ROUND THE WORLD.

Otago Witness, Issue 2387, 30 November 1899, Page 51

ROUND THE WORLD.

Fjsok Ota-go Witness Specials. MELBOURNE, November 8. Dear Bis, — Just a hurried note to let you know I am to start with Dante next week. I have been knocked out -with influenza, and not feeling quite myself. Expect to start my Moaland tour at Auckland after Christmas, and hope to meet you. — Yours truly, EDWIN GEACH. . SINGAPORE, October 18. Dear Bis, — We arrived here this morning from. Java after a two and a-lralf months' seasou to splendid business on our way to Deli, in Sumatra., another Dutch possession. The Dutch, were very sore on us in Java on account of the Transvaal affair, but we got there just the same. Harms ton's show is still in Java. They open here on the 24th of this month, and spend Christmas at Calcutta. There ate not mahy companies of any note out this way. T. Hudson's show is expected in Calcutta for Christmas. From Deli we go to Rangoon. Mrs "Warren went home from Java for new people. We expect to meet them somewhere in India. Mi Abel is with us. He is all broken up. He was connected with Abel and" Clair's Circus. He is about 76 years of age, and has a few ponies which are very good. It is the rainy season "Here, and T suppose Harniston's show will have a bad time of it. The Americans are getting ready for the dry season in the Philippines to wipe the natives out. This country is very dead-and-alive. There is nothing particular to see. It is a novelty, to have a look round and get away again. We have .made a great hit with our .acrobata out here. We work in dress, suits.- ' The people cannot understand how we can wear them in such a hot climate. We intend staying for another 12 months on larger salary. 1 would just aY soon be hero as anywhere else. We expect a very strong company from England with Mrs Warren. Bristol lost two of his ponies in Java. One of them was stabbed and the other kicked by one of the horses. No doubt you saw Bristol's show at Wellington. The pony that did the swing and jump through a balloon was one of those lost. Remember us to all the boys. — Yours . sincerely, • s FRED ALTON {Alton Trio). Warren's Circus, Singapore. P.S. — Will send you some clippings and post cards when we get into an English country. — [Pictorial photo post card received, with Christmas greetings. Bis heartily reciprocates to Moaland boys in the East.] HORARATA, November 21. Dear Bis, — I am out floating with a show of my own. Have been on the road two weeks, showing to very good biz. The show numbers seven artists. We have a new lantern and the dissolving views are a big attraction. I shall open in Wellington in about three months' time, doing the far south first. Am sending you laige photo. Shall write you as we get further south. Kind regards from Yours truly, HORACE ST. GEORGE ' ("The Happy St. Georges"). AUCKLAND, November 1. Dear Bis, — The Pollard Oper4 Company have had a most successful season hero. I' cannot say that I was at all pleased with "The Forty Thieves." Tilly Woodlock is certainly one of the best dancers that have "skirted" under Tom Pollard's management. Mention might be made of the "Kerosene" sisters, who appeared in their clever "turpentine" dance, which had never before "benzine," with limelight effects in all their "paraffin"-alia. The musical act of Albert Whalen, on & violin manufactured from a cigai box, half a brooni handle, and one string, is not new by a long, long while. The Gaiety Company at the City Hall are still booming. Among late additions are the Faust Sisters, a trio of clever acrobats and dancers of the Faust family that Chiarini's Cirous boomed in the colonies. The Faust family were then ton in number, and members of this clever troupe have travelled Moaland on three occasions — in '85, '92, and '96. Albert M'Kisson (who at one time partnered Kearas), Frank Yorke (of Yorke and Jones), and Lottie Lome are also at the City Hall under Percy R. Dixs management. The double bass player of Curtis's Coons turned up in town t'other week, and having had enough of Moaland, he intends to get back to Amurka as soon as a bridge is built, or when some prophet commands the ocean to divide and roll aside, so that he may walk dry shod to Golden Gate. Mr Oliver Bainbridge ("' Git yer 'air cut") has written three new songs, entitled "My gift to thee," "She is beautiful," and "Heroes of the deep," a stirring sea song. The music is com-" posed by Mr J. H. Philpot (composer of "Sons of the Empire"). A local writer has it that "Miss Dora Mostyn has taken a billet as shipping clerk in Sydney." — [Doubtless the writer meant Miss Mostyn's husband, Mr Dalziel.' — Bis.] Who was the long-haired gentleman recently lecturing at -Pahiatua (W-) v^^n a parliamentary candidate moved "that-tne lecturer get 'is 'air cut" ? Chin chin. — Yours truly, -EONERWAL. INVERCARGILL, October 29. Dear Bis, — And don't forget "There is only one" of that ilk — just a few lines from this cold and windy quarter of God's Own Country. I have been here some four days, and the weather has fairly knocked out , Wellington as re-cord-holder for wind, and when it ain't blowing — why, it's raining. Well, old man, things are pretty good with us; business still paying a "Hartley and Riley" div. weekly, and wo expect to put up a. record week in Dunedin during the coming race and show carnival. As you are doubtless aware, we open November 22, filling in time till then round Southland. I trust to see you again early in December, as we shall pass right to the North Island en route to fill Christmas bookings on the West Coast. — Yours still smilingly, • HARRY ABBOTT. (Noithcote's Kinematograph and Concert Co.) PALMERSTON NORTH. Dear Bis, — A line to let you know how things are with Montgomery's Kinematograph Company. lam pleased to 'be able to state that the Spanish bull fight pictures, lasting about haif an hour, are a great draw, and we ar& in for a big boom.

