THE GRAND OPERA COMPANY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13998, 3 September 1907, Page 5

THE GRAND OPERA COMPANY.

TROUBLE IN WELLINGTON.

(Prom Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, September 2. Though tho general public lias heard nothing about it,, there ha? been a recrudescence here of tho trouble between Mr Musgrove and some of the members of tho German Opera' Company. At the matinee on Wednesday it was noticed that 'Herr J?riti llupp did not make his appearance in "Hansel at, d Gretel," and that bin part of the father was being taken by a chorister, who came on. with the bouk in his hand. It appears that there had bccji trouble between Mr Musgrove and Herr Rupp, and that the latter, after ail alleged insult, had consulted Messrs 8011, Gully, Bell, and Myers. The result was a lawyer's letter to Mr Musgrove, and an absolute refusal on. the part of Hcrr Rupp (acting under legal advice) to appear again with the company. It was in consequence of this contretemps that the important alteration had to bo mado in the cast of " Hansel and Gretel." In this dilemma tho influence of the German consul was brought to hour, and both he and Mr Musgrove called upon Herr Rupp at his hotel and discussed the matter with him. It is stated that some members of the chorus alto went to Herr Rupp and urged him not to leave tho company, stating that- if he did eo there was a danger of the company disbanding, in which caso they would ho' thrown out of employment. This appeal touched Herr Rupp, and ho is again-'taking part in tho performances. If all one hears is true, Mr Musgrove, however, lias not' yet seen the last of his troubles, and it is quite on the cards that, important developments may take place on the return of the company to Melbourne. ,