finished when a shot struck Prince Christian, and three of the pellets entered his face, one penetrating the ball of his left eye. Mr Lawson, the Queens oculist, was speedily summoned to Osborne, aud found on examination that the Prince's eye would have to be removed. This operation was successfully performed, and the royal patient is now on the fair road to recovery. The mishap.was of the most accidental character, and no blame can possibly be attached to anyone concerned. The Prince attains his 61st birthday on January 22. Following close on the above' came the death of Prince Victor of Hohenlohe better known as Count Gleichen, which took place last week at the St. James' Palace. The Prince for some months past had been'suffering trom cancer in the throat, but of late had seemed to be improving. However, on the night of December 30 he grew worse; the heart had become weakened by protracted illness syncope ensued, and the Prince breathed his last early on the last morn of the old year. THE SPINNING HOUSE. The girl, Daisy Hopkins, who was concerned in the recent Spinning House case at Cambridge, on the advice of influential citizens, is about to bring an action against the pro-proctor tor false imprisonment. She claims LIOOO for damages. The girl's statement, upon which the action will be based, is that on the night of her arrest she was taken to the Spinning House at a late hour, and had only cold water given her to drink, and nothing to eat. She complains that she was ill during the night and had to call up the under-matron. She was given dry bread and tea after her trial. She received for dinner a piece of coarse meat, which she believed to be lights, two potatoes and cold water. She had no tea. For supper at 7 she was given some weak tea. This was her daily diet, and the bed upon which she had to sleep was a coarse matting hammock slung from the walls. She was compelled to wash at the pump, and although she complained of being ill she was made to scrub out the court with cold water and a brick. ■ She also complains that.she was made a public show of, and was compelled to suffer the insulting remarks of lady visitors; that the premises are filthy, and the "tally warmth in the cells is obtained by lighting a gas jet for about an hour every evening. DKAMATIC NOTES. " Henry VIII" was produced at the Lyceum on Tuesday last with great success. The production is a gorgeous spectacle, and is said to have cost Mr Irving L 10,000! His company, as it stands at present, is the most; expensive in London, and includes Miss Ellen Terry, salary unknown; Mr William Terriss, who receives from L7O to LBO a week; and Mr Forbes Robertson, who must bo drawing very littleless ; and a host of others all making considerable demands on Mr living's purse, which, it is rumoured, is none too fat just now. It is to be hoped that " Henry VIII " will prove a " draw," and that it will enable him to reimburse his coffers, for there is no manager in London who so thoroughly deserves success, both as an actor and a man. The title rule is being played by Mr Terriss (a new departure for this delineator of favourite heroes), Queen Katharine by Miss Terry, and Cardinal Wolsey by Mr Irvmg.

For the sake of your fair readers, here is a description of two of Miss Terry's very handsome dresses : —The quieter of the two is of amethyst brocade of extraordinary richness, which is fashioned into a pointed bodice, whence it falls in a long train trimmed with brown fox fur. A-jupc of bronze satin peeps out in front, aud a golden girdle encrusted with jewels surrounds the waist, and falls in long tasselled ends to the feet.. A more superb costume is made of cloth of steel, upon which are strewn great gold roses. This dress—as though it were not grand enough in its "glittering sheen of precious metals, opens over a petticoat of green velvet, upon which exquisite lilies and roses in turquoise blue and pink are appliqued. The same costly needlework forms the sleeves. These are hanging over-sleeves of fur which have an effect of great picturesqueness ; ruffles of fine old lace at the wrists, &c

and a profusion of jewels everywhere, including a valuable antique paste brooch given to Miss Terry by her venerable friend Mrs Chippendale. Mr Seymour Lucas is to be congratulated upon his.beautiful designs. At the Strand Mr Edwin will produce tomorrow evening a three-act farcical comedy, of which I before told you, entitled "The New Wing." This piece was produced at a morning performance some time ago, and was not very successful. Mr Edwin complains of the difficulty in obtaining a really good piece ; but I may be permitted to say that it is not so much the fault of the dramatist as the bad taste displayed by the London manager in his selection. " Hans the Boatman," is running merrily through a series of matinees, and seems to be much ap])reciated. Mrs Hodgson Burnett assumed the management of the unlucky Royalty last Wednesday evening, opening with her own domestic drama " The Showman's Daughter," which has already been tried in the country. Among the company are John Beauchamp, Reeves Smith, Robert Nainby, Mrs Phelps, Ruth Rutland, and May Whitty.. It will be interesting to see whether Miss Burnett will redeem this theatrical Jonah, or, following Jn the footsteps of her predecessors, will she throw it overboard ?

