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New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 695, 2 July 1903, Page 18

A curious letter has been., received byn Mr Daniel Frawley,- who finds it neces-j sary, in the third.act of “Secret Ser-; vice** to make use of the. 1 telegraph • in-i: artrument. The lett?r reads :—“Dear. Sir, strument. The letter reads :—“Dear Sir,: but your operating is damnable (plea j excuse strong language). Below is the universal code.r-Yours faithfully, Operator.” A written copy of the code was appended. Tlis laugh, however, is not on the side of “Operator.” Mr Frawley is an expert with , the telegraph instrument, and made no fewer than five corrections in the code, supplied. It should also have been remembered by the telegraphic critic that “Secret Service” is an incident of the Civil War, and that in war times secret codes are used.

The members! of Comedy Company had a trying experience during ttieir recent West Coast tour (says “Pasauin”). They were advertised to play at Greymouth on .Friday night, 12th inst., and the Mapourika duly arrived outside the bar on that date, hut the captain thought the weather too ! rough to cross. Instead of waiting for the- morning tide, however, he elected to return fo Westport, where the comedians had to tranship on to the Haupiri. The conduct of the captain in not remaining for the next tide excited much comment at Greymouth. The Mayor telegraphed to the ‘ Union Company as follows :— “Citizens indignant Mapourika not Remaining here for morning tide.” VMr Hawtrey, however, merely remarked that it would be quite impossible to give “counsel’s opinion” without; passing the bar. Theatrical companies and prohibitiohists are agreed upon one point—j that there is far too much hanging about the bars on the West Coast, It is - pleasing to hear that the Hawtrey has, in spite of all difficulties, dope 1 ' Splendid business oh the West Coast.

Mr John Lemmone,' the celebrated flautist, who is responsible for the present tour of Mark Hambourg, informs me that next year he intends’touring Blustralia with, the world-famous pianist, Paderewski. A New Zealand tour may also be undertaken. *'' ♦ *

Mr Harry Rickards had A very hearty welcome back to his own boards at the * Sydney Tivoli, on appearing for four nighes' prior to leaving on one of his periodic trips to Europe. He chose a couple of coster songs in which he is so excellent. Mr Rickards was entertained at a “send-off” supper at the Tivoli by too of his friends and leading artists. He was presented with a set of entree dishes.

The “ Are You a Mason ?” Company ( were passengers to New Plymouth by the, Ngapuhi on Sunday. They play at sever ral of the intervening towns before opening at Wellington on the 11th.

The “Belle of New York” hade Sydney • farewell for a season on Friday week last, when the Theatre Royal was filled to its very utmost. At the close of the eveniag the curtain was raised several times, and tne principals presented with beautiful flowers, Miss Blanche Wallace —who is about to woo fame and fortune in England—being specially favoured. Besides several bouquets she was the recipient of a ladder Of white flowers

beautifully mounted on a flat pedestal of blossoms, and surmounted by a posy of roses. Miss Lilian Digges numbered among her gifts a mysterious-looking packet tied with coloured ribbon, and Miss Rose Musgrove and Missij Annie Cobb were also remembered. The audience numbered many well-known members of Sydney society. Mrs J. C. Williamson occupied one of the circle boxes, and with her were Mr and Mrs R. Deane and

Mr Cuyler Hastings. It goes without saying that the celebrated exponent c.f the character of “Sherlock Holmes” was the object of much interest.