Our complete little company of entertainers are immense favourites. Harry Hall 13 funnier than ever. Often the whole audience is so convulsed when ho appears in his Highland rig that it is several minutes before lie can restart singing. Harry also exHertz himself in a little conjuring burlesque. The latest patriotic songs go with a bang, as the war fever is predominant. One of oui brilliants entered a shop in a noted flax town, when the tradesman inquired as to the whereabouts of a certain deceptionalist arid so-called conjurer, who had borrowed a revolver from him and forgot to return it. He wondered if we wanted one. The said brilliant informed him that we did not require revolvers, our show "went off" very well without, and we could always get a good "report" without "charging" the "reporter" from the "barrel." Our .orchestra has increased to. five in'stru-

meets, and altogether it looks, as you remarked "when last we met," "so complete that we can go on for ever." . Raymond and Bentley send regards. Harry and myself join rest of the troupe in wishing you "mascotte*s" wherever you (and yours) may; be. — Yours truly, EDMUND MONTGOMERY. • ("One of the Jays," Kinematograph Company.) St. George Hotel, Capetown, October 8.-~ • ~ Dear Bis, — I suppose by" this you have cotfcluded.l ha^e been " shooted." Things over here are -very serious. We have been compelled to cancel some of our dates in the Free State, • 'and just got my people through to here before they began to pour down from Johannesburg, and Pretoria. The Boers are very bitter, as you will see by the papers, I am sending you. Ail the members are well. We open-here on"' Monday night. I have just finished billing Capetown. The pressmen give the two.Jays~ ■the Guvnor and self— the credit of billing itbigger and better tlian any previous show 1 , excepting FHHs'b "Gircus. "At any rate, if our season is big,-that- will prove all. • >- - At present this town is crowded with refugees from the Rand and Free State. We>are undecided what we are going to do. Charlie Arnold closed his season at Pretoria and just skipped the town in time. We have just had Ugo Biondi here for two nights, also Mrs Shaw, the gredt whistler, and her two daughters. Arthur Rousby'a Opera Company is at present playing in the theatre here. Miss Moltenb, the prima donna, is a splendid singer and -a beautiful actress: I did not go balmy over any of the others. I had a look at the Rayne-Paumier Dramatic Company the other night. I would sooner see old' Bob Henry's 'Company. * " ' ■ Many, many thanks for " the old reliable " (the 0.W.), which reaches us everywhere," and is a Godsend, I can assure you. Kindest regards to '" the only Bis " from all the company. Mr Payne says he is looking for another Bis, in ordor to dispute my statement that there is only one. [Ring off.]* Little Willie is now sitting down smoking a cigar, wishing you and the O.W. luck, also Fatty Saundera. Do not be surprised to see this Jay bob up at any"-moment. If I should suddenly return I will go via New Zealand, just to have a look at you. Thursday, October 12. Before yon receive this I will either be in ot near Calcutta (India). We leave here on Wednesday or Thursday nqxt. War is just on the break. They will start fighting to-day or to-mor-iow"almost sure. I am Borry we have to leave this country, fo? we were right for another good trip. The press throughout say our little show is about the beat touring heie, and I might.tell you it is cent, per cent, better than ever we. have put on. All our people have been putting in their best work. To see the crowds coming here daily from the Rand would surprise you. All who have cash are filling up the boats; and the rest of the poor devils have -to be kept by .tEe public. Fancy travelling three and four days and nlgh'ta in open coal trucks, men, women, and children all scrambled together, and getting insulted into the bargain by the dirty set of BoeTs. 