Miss Amy Castles.

Taranaki Herald, Volume L, Issue 11963, 10 May 1902, Page 3

Miss Amy Castles.

As already stated by u<», Miss Amy Castles was in New Plymouth on Friday, and spent much of the time in the Recr . - ation Grounds. Appreciating the inhumanity of obtruding the cares of fame on the young singer on such a perfect day, and in such a perfect place, and also remembering the old adage which makes reference to a man's state of mind in relation to his dinner, the Hekald representative " down " to " do " Miss Castles postponed a request for an interview" until the evening. Miss Castles' reception of the reporter proved tho iv i^dom of the latter's inferences. She had spent " a glorious day " (her own description)" and she had dined, so even an interview did not seem too bad a thing to face ; yet it was not an ''interview" in the accepted journalistic meaning, for though the five minutes asked for and promised ledgthened considerably, a good deal of the conversation was " not for publication, mind." Impressions, more than information, were the result.

One's first impression on seeing the young prima donna is that the alleged photographs of her which have been reproduced in the press are almost libellous in their utter failure to do jus tice to the bright- eyed eager girlish face, which tells plainly of an ingenuous nature and a " joie de vie" yet untouched by her caste of fame.

Asked wh it she thought of th 9. critics' disagreements oVer the quality of her voice, MibS Castles gave an amused shrug. She was assured that she was a dramatic soprano, and she was assured again that she could never be anything but a lyric singer.

"Mr Vert wants me to take up oratorio wheu Igo Home. He would like me to take Albani's place. But I prefer opera." ''What then will you do ? Is it to be oratorio ?" Ihe little' shrug and move which answered this- question suggested that Miss Castles would get her way and sing at Covenfc Garden.

Speaking of her teacher M. Bouley, she said it was his desire that she should continue htr French studies and have a Paris career, and this brought up again the subject of England and Covent Garden. Again her face lit up with enthusiasm. "I simply love opera" she said, '"And I can act, you know. I love acting." The interviewer has a convic tion that she could act, and act well. Speaking of her reception in Maoriland, the interviewer learned that the singer " loved Dunedin, and was delighted with her reception there. She also received a warm welcome in Christchurch, where the Orpheus Society serenaded her. She expressed regret that indisposition prevented her doing her voice justice in both Christchurch and Wellingtor. ' Miss Castles admits to being very nervous, and so never dxs herself justice before an audience.

Miss Castles became quite enthusiastic on the subject of our Recreation Grounds, which she said reminded her of places in Switzerland, and "see Switzerland and die" is Miss Castles' advice. "I think this would be a lovely place to rest in. I should like to come here for a month," said the singer. - l The weather is perfect." The interviewer having rather guiltily acquiesced in this opinion, with drew.