"The Nautch Girl" will be removed on Saturday week to make way for an old friend, "The Vicar of Bray," by Grundy and Solomon. After this come reproductions of all the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Much harm will be done the Savoy by the Gilbert-Sullivan split, and the Lyric seems to enjoy the popularity hitherto confined to Mr .Carte's establishment.

" The Mountebanks," by Gilbert and Cellier, has " caught on," and is dubbed by some the most successful of the former's extensive works. I think I may safely predict for Mr Sedger crowded houses at his pretty little Lyric for many months to come.

At the Princess' "Alone in London" is going well. It is to be followed by the production of a four-act play called " The Great Metropolis," which has been running for about three years in America. Before being introduced to English playgoers it will bo re-written and re-constructed by Terriss and Henry Neville. :

Mr Toole is recovering from his severe illness, and his admirers may, it is to be hoped, shortly see him in the long-promised " Houseboat " of Mr J. M. Barrie.

A Fool's Paradise," by Sydney Grundy, is now being played at the Garrick, with Mr Hare and Miss Rourke in the chief parts Our great tragedian's eldest son has a very good part, and Mr. Gilbert Hare, John's son, plays an Eton boy. The play is a capital one, and I should advise one of your colonial managers to instantly secure it.

" Lord Anerley " has not lasted very long at the St. James', as I think I prophesied when it was first produced. "Forgiveness," by Comyns Carr, has taken its place. It is likely to have a much longer run than its predecessor. Suitable parts have been written for Mr Alexander and Miss Marion Terry. Mr Charles Wyndham has arranged for a series of dumb shows at the Criterion next Easter. The series will commence with a revival of "L'Enfant Prodigue" for about a month, pending rehearsals of Raleigh and Glover's mute melodrama "The Prodigal's Return."

