WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS

Otago Witness, Issue 2467, 26 June 1901, Page 62

WELLINGTON WING WHISPERS

Et P. Buhptxr.

June 20.

Dear Pasquin,— At time of writing the ducal excitement ia full upon us, a-s it will be upon, you what time these lines see print. We are rcw talking "Duke" and "Duchess," and for the nonce have lost sJI interest in the number of goals scored by Soanso. The record hunter just now is looking for he or she who has seen T.R.H. most frequently. Another favourite topic with us hae been the miserable meteorological midwintry "misfortunate" happenings. It has been whispered to me that every morning Bince sighting Wellington H.R.H. has exclaimed on waking— "What, wet again!" And that is about the mildest phrase he could use under the circumstances. It must be hard upon one who is heir to the British throne and another who is King of Kumara to recognise that they' have no control upon the weather. But Jim Bell, who manages the Ada Delroy Company, and who is in turn managed by Montgomery, and both of whom have been waiting in umbrellas and mackintoshes upon the weather of the past week, declares that a little wet weather is good for the business of professional entertainers. B\it neither of the joint managers of the business going on in the Ooera House this week are meteorological gluttons. They* have had more than enough of ducal weather, and they won't forget Welcome Week in Wellington for a welly long time. Tc make this managerial par complete, I might add that jaunty junior Johnny Fuller has been seen standing opposite the Choral Hall with his feet wide apart and his hat on three hairs on the back of his head, shaking the latter severely at the watery weather. And Whaite, who waits, and waits and waits in vain for «he clouds to roll by the Theatre Royal, has been seen to look above and heard to murmur into fas Jupiter Pluvius car: "Oh, but you're a beaut!" But one of the men who has had- real hard times of it was energetic Hicks, the lightning pictu re-catch ei whose work is so frequently seer in these jjEges. " Notwithstanding all tnese ontward signs of complaint, good business has been done at the halls and the Opera House. There has been a great rush of country folk into the city, and, tired of wadin% through the muddy streets, many havt sought shelter and solace at the Delroy's at the Gaiety's, at the Empire's or at the Newbury-Spada- concerts.

For you. must know that tenor Phil Newbury and prima donna Emily Spada have come once more to ur city, after many days' absence. They are giving shilling pops in the Skating Rink. ' The Delroy Co. finishes its season at the Oper? House to-night. Montgomery will then use his bioscope 'for a couple of nights. Next week the Stanion Company of opera bouffists, direct from America, open a season which is short- in length, but promises to be merry while it lasts. The Haytors have been a great draw with the Gaiety Co., and "Me, too, Charley," has become a localism. I note that Dainty Irene Franklin is dur at the Royal next Tuesday.

Blutch Jones — oh, would some powei work him sufficiently to ir.duce him tc change his front name to John, just for a change — is also

hurting the risibles of the patrons of tha Choral Hall. He has already become famous ps a tailor — he has given so many people a stitch in time and m side.

Amateur theatrics Is form a strong attraction in the programme of the Maoriiand Bazaar which was opened this week as a means of raising sufficient funds to erect a Home for Incurables. On Tuesday night a- smart sketch, '"A Morning Call," was piven by Miss Jessie Newton and hef brother Alec, two members of a talented family of entertainers. Last night Offenbach's comic opera, "The Rose of Auvergne," was given by Miss Violet Mount (soprano) and Messrs E. J. Hill (tenor), and Harry Smith (e::-Dunedin baritone). To-night en operetta, "A Peep into Fairyland," is to be given by a party of young folk, and the following practically continuous dramatic programme is being carried out thi3 -afternoon: — 3.30 o'clock — "The 3ucl\ess t>S Bays-water." Characters by Mrs Fell and Mis 3 Henry, Messrs H. E. Nicholls, A. W. Newton, A. Ballance, and J. King. 4.30 o'clock — "My Lord in Livery.' Characters by Misses Newton, Henry, ai.cl Lawrence, Messrs H. E. Nichoils, W. P. Bui tin, A. W. Newton, and Master Jack Parker. A very gay week, you'll agree!