'But they will get fits this time from the British. - - ' Enclosed you will find a 'gram of a place I went into the other night. Mr W. J. Payne was with me. It waß absolutely the • hottest shop^ I was ever in. But no matter, a copy oi the ''gram will be -interesting to your readers, DAWES'S PALACE OF VARIETIES, ' Capetown. . ' ' *" ""• Sole Proprietor W. T. Dawej Musical' Director ■ Monsieur Jonquier, Chairman and Stage Manager.. 1 . ...Ge0. Fitz. Programme : Overture. Master Willie Dawes, tj Comedian 'and Dancer Miß3 Sajlie Dawes, Miniature Comedienne an« Dancer. The Brothers Thompson, Boxers, Wresllera and Club Swingers. Mr Charles Conway, Eccentric Comedian. Miss Nellie Sheldon, Serio and Dancer. Mr Geo. Fitz, Comedian and Patterer. The Dawe3, Duettists and Dancers. Miss Millie Claremont, Comedienne and Danoor. Mr Charles Conway, Eccentric Comedian. Mis 3 Nellie Sheldon,, Charming Serio and Dancer. Mr Geo. Fitz, Eccentric Comedian and Patteier. Miss Millie Claremont, Comedienne and Dancer. God Save the Queen! Brief Jottings. y We have much -pleasure in informing oui patrons that Mr Dawes has specially despatched Miss Rene's Rayne to England to secure som« fresh turns. We beg to announce to the many friends ol Miss Nellie Sheldon that she takes a well earned benefit shortly. During her stay at the Palaco she has made many friends, and we hope to sco them rally round her on her Benefit night. She is exceedingly popular- both on and. off the stage. Mr Dawea is trying to secure Miaa Ethel Yorke (sister of Nellie). When Nellie was inEngland, she and her sister -worked together, and were known as the Sisters Sheldon. Mr Charles Conway (brother of our' Nell), makes his first appearance to a Capetown audience. From, what we have heard of his rehearsals, our patrons have a treat ;in atore. He has a musical voice and good stage presence. Our old friend Fitz is going, as strongly as ever. Ho is constantly putting on something new 1 His topical song, " Flop 'em ont," fairly takes the Huntly and Palmer. That popular little favourite, Sallic Dawes, in expecting her tutor shortly, when she hopes to learn a few more specialty dances. Her song, " Sons of the Sea," has caught on with thff public. Miss Millie Claremont still keeps heT hold on the public. She has one or two trumps lip her sleeve she is reserving for future dates. Mr Dawes begs to announce to his patront and the public in general that he has determined to charge a sixpence to the back parf of the hall — for this sixpence a drink may bi obtained at the bar. Mr Dawes is reluctantlj compelled to adopt this course owing to so many people dropping in and having a cheag show. Some people have an idea that Mr Dawes lives rent free, and that the ar^stes who go on the stage simply do it to amuse themselves ; but another tuno would be played if Mr Dawei , was not there when the Ghost walked." — Yours truly, JOHN J. HODGE, (" One of the Jays "), Payne Family Bellringcrs. " Gore, November 3, 1809. Dear Bia, — To use one of Ernest Hogan'a . (" the- unwashed — not unbleached— comedian "} ' gags — " Not having anythingto do (cheap ageijts never have) I write -to you, and not having any- J thing"-to say I conclude.' 1 However, I may mention, by way of post- ; script, that^the show is still going strong, an 3 . is a warm first favourite -for the public patronage stakes. And, by the way, we have had word ' from our London agent that we will receive at ' the very first opportunity any pictures that are ' secured at the Transvaal. We open Dunedin Princess November 22, fxaf six nights. — Yours smilingly,, HARRY ABBOTT. . [I thank .ny several correspondents for theit always welcome and interesting letters. -Mean-; while, if there are any^more — well, kt '«m allL' come. — BIS.J