At the same theatre towards the end of the month Miss Olga Brandon will stage an English version of a Danish comedy, which is to be called "The Piowdens." We are.not satisfied with Norway, and now we .will see what Denmark can give us. . " Godpapa " has reached its closing nights at the Comedy. It is to be followed by "The Grey Mare," a comedy from the pens of Messrs Sims and Kaleigh. Hawtry and Lottie Venne will appear. ■ Mrs Langtry is on the sick list still, though the state of Tier health is not sufficiently serious to have prevented her from attending to business. She is now negotiating for a lease of the Court, with the view of producing "Cymbeline." lam sadly afraid Mrs Langtry's day has long departed. Why will she not take the advice of her friends and visit your parts'as soon as possible ? Mr Lawrence Irving, second son of the eminent actor, who is taking a leading part in Mr P. R. Benson's company at the Theatre Royal, Belfast, shot himself, .it is believed accidentally, at his lodgings yesterday afternoon on his return from a rehearsal of " The Merchant of Venice." It appears that the young actor had only been a few minutes in his bedroom when a gentleman with whom he lodged heard the report of firearms, but thinking Mr Irving was going over his part took little notice of the occurrence until he heard a noise as of someone falling. Then the lodger rushed upstairs and found Mr Irving lying across the bed, apparently in great agony, with a bullet wound in the right breast, and a revolver was lying on the floor. Four medical men were immediately summoned; and the wounded man received most prompt and careful attention. Although the bullet has penetrated the apex of the right lung, Surgeon Fagan and Professor Sinclair do not despair of saving the patient's life. He lies, however, in the most precarious condition. PERSONAL 'ITEMS. ■ —-Mrs-Mona-Gaird,-the- originator of the--" Is Marriage a Failure ?" question, is now engaged upon a novel which has a strong Socialistic motive. Mrs Caird has also collected, and is re-editing her several essays dealing with the marriage question, and will soon issue them in volume form, with some new matter. Mrs Annie Besant is. just now bringing out another edition of the "Secret Doctrine." Madame Blavatsky wrote and published two volumes, but died before the third was finished. This has been finished by Mrs Besant, who also has revised the first two volumes. It will be out in June. Lord Rosebery is announced to marry Miss Tennant, known a "Margo" Tennant, the youngest daughter of Sir Charles Tennant, of the Glens. Miss " Margo" is one of the finest horsewomen in England, and a " regular reckless cross-country dasher," as the Star has it. She is remarkably handsome, and during the famous baccarat trials last year, was one of the most noticed women in court. Among the New Year honours announced no one will receive more general approval than the elevation to the peerage of. Sir Frederick Roberts. It is no secret that Sir Frederick is not a favourite in certain distinguished quarters, but he is one of the greatest soldiers of his time for all that. He has served his country with distinction in different parts of the world for over 40 years, his most brilliant performance being the famous march to Cabul. I Sir Frederick, it is understood, will retire froni i the command ofthe Indian Army, a post which he has filled with singular success, during the past year. Lord Vivian, who succeeds Sir Robert Morier at St. Petersburg, is head of the family to which Sir H. Vivian belongs. The Vivians have always been powerful in Cornwall. The late Lord Vivian was Lord-lieutenant of the county for 20 years. Lady Vivian recently came in for a big lump of money by the death of her father. The salary at St. Petersburg amounts to L7BOO a year. The death is announced of Sir George Biddell Airy, X.C.8., at the ripe age of 90 odd; he was born at Alnwick, entered the Cambridge University, and became senior wrangler. He was one of the greatest scientific men of the present century, and was Astronomer Royal for more than 50 years. MISCELLANEOUS. . Mr Hugh de T. Glazebrbok's famous Salon picture, "It is the Emperor !I am Lost! " is now on view at the Gonpil Gallery, New Bond street. The picture is founded upon an incident in one of Napoleon's campaigns. It is said that the emperor, going the round of his sentries at night time, found a young soldier asleep at his post. Taking the musket of the sleeping man, Napoleon himself assumed the duty of sentinel. When the soldier awoke he was horrified at seeing the well-known figure in long grey cloak and cocked hat standing motionless near him. The picture is a very fine one. The figures of the just awakened soldier and the emperor—seen by moonlight iv the cornfields—the orderly with Napoleon's horse, and the distant chain of watch fires, constitute a most graphic and striking design. The. death is announced of Hannah Peace, the widow of the notorious Charles Peace, the Banner Cross murderer, whose audacious burglaries and escape from prison were the talk of the country a few years ago. The P. and O. Company are now acting in accordance with their determination to coal their ships entirely by Federation men, for whose accommodation lodgings have been fitted up inside the London Docks. The Federation coal porters have taken over the coaling of the P. and O. steamers Shannon, Ganges, and Thames, and have not been molested, although men belonging to the Coal Porters' Union evidently resent the change in this company's policy. The union men, however, are completing the work commenced by them on other vessels, after which their services, so far as the P. and O. Company is concerned, will be dispensed with.

By a Treasury warrant just issued two important modifications of the warrant of April 2, 1886, affecting the transmission of book packets and newspapers by post have been officially sanctioned. This warrant, which came into operation yesterday, repeals the whole of Article 19 and a portion of Article 39 of the previous warrant, and directs that henceforth book packets shall be posted either without a cover or in an unfastened envelope, or in a cover which can easily be removed for the purpose of examination without breaking any seal or tearing any paper, or separating any adhering surfaces. It also allows that any newspaper or any cover of a newspaper may bear upon it a reference to any page of or place in the newspaper to which it is desired to particularly direct the attention of the addressee, without incurring as hitherto the risk of extra postage at letter rate.

— The missionary work of the Greek Church is very successful in Japan. According to the latest reports of St. Petersburg Synod there are 19,006 converts to the faith of that church in Japan.

— The latest American invention is to carry pent-up gas in your pocket, in the shape of a patented torch, about 6in long, and made of a secret composition thoroughly permeated, with gas. When lighted these sticks give off a large odourless flame, which burns for about half ail hour.