MELBA'S FAREWELL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19616, 21 October 1925, Page 7

MELBA'S FAREWELL

FROM STAGE TO POLITICS. FIGHT AGAINST COMMUNISTS. LONDON, October 7. "'Good-bye' is perhaps the saddest word in the language, but I'll say it smilingly," declared Dame Nellie Melba to-day," when referring to her farewell tour of Britain, which will be commenced in January. "Although 60, r feel 25. Nevertheless, I realise that perhaps it is time for me to retire. I want to settle down and enjoyother interests. My retirement will- be absolutely final. I have had a glorious time in Fngland and am grateful for the public's fidelity. I am going to Australia in May. I never forget that I'm an Australian. My lovely Melbourne home is always calling me. I propose to take up politics, identifying myself with a policy against Communism. "The first year I appeared in London I 'got the bird.' Hardly anyone attended my concerts, and I declared I wouldn't return, but an impressario implored me to sing 'Juliet' the following season. I was very glad I for the result was a big success, after which London became my second home. "I intend returning to England every summer. I would lite to say 'Good-bye* at Covent Garden, singing an act.each of 'Faust.' 'La Boheme,' and 'Romeo and 'Juliet' to the public I love so well." Dame Nellie addjd: "I have had a wonderful reign, but I know that the time has come to abdicate. Although an Australian, I'm 'verra Scotch.' told Sir James Barrio that my father was born in his native village, Kirriemuir, he said, 'We must go, hand-in-hand, and find out about our forbears.' It will be a delightful expedition."