OUR MELBOURNE LETTER.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IV, Issue 179, 28 December 1893, Page 9

OUR MELBOURNE LETTER.

[~FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Melbourne, Dec. 9. The Beaumont Family of fancy swimmers, trick water performers, etc., etc., have arrived from home under engagement to Frank M. Clark. A trial show was given in the St Kilda Baths a few days back in the early morning, and the general‘impression is that they’ll catch on if anything can catch on in Marvellous Melbourne — marvellous only for the rapidity with which it has gone stone broke. The people at large have no money, from which it will be gathered that our gaols and penal establishments hold the individuals, who in turn hold the money. Humph! One good turn deserves another. Little Lillian, the champion lady rifle shot of the world, is about to leave under an American engagement to the Wigwam Theatre, but prior to doing so will be tendered a grand farewell at the Athenaeum in fashionable Collins street. I send you bills and programmes. You see that the hearty old veteran James F. Cathcart and Australia’s premier vocalist Harry Allnutt take part. Brough and Boucicault have finished np at the Princess Theatre, which is now tenanted by the Italian Opera Company on their return visit. They will play on up till holiday time, when the pantomime opens. Talking of Brough and Boucicault, we have written to Ridgeway, Australia’s King Bill Poster, highly • eulogising him on his work. [We have from time to time heard the different managers passing through New Zealand •peak in the highest possible terms of Charles Ridgeway.-—Ed. Sporting Review.] The Royal, Alexandra, and St. George’s Hall are closed, though at the former place a pantomime is in active rehearsal. Arnold and Thornton are in evidence at the Bijou and the Opera House and Gaiety Music Hall have variety bills. A number of country managers are in town, but the bad times ‘ makes you careful, doesn’t it,’ so that I don’t think any extraordinary attractions will be taken up the line. There’s no money in Melbourne. The Flat.