AROUND THE WORLD.

Otago Witness, Issue 2572, 1 July 1903, Page 67

AROUND THE WORLD.

(From Otago Witness Specials.)

Capetown, May 21, 1903. Dear Pasquin, — We are now in the last night of "Djin Djin." "The Gay Parisienne" makes her bow with us in South Africa on Monday, 25th. According to reports it should prove as popular as "Djin Djin" has b?en. We have established . record in Capetown in running "Djin Djin" for three weeks and one matinee. A fortnight is the longest you can run anything here, but this piece has proved an exception. One meets scores of people in town who have been half a dozen times to see it, and will go igain if it is revived at any time. We have had a musical company playing "French Maid," "Belle of New York," "Thirty Thieves," and "Gentleman Joe," in opposition while we have been playing "Djin Djin." Both companies opened the same night. Next week and the following -hiea w«eks Nelson and Sass's Comedy" Company open here, playing such pieces as "Mrs Dane's Defence," "Mice and Men," "Sweet Nell of Old Drury," etc. — pieces that have been made familiar to us by the Brough and Musgrove companies, so you see Australia and iNew Zealand are not co ifar behind the times.

I rrust tell you about a lovely drive we went for on Sunday to a place called Hout'a Bay, which is situated about 18 miles from Capetown. We left town at half- past 10 in three buggy loads. It was a lovely morning, and as we drove along the cliff road overlooking the sea, with the 6un glistening on the water, 'it put us in mind of the road to Cable Bay, Ne'son. N.Z. We passed close under tho celebrated Lion's Head, and along by the Twelve Apostles, standing like grim sentinels guarding the approach to Capetown. After driving for an hour we left the sea and struck in amongst the mountains. It was a lovely sight, as we were right on the other side of Table Mountain, which looked to be muoh easier ;o climb this waj than from Jthe town aide. Just opposite tha Table Mountain is another smaller additior of the big Lion's Rock, completa in almost every detail. W« passed some quaint old Dutch farms, looking very snug nestled amongst the mountains. At half-past 12 "we

arrived at Houfc's Bay, a pretty little opening between the mountains, with a lovely white sandy beach, making us think of St. Clair, Dunedin. We had a lovely dinner at the hotel, and had our coffee brought out to us on the stoep (verandah), where we rested in the shade until 4 o'clock, when we made a start for Home.

Wo did not go home by the same road is W3 came, but, instead, took the road round the Devil's Peak, and it was simply perfect, as the sun was on tho decline, and as we got into Wynberg we drove through a continuous avenue of oak trees, which met overhead, and formed one long arch of leafy shade, and, m between, one could catch a glimpse of the white-washed Dutch farmhouses, with their thatched roofs almost green with moss, and which looked more like a stage picture, as the rays of the setting sun shove through the trees, making everything a golden hue. Aitsi passing through Claremont — one of the select suburbs of Capetown— we lost all these pretty effects, as it was getting dark, and arrived at Capetown at half-past 7, after haviLg driven 36 miles and having had one of the best days we have had for a long time.

On Monday afternoon a small party of us from the company took a trip out to Camps Bay (a pretty marine suburb). You take the electric tram, and it is a lovely ride, as most of the time you are running along the side of Lion's Head, overlooking the sea.

Camps Bay is a great picnic resort, and is also well patronised on Sundays, as there is always a good band playing in the Pagoda. We had a good look round, ard had afternoon tea there, and then came back to town by the electric tram, via the mountains.

The electric tram service in Capetown is good, and the fares are reasonable. The weather has been lovely Here this week, which, is a wonder, as this is the rainy season now. Well, must close now, to catch the mail. Will tell you abcut oui ricksha ride in my next. Best wishes to all and yourself from all, — Sincerely yours,

ONE OF THE POLLARDS,

Capetown, May 20.

Dear Pasquin, — A line or two letting you know how things ire with us. By the time we have done this country there will be no agent-general wanted out here. This is the third week of "Djm Djin." The piece is going very strong still, and will finish so. Next Monday night we produce "The Gay Parisienne," afteT which production I think Gerty Campion will be a great favourite. As yet the ballets and chorus rule. We had a great Australian and New Zealand night. They must have fought well in Africa, as everybody seems afra.id of them. I have every reason to believe that in a very short time business will boom. Kind regards to all inquiring friends in Dunedin. More next mail. I remain, — Yours sincerely, W. O'SULLIVAN, Treasurer Pollard's Opera- Co. "■ — - Masonic Hotel, Nelson, June Is. Dear Pasquin, — Very many thanks for forwarding letter. I see an error has crept into the printed version of my last to you. The three months' season I spoke of was not in Auckland — we don't play Auckland until early in 1904 — but "Auckland way," meaning the Thames, Waihi, Karangahake, and the large towns of the Waikato. We open here (Nelson) to-night for a short season, but, being so close at the heels of the Hawtrey Company, cannot expect mammoth business; still, we're first in after a good show, and that's in our favour.

We play Westport nex^ and follow on with Greymouth, Reefton, Kurnara, end Hokitika ; after that must move off the Coast to make room for the genial Dixs variety show, which is due in July. — Yours, etc..

CHARLIE TAYLOR.