SYDNEY GOSSIP.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 30, 25 July 1891, Page 204

SYDNEY GOSSIP.

Dear Bee, July 3. Talk about rain! New Zealanders who have heard so much of ‘sunny New South Wales’ would, I think, prefer their own beautiful weather to what we Sydneyites have been enjoying (?) for the last three weeks. After so many wet ami grey days one w eaties for a little sunshine, just to remember what it is leally like. There is at present a plenitude in the way of musical and artistic treats here. Of course, you have now heard Madame Batey, and formed your own opinion of (what we thought here) her lovely voice, which was heard to advantage in * Elijah,’ as well as at her chamber concerts, one of her best solos being decidedly Gounod's ‘ There is a Green Hill,’ which was composed expressly for her. You will regret to hear that Sir Charles and Lady Halle t Madame Norman-Neruda) have decided not to visit New Zealand. Their return to Sydney was thoroughly welcome, as shown by the enthusiastic reception accorded them at their first concert. The company is, indeed, strong, including, as it does,other now well-known artistes, viz., Mdle. Filliinger, an Austrian soprano of considerable reputation, who came out with the Halles, and Madame Marian Burton, the English contralto, who is familiar to New Zealand audiences, and a great favourite with Sydney conceit goers. Sir Charles’pianoforte-playing is a lesson. His rendering of Beethoven’s Sonata in C Major was something to remember, as were all his solos. Lady Halle, gowned in cream biocaded with a pretty blue, the bodiee in blue with chiffon, cut Newmarket style, with short puff sleeves, delighted her audience with her brilliant violin playing, which her husband accompanied, as only he can accompany. The second concert passed off quite as successfully as the first. Coming to a lighter style of music, Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘ The Gondoliers,' which was staged at the Theatre Royal by Williamson, Garner and Co. at the beginning of the month, is still drawing large houses. Itcertainly ranks next to the ‘ Yoeman of the Guard’for brightness, aud artistic dressing and dancing. The old favourites, William Elton and Howard Vernon, are still to the fore, but there are many changes in the personnel of the company which visited New Zealand some time ago. A new departure is made in this opera, that is, one or two of the principals do not get all the ‘ fat," as in most. The solos are very well divided.

Brough and Bouccicault have just terminated a most successful season at the Criterion with ‘Jane,’ a sparkling comedy, thoroughly well played and staged, Robert Brough, who is always good, doing the lion’s share. ‘ Jane ’ was preceded by a small piece entitled, ‘ Hook and Eye,” written by Mr Eille Norwood, who visited New’ Zealand with Frank Thornton's ‘ Sweet Lavender,' and who plays the young lover admirably. By the way, Mr Norwood does a little in the whistling line, being engaged to give a solo at one of Lady Jersey’s ‘At Homes ’at Government House. Among the other performers that evening was the young pianist, Ernest Hutchison who had just finished a series of concerts, assisted by Miss Baber and others. Lady Jersey has quite filled the gap occasioned by the departure of Lady < ariugton, and become a great favourite. The Government House ‘At Homes,’a series of which are being given, are much enjoyed, music, dancing and games the latter being a recent idea—forming the evening’s amusement. Tire gowning, of course elaborate, would take pages to describe. I do not think a stranger would admire the dressing, etc., of some of the Sydney girls one sees ‘ doing the block.’ The style of hair-dressing, for instance, is, to say the least of it, a little exaggerated. As a local paper puts it, it is done •it la pitchfork,’ that is, very fluffy, very untidy, and supposed to be in imitation of an artistic Grecian knot. Quite a false idea, alas ! Newmarket jackets are the thing, and one sees some very stylish costumes, in which red is the predominant colour, silk cord being an important item. Now that the weather is thinking of clearing there is a greater likelihood of one seeing new and seasonable fashions, which I shall be happy to send you a description of to the best of my ability. I read a delightful book of Rudyard Kipling’s lately, which appeared in Longnian’s Magazine, named ‘The Light that Failed.’ If you are an admirer of that author, and have read other works of his, ‘ Wee Willie Winkle,’ ‘ln Black ami White,’ etc., and enjoyed them, you will be sure to like ‘ The Light that Failed.' Since re-reading many of Charles Kingsley’s works I hare been reading his ‘Letters and Memories of his Life,' edited by his wife. Learning from these letters under what circumstances his different books were written, gives one, if possible, a deeper interest in them. His letters, too, are beautifully written, those to .Mrs Kingsley before their marriage being perfect wordpictures.

Aroha.