SYDNEY GOSSIP.

Otago Witness, 5 December 1900, Page 61

SYDNEY GOSSIP.

Br CiGAEETTE

The one topic of conversation in Sydney just now is the Commonwealth celebrations. Every day some fresh scheme of decoration or amusement is suggested in the newspapers, and the various committees have their hands full in deciding what not to do rather than what to do. One thing is certain, that there will be plenty ot champagne, £bOOO worth having 'been cabled tor. There is to be plenty of colonial wine to the fore as wed, "to advertise colonial industries," as George Reid puts it, and the poor of the city are to have a banquet and free beer, so no one will be forgotten. Free theatres, concerts, and continentals are also in the programme, besides aquatic displays, cycling sports, fireworks, etc., etc. Some kind-hearted folk 'have suggested that short-sentenced prisoners should be let out of gaol to celebrate the inauguration of the Commonwealth, whilst others, more practical, suggest that all vagrants should be "rim in" to prevent a carnival of crime. Pessimists declare that Sydney will not hold the 700,000 people who are to be here in January, .that .provisions will run short, and that there will be all sorts of horrible accidents. Many careful housewives are laying in a stock of flour and eggs, and already poultry lias gone up in price owing to farmers holding back for Christmas; The Government has approached all the best hotels with a view to securing rooms for the distinguished visitors who are coming, and an accommodation bureau is to be opened for the convenience of others, where all. information regarding lodgings can be obtained. Twenty thousand pounds is to he spent on the celebrations, and a week's holiday declared for the general public to enjoy them in, after which Sydney will settle down for a while till the Duke and Duchess of York's visit, when a fresh burst of enthusiasm will take place. New South Wales is following in the footsteps of New Zealand (that land of experimental legislation, to quote Sir William Lyne), and soon the Female Franchise and the Old Age Pensions Bills will be among the "faits accomplis" of the session. ["Cigarette's" anticipations with regard to the Old Age Pension Bill have since been verified, but the female franchise has not been so fortunate, having been thrown out in .the Council. — Ed.] At Paling's music shop there is a petition for the franchise signed by many influential women, and so,mewhere else is a counter petition which women who do not wish for the franchise are requested to sign ; the majority of Australian women do not care one ' way or the other for the franchise.

Another Australian aufcist is leaving for England, in the person of Mi Tom Roberts. Preparatory to departure he is holding an exhibition of his works at tfie Society of Artists' rooms. There is a good deal of New Zealand scenery in the show, but landscape is not Mr Roberts's strong point. Some artist once said, "If you can paint a figure you can paint anything." Tom Roberts can paint figures, but not New Zealand mountains.

Nance O'Neil, who lias been drawing crowded houses at Her Majesty's, will shortly pay New Zealand a visit. Her seasons in Sydney and Melbourne have been highly satisfactory ; women in Melbourne went mad about her, and all the matinees were crowded with the fair sex. "Camille" is perhaps her best character, but in such a large repertoire as Nance O'Neil's it is. difficult to particularise. In "Queen Elizabeth" she is superb, in the "School for Scandal" she is fascinating, as an interpreter of Ibsen she siicceeds to perfection, and last night, as Lady Macbeth, she created a furore. Her stage presence is magnificent : women rave ovei her diamonds and dresses, men over her shoulders. Tenderness is her weakest point, rages her strongest.

Dampier is still at the Criterion, where he has replaced "Robbery Under Arms" with ,"The Black Flag." When .that is hauled down "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" takes the boards.

Lottie Collins is at the Tivoli drawing 'big houses with her "Girl, on the Ran Dan Dan" and "The Little Widow," which latter tearful personage enters with modest demeanour and abundance of crepe, and makes her exit memorable in a whirl of scarlet petticoats and an inimita/ble kick.

The rival art societies intend celebrating the Commonwealth, fey each holding an exhibition of pictures, and to prevent an influx of daubs, nothing under £5 value

will be arbidtted, though whether this will j have tho desired effect remains to be seen. Dress&'j this summer in Sydney are more elaborate than they have been for many years. Skirts are worn long enough to sweep toe ground and held high enough to display the ankles and yards of frothy

flounces of lace. Transparent yokes and sleeves are greatly to the fore for day. wear, and swathed belts of satin or ribbon take the place of waistbands. Chiffon i 3 lavishly used for hats ; in *act, no ward-4 robe is complete without a chiffon hat;,black, with a smart buckle and tips, being the favourite.

1