THE STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIV, Issue 841, 19 April 1906, Page 16

THE STAGE

(By

"Footlight.”)

HIS MAJESTY’S.

“THE EARL AND THE GIRL.” There was an mmense house on Saturday at His Majesty’s to welcome the popular comedian, Mr. John F. Sheridan and his musical comedy company. Every part of the house was crowded, and not a few had to be turned away. The piece chosen for the opening was Mr. Seymour Hicks’ “The Earl and the Girl.” It is one of those light and airy trifles with just a small thread of story woven into it, but w thal not dependent on any coherency of plot to maintain the interest. Rather is it made a peg on which to hang all sorts of funnyisms, for the piece makes no pretence to be other than a fun-maker pure and S mple. It is a play which requires no deep thinking, but is rather the sort of tonic which the family physician m’ght well advise for anyone who is suffering from an overdose of the blues. Laughter is a fine specific for many ailments, and at H s Majesty’s it is not provided in homoepathic doses, but is ds-

pensed in wholesale quantities; in fact, the members of the audience laughed uproar ously during the greater part of the evening and then came away with the fixed intention of going again. Mr. Sheridan contributed largely to the general hilar ty. He essays the role of Jim Cheese, a dog trainer, who being “dead broke” is prevailed upon for a financial consideration to impersonate “for one n'ght only” the Earl of the reason for this being that there are several fearsome kind of people keenly anxious to interview the titled gentleman, who is by no means so, keen on the meeting h’mself. Jim Cheese undertakes the part, and his adventures form the chief item in the second and by far the better act. It is possible that we have seen Mr. Sheridan in a part where he has greater opportunitis, but what came his way were instantly seized upon. Perhaps the very best thing of the evening was his ludicrous attempt to dance a gavotte, and while this was in progress the house fairly roared itself hoarse. The most able assistance was lent by Miss Heba Barlow as Liza Shodham, whose low comedy was excellent. Although one could not help the wish that so charming an actress was not disguised in such hideous attire, yet it

must be admitted that never has Miss Barlow given us anything better, while her singing a id dancing Were heart ly applauded. Perhaps the song, “Back to Bombay,” found the greatest favour, while the duet with Mr. Sheridan also went well. Mr. Avalon Collard did good work as Dick Wargrave, his pr ncipal song, “Bv the Shores of the Mediterranean,” coming in for much approval, while his acting was very amuting. Mr. T. Curran, as an Amer can solicitor, made every point tell, his songs, “The Man Behind” and “'rhe Grenadiers,” being very well received. Although the former has been heard here before some new topical verses were added, and these were decidedly clever. Miss Ray Jones made a very fetching Elphin Haye, and her essay, “The Blush Rose of England,” was a particularly pleasing item. Mr. Jean de Lacy as the fire-eating uncle, Miss F. Faning as the tempestuous stroig woman Mrs. Shimmer ng Black, M ; ss Minnie Gray as the vivacious Daisy Fallowfield, and many others all did well, while special mention mult be made of Miss Selbourne’s fine rendering of “The Serenade,” a number which was stormily encored. The dancing is a very special feature of

th- production, and here there was no lack of variety. The butterfly dance and the “Razzle-Dazzle Boys” ballet were possibly the best, although all were good. Altogether, the production was one with which Mr. Sheridan must feel well pleased, in which the audience w’ll be disposed to entirely agree with him. Splendid business has resulted since the open ng, Monday’s audience being about a record for the theatre. Those who have not seen them should make a point of obtaining an introduction to “The Earl and the G : rl” without further delay.

THE OPERA HOUSE.

FULLER’S ENTERTAINERS. The Opera House was filled to overflowing on Monday evening, when an excellent all-round programme was subnutted. Mr. Frank Crowther’s orchestra led up to the raising of the curta’n with a lively overture, and a good opening chorus was given by the company. A word must be said in praise of the new first part setting, pa T nted by Mr. Will Hutchinson, entitled “A Venetian Garden.”

The colouring is very pleasing, and the general setting of the picture good. M ss Ivy Goodwill, who first took the floor in a serio and dance, “My Maori Maid,” went through her turn very brightly. She was followed by Mr. Bob Lloyd, who had the house with h m from the start, and was recalled to further orders. Bob L.loyd’s topical hits, as usual, caused much amusement, and there is something in what he has to say about things too. Miss Beryl Lytton, who makes a first appearance, sang two songs. She has a pleasing vo.ce, which is, however, lacking somewhat in power and expression. The Driscolls next gave an animated little sketch, “I’ve Lost my Appetite for Chicken,” that went well. They were heart ly applauded for their, turn, and recalled, their clever footwork being much appreciated. Mr. Chas. Howard gave a fine rendering of “Kings of the Road,” and in answer, to an encore sang a second song with considerable power and expression. Mr. Ward Lear, who makes an deal corner man, created roars of laughter with his songs, his make-up being inexpressibly funny. His whistling song was very good, and h s turn throughout was marked by good, sound work. The first

half of the programme concluded with a triple song and dance by the three Gibs n Girls, whose dancing was very fine, calling for loud applause and a re-demand. The second half of the programme was ushered in with a “Rag-time Two-step” by Mr. Crowther’s orchestra. In this half Mists Mabel Lynne, who will be remembered for her spirited render ng of the “Old Bull and Bush,” given during her last visit, made a re-appearance, giving a couple of songs with cons derable dash and much expression. The three Gibson Girls again took the house by storm in their sketch, “Spoontime.” The r dainty costumes and clever dancing made a finished picture that called for prolonged applause. Mr. Will Lochrane, whose “Scotch” is del ghtful. kept the house in a ripple of laughter from start to fini h, and made a decided hit with his football song and recitation. He was called back three tmes, and the audience were loth to see the last of him. The Ibsons, a clever trio of musicians, performed neatly on a variety of instruments, and came in for considerable appreciaton at the hands of the audience. Their banjo work was especially good, showing a skilful command over the instrument that should be the forerunner of success. Miss Cec le

Stephano, whose voice has gained in richness of tone since her last appearance here, sang “Let Me Die on the De p” and “O, Drv Those Tears.” Both songs were sung with considerable express on, and made manifest her wide range of voice. The Driscolls, who seem bound to score whenever they take the boards, next gave some clever and amusing sketches that kept the house in great good humour throughout their turn. The r gags come pat and straight, and their work has a finished touch about it that makes it go with a great swing. The result of the call for a cigarette was very funny, and made a great ht. The evening’s entertainment concludeed with an amusing comedietta bv Mr. Ward Lear and the company that caused great hilarity and finished off a fine programme.

A night on New Zealand will in the near future form one of the planks of Mr. Knowles’ amusement platform. Special biograph pictures are being taken by h’s travelling;. operator.

Songs of the sea are said to not always suit the taste of the rov’ng sailorman. Mr. John Fuller relates an incident that

occurred at the Opera House recently which seems to point in that direction. John had gone-on to take the place of a lady member of the company, who had sore throat, and in consequence could not appear. After g ving “Come Into the Garden, Maud,” which won the complete favour of a large number of bluejackets in the gallery, who promptly demanded more. John, thinking to win the hearts of the bold seadogs, gave them “The Anchor’s Weighed” in his best style. “They didn’t pass any remarks,” said John, “but where they did not sit on unmoved they promptly weighed their own anchors and stood off for the main street.”

The same list of artists appear throughout the week at the Opera House, and Mr. Fuller has changes in hand that will eventuate shortly in a lot of fresh attractions.

Leonard Nelson, whose cap’tal rendering of comic songs made him a great favourite with Opera House patrons on his last visit to Auckland, is at present play ng a season in Hobart, from whence h? leaves for America shortly. We trust that he will be able to break his journey at Auckland en route for the land of the Stars and Stripes.

CHRISTCHURCH NOTES.

My Christchurch correspondent writes: The MacMahon Dramatic Company opens a return season at the Theatre Royal tonight (Saturday), when “Human Nature” will form the attraction. This favourite piece will be followed by several others entirely new to Christchurch. The company did such splendid business here a few weeks ago that I doubt not they will draw immense holiday audiences. . . . The Holloway Company departed for the South this week, and played Timaru en route to Dunedin. They d d very well here. After all, nothing takes on quite so well ir. Christchurch as melodrama, provided it is well put on and contains lots/ of limelight and other effects. . . . The Stephenson Comic Opera Company opens at the Canterbury Hall to-night in “A Moorish Maid,” and will no doubt have a successful season. . . . The Canterbury

Hall, as I told you in my last, is to be converted into an up-to-date theatre shortly. and will then be known as “His Majesty’s.” Expected the alterations will be. completed by the end of July, when the new house will be formally opened. . . The Opera House proprietaryare putfng on a strong bill for the holidays. This show is thoroughly well managed. and as fresh talent is continually added, the popularity of “Fuller’s” never wanes.

AUSTRALIAN NOTES.

“Which tells of the thrilling circumstances which foreran the marriage of Dorothy of the Hall to a gallant gentleman” is the description applied to “Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall,” which Mr. J. C Williamson will stage at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, on April 14th for the first time in Australia. The story, dated in Elizabethan times, runs much on the lines of Charles Major’s popular novel, and its heroine is of the quick temper usually associated with people of red hair; in fact, she is a chip of the old block, and rages at intervals to such good purpose that even her. father is reduced to acquiescence to her will. The thrilling circumstances of the plot arise from the jest of one John Manners, a proper gentleman, the son of the Duke of Rutland. He personates the accepted suitor for Dorothy’s hand, although his father and her’s are at deadly enmity, and the 'consequent “eruption” when the truth is discovered is complicated by the arrival of Queen Elizabeth and Mary Queen of Scots in the neighbourhood. This g ves occasion for much political plotting, while John Manners’ jest turns into dead earnest, and the two lovers scheme for their own hand with the best of them until they have subdued all opposition, although they find it necessary to elope at the end. Miss Tittell Brune played Dorothy Vernon, while Mr. Thomas Kingston was cast for the part ol John Manners. The play was much approved of when it was first staged in London, while a recrudescence of its popularity followed its revival in the United States a few weeks ago.

To a representative of the London “Daily Telegraph” a few weeks ago, Mr. Charles Frohman, the well-known New York manager, imparted some facts of distinct interest to Australians. In the first place, he referred to the pleasure it gave him in making arrangements for the visit of the young American comedian, Mr. William Collier, to these shores, and further stated his intention of bringing him back direct to’ London for a season when his Australasian season is concluded, somewhere in October next. Among the plays to be given a .London debut by Mr. Fr’ohman in the near future are two which have recently been acquired for Australasia by Mr. Williarrfson. These are “The Lion and the Mouse” and “The Squaw Man,” and of both cf riiem Mr. Frohman speaks in the highest nuns, characterising the former, indeed, a? financially the best of its .-'nd with which he has had to deal for s r.ie time. The London verdict will be av. lited with interest out here.

A capital p rformance of “Veronique” was given by. the Gilbert and Sullivan Company at the close of their season in Newcastle last week (writ's Mr. George Tallis). Nearly every nt ■•uber was encored, and th' •: mancc was said to compare mos* favourably in many ways with the Ro*, al Comic Opera Company’s produr.ion of the same piece. The company opf.i an extended New Zealand season at Wellington this evening (April 14th).

Excellent houses attended the revival o' “Paul Jones” by the Royal Comte Opera Company at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Sydney, and the old favourite went with a swing from first to last. On April 14th “The Cingalee” replaced it.

The final season of the Knight-Jeffries Company began at Adelaide on April 14th, and at the conclusion the popular dramatic organisation will be disbanded. One of those troublesome but seemingly unavoidable mishaps which attend every

actor who plays romantic parts happened to Mr. Thomas Kingston during the run of “Romeo” last week. While the fight with Paris (Mr. Harry Sweeney) in the darkened vault was in progress the latter’s sword slipped and inflicted a nasty gash in Mr. Kingston’s m.ddle finger. Though the loss of blood and the pain alike were considerable, he pluckily finished the scene, but he was close to fainting when the curtain fell, and the doctor who was at once called in found it necessary to put no less than five stitches in the wound. This is by no means the first injury of a similar nature which Mr. K ngston has sustained, and, indeed, his forearm is covered from wrist to elbow with a criss-cross of old scars that make the member look as if it belonged to a fierce German student of a duelling corps. The whole affair was, of course, an accidental one, but Mr. Sweeney, unfortunately for h mself, was understudying Romeo, and na’turally the coincidence was too good an opportunity for humour to be missed. Ever since the occurrence Mr. Sweeney has been chaffed unmercifully concerning his effort to incapac tate the player of the star part in order that he himself might “get a show.”

With the advent of Mr. William Col--1 er on the Australian stage next month, playgoers of this part of the world will be introduced to quite a new and original method of playing farcical comedy. Most

comedians of th s class of work are given to making their points with due emphasis and then waiting for the laugh they expect to follow. With Mr. Coll er—and, indeed, his whole company—a different plan prevails. They hurry on from one joke to another, scarcely giving time for one “good thing” to be real sed before they give expression to two or three more, and never pausing to let the effect sink in. If the laughter their sallies raise compels to stop or go on absolutely unheard, they choose the former course, but with la pained look as though they say, “Well, you may laugh if you like, but really we see nothing at all funny in it. We are all very serious on this side of the footlights.” That review of Mr. Collier’s methods is from the pen of a prominent London critic, and it promises a real treat to the very large section of the public which goes to the theare to be amused.

WELLINGTON NOTES.

“The best circus of its kind that has ever visited New Zealand,” this is the general opinion of Bostock and Wombwell’s show at present in Wellington. The star art'sts are the Lukushima troupe of Japanese who get through some hair-

raising feats in balancing. They come on in gorgeous Japanese costumes, which are changed at every performance. Gungi and Dolwi, billed as the Danish musical comedians, are responsible for a most entertaining turn. Besides being fin shed musicians, they are comedians of a high class. They extract music from all manner of instruments, and their comedy business is guaranteed to banish the •’blues. ”

Signor Bertani does a very clever act on unsupported ladders; An assistant places a 15ft ladder on end, and Bertani mounts to the top and appears as much at home there as the ordinary man on Mother Earth. It is decidedly a clever and novel feat in balancing.

Mons. Menier, the human ostr.ch, is evidently not afraid of digestive troubles after making a meal of candles and coal, topped off with some brownish-looking paste, wh'ch is certainly not bloater paste. He sets alight to his breath, and emits flames from his mouth about sft long.

Happy Jackies introduces two small performing dogs in very clever acts. The Pastor Bros, do a very clever acrobatic musical turn, and the tra'ned baboons introduced by Captain Taylor reflect great credit on him as an animal trainer. One of them does a clown turn, which is very amusing. On Wednesday last Professor hypnot'st. who is with the circus, hypnotised his subject, Mr. S. C. Wil-

liams. A committee of well-known Wellington citizens acted as supervisors. The party was divided into two, and having been driven a roundabout drive through the city one of the party hid a pocketknife in a tailor’s shop. Then while in an hypnotic state and while blindfolded, Mr. Williams was conducted to a cab and handed the reins. With four of the committee in the cab with him he started off at a great pace and covered the e±act route which had been taken by the committee earlier in the day, and entering the tailor’s shop immdiately located the pocket-knife, after which he collapsed. At a word from Professor Bonner he regained consciousness and seemed none the worse for the experience.

In describing the big theatrical charity cai nival recently held in Sydney, the “Sydney Mail” has the following:—Of special interest was the carnival arranged by Mr. J. C. Will : amson in aid of the theatrical charities. Fortunately fine weather was experienced, and about 30,000 persons attended the Sydney Cricket Ground to witness the clever fooling of the Royal Comic Opera Company. For the success ach’eved Messrs. George Lauri, Fred Leslie, W. S. Percy and Claude Bantock were chiefly responsible. They

worked very hard, and put in plenty of humorous business not programmed. Their tour of the ground as an Orpheus quartei, attended by a number of wild-look-ing prehistor.c individuals, resulted in the collection of a hatful and a-half of money. The prehistoric costumes and games were capital, especially the cricket and football matches. The football teams were described as Atlantosaur ans and the Tyrenosaurians, and Rock Phillipodon, armed with a formidable bladder club, was the umpire. The teams engaged in prehistoric Rugby, and he was an unfortunate man who scored, for he was promptly clubbed by the opposing side. The rules were —(1) That the game shall be played by two opposing tribes with one skin of wind (ball) between them ; (2) biting (the ball or an opponent) is very much forbidden ; (3) umpires being scarce, the one provided (he of the shaggy brows and fearsome club) must not be clubbed, unless under great provocation, and must be obeyed; (4) a goal (or an opponent may be kicked at any time by any player from any part of the field. The counting points are two for a try and ten for a goal.” 'rhe' ladies of the company also worked hard, and contributed songs. Some cakewalkers were in evidence on one side of the ground, and gave a clever exhibition. The financial result to the charities is reported to be very satisfactory. A curious feature of he crowd’s opinion of the carnival was that many expected much more fo • their money. Sports, it may be remarked, are not great as spectacles of themselves.

Mr. William Anderson had his hands full at Easter, when no fewer than five companies were appearing under his management. The “Tambour Major” Opera Company and No. 1 Dramatic Company (headed by Miss Duggan) were in Melbourne, the Panto. Company in New Zealand, No. 2 Dramatic Co. in Tasmania, and Czerny in Brisbane.

The gowns worn by Mrs. R. G. Knowles (who plays the banjo divinely) are said to be some of the most beautiful French confections yet seen in New Zealand.

“To get some sunshine in my life, I go every morning into Central Park and feed the squirrels,” said Grace Palotta in New York to Albert Goldie, an Australian pressman just home by the Ventura. “Australia has spoilt me for the life of the older world, and in America I feel the artificiality of existence very keenly. I am going back with Messrs. Willoughby and Ward because I love Australia, not because I am in need of an engagement. You don’t know how happy I feel about my return. I could laugh and cry with joy, for Australia is the dearest place on earth to me, not even excepting my natieve Vienna, where I am now going to v'sit before I leave for Sydney. Tell Australians who care to know that I love them because they are sincere and their life is human.”

Immediately on the termination of the Auckland season, Mr. Knowles returns to Australia for an extended tour.

Michael Joseph is the business manager for the Anderson “Sinbad the Sailor” Pantomime Company. The company all told will number no people, and the fares for this small army got together to dispense pantomime and musical burlesque for the delectation of theatre-goers in the four centres of the colony it is estimated will amount to over This sum does not include the travelling expenses in New Zealand, but only that, incurred coming from and returning to Australia. Freight alone will run into big figures, and the actual expenses before the tour commences will be over The working expenses of the show weekly are estimated to amount to over £7OO. With these figures before them one might well ask, “Where does the profit come in?”

Thousands of pounds are being spent by the directors of the London Hippodrome on Mr. Frank Parker’s forthcoming production—“ The Flood”—(says a Home paper) in the way of mechanical contrivances in order that a faithful representation of a real deluge may be shown to the public within four walls. Hitherto the effects of water as applied to stage productions has had such a limited area that they have passed the public gaze and sunk into insignificance. So vast will be the quantity of water required for the final scene, that tanks constructed of steel have been fitted in various parts of the building, some of them with a holding capacity of 50,000 gallons. The magnitude of the scene may be imagined when it is stated that a herd of steers, horses, goats, sheep, and also houses, rockeries, and every conceivable obstacle by the sheer force of the water has to be precipitated —helter skelter —into the tremendous arena. The displacement of water has been a very difficult matter to adjust, but it has been accomplished successfully

While in Africa recently, Mr. R. G. Knowles received a letter from the Bishop of Mashonaland, stating that he had driven with 2i others for 28 miles from Selewkwi to Garlo to hear him, and said the drive back after 12 at night was made enjoyable by the memory of the evening’s pleasure, and every bump on the road only created a laugh and some reference to the fui it was to be alive and see such a novel entertainment.

On the subject of the book of ‘‘A Moorish Maid,” the “New Zealand Mail” says : “So really good is Mr. Birch’s whole work that it is a pity to find it discounted by the misguided zeal of some of the comedians who insist upon dragging in ‘gags’ that are fearfully tame and wearisome in comparison to the author’s writing. The management will be well-ad-vised to put a stop to this ‘gagging’ propensity, and so allow the opera to stand on its own merits and -play in a shorter and more reasonable time limit.” I wonder what Mr. Lauri would have to say to that.

Now that George Coppin is dead the two oldest actors in Australia are Ned Hol4oway and Dave Clinton (says “The Gadfly”). Ned Holloway was till lately with Dampier’s. Dave Clinton is living in Adelaide. Clinton has been on the stage from childhood. Appeared with G. V. Brooke, Fanny Cathcart, W. Hoskins (who was a tutor of Henry Irving, so report says). Clarence Holt, Charles Warner and numerous other notables. Was stage manager at the old Melbourne Opera House during Dunning’s lesseeship. Came to Adelaide with the Opera House Company and was playing at the Academy of Music when it was burnt down for the second time. In the nineties he went to the gold rush at Klondyke. He’s living quietly in Adelaide now, and is as reluctant in giv’ng his age as an elderly chorus girl.

Mr. Walter Sanford’s Amer’can Players commenced a season at the Tivoli Theatre, Adelaide, on Saturday evening, March 31st. The opening piece was “The Power of Gold,” to be followed by “The Struggle for Life,” “The Pace that Kills,” “Tempest Tossed,” and the evergreen “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

Sime valuable old violins have been sold in London by Messrs. Puttick and Simpson. The highest price was realised for an Antonius Stradivarius bearing the date 1703 with the maker’s original label, which fetched A Nicolaus Amatus, of 1640, found a buyer at > another Strad. reached and an instrument by Sanctus Seraphim was knocked down at

Thus the “Manilla Cable News”: —“It is said that on Tuesday, March 6, Captain Jack Dawson, our genial Captain of Police, will lead to the hymeneal altar Miss Maude Beatty, the charming prima donna of Australia. Miss Beatty came to Manila about six months ago and after the first week took the lead ng part in ‘Gay Paree,’ where she acquitted herself creditably, and has since been a great drawing card at the Orpheum for the management. Miss Beatty has confined herself strictly to American songs, and has won her way into the hearts of Manilans by her sweet singing and charming personality.”

Mozart’s skull has lately found a resting place in the museum at Salzburg. The great composer was buried, in 1756, in a pauper’s coffin, which was exhumed in 1801 by a gravedigger, who secured the skull. Later the precious relic became the property of the Austrian anatomist, Hytrl, whose heirs have now presented it to the town of Salzburg.

Hypnotists have been having a bad time in the United Kingdom lately. A Belfast audience suspecting that the person “under the influence” was an accomplice of the performer broke into riot, and were not dispersed until a compact body of 18 police drove them from the wrecked theatre with batons and revolvers. Another hypnotist in a London music hall was showing the insensibility to pain of one of h : s subjects, and struck him in the face with such vigour that a tooth was knocked out. In subsequent Police Court proceedings the subject admitted that he was not under hypnotic influence at all, but bore all his sufferings for the sake of the salary paid by the hypnotist. On the night he lost his tooth he never flinched, but swallowed it with fortitude, in the expectation of suitable recompense. Tins not being forthcoming he proceeded against his employer for assault. The Bench infl cted a fine of

To date in London this year there has been no new play save “His House in Order,” Pinero’s last, to make a success or talk. Much has been given the thea-tre-going public, but little good. The critics are aghast “Where are we to look for our stage goods?” they say. And musical comedy claims more attention every day or night. Barrie is quiet for the moment, Jones dried up, Esmond resting. “What are we to do?” folks cry. The answer to the whole situat’on is the craze for the pot-pourri work, musical comedy, and the huge development in, as an answer to the taste for vaudeville.

In Lorenco Marques the Governor-Gene-ral and his staff attended in a body to witness the R. G. Knowles’ entertainment, and a brilliant scene was the result. The prices were 12s 6d and 10s 6d to stand. So New Zealand gets for 3s, 2$ and is what the Portuguese were willing to pay 12s 6d and 10s 6d for.

Miss Eva Carrington, the latest chorus girl to marry into the peerage, will have the distinction of being the tallest: baroness in Great Britain, her height being 6ft i|in. She is 21 years of age, a few months younger than her husband, but, owing to her stature, she has been playing as an adult since she was 15. Appropriately enough, she was one of six “Gibson Girls” in the mus’cal comedy, “The Catch of the Season,” when Lord de Clifford returned from his regiment at Cairo to make her his wife. Lord de Clifford belongs to one of the oldest families in the peerage —one of the few that escaped annihilation in the Wars of the Roses. The first of the line was Robert de Clifford, who distingu:shed himself for his daring raids over the Scottish border in the reigns of Edward I. and Edward 11. Fair Rosamund, who, according to tradition, lured Henry II from his lawful spouse, and