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Observer, Volume XXXII, Issue 24, 24 February 1912, Page 23

Despite the actors' union and other domestic, troubles, the bland George Portus, who, amongst other adventures, has of late years been playing the part of Generous Benefactor to New Zealanders by lead-, ing Clara Butt, Dolores, Mark Hambourg and others, round these islands, has taken to the business of theatrical management, dragging a partner with him. The partner is Frank Talbot, who has also occasionside. These two intrepid venturers towns, and who is one of the best known concert managers on the other ally pilot a genius through our have taken the plunge with some knowledge of the waters' they must swim in, and the new theatrical firm of Portus and Talbot should make good. They commence their new life next month, commencing in Sydney with a famous illusionist as their star item ; then a famous singer, the Countess de Cimeroue, will be ■brought along, and after that— well, they have made arrangements to engage the foremost turns of American vaudeville turners. Portus and Talbot sTiould at least be repaid in gratitude. * • • Mr W. Welch, the popular comedian, formerly . with the George Marlow Company, and now with the Allan Hamilton Company in Adelaide, has written a new play, with an Australian setting "The Girl Who Loved a Soldier." The rights of Mr Welch's " The Wool King" are held by Mr Marlow. " The Girl Who Loved a Soldier " is described as a romantic military drama, in four acts. The scenes are all set in and around Sydney and Sydney harbour. The hero is a Royal Australian artilleryman, and the heroine his sweetheart. The action of the play takes place in " The Gardens of the Grange, Darling Point," Victoria Barracks, Darlinghuret, in front of the G.P.0., Sydney, man-o'-war steps, and the submarine engineers' station at Chowder Bay. The thirfl act finishes with a tableau effect, " The Sinking Submarine, the Explosion. The comedy characters are a boy scout and a girl scout. • • •

Let the land be beneficially occupied or sharply taxed according to its value, whether it is in sections in cities or unproductive areas in the country, and rents will be low and work more plentiful. — Greymouth "Argus. ,, • • • One reason why the cost of living is high is that consumption of the products of the soil has overtaken production, in other words, that the ranks of the primary producers have been depleted and those of the consumers correspondingly swelled. — Taranaki "Herald." We do not contend that the Arbitration Act has been a complete success. It was scarcely to be exEected that it would fulfil all the opes based upon it, and it was admittedly a piece of experimental legislation. But we do contend that the principle of the Act is sound, and that in operation it has contributed very largely to the preserver bion of industrial peace in New Zea-land.-Southland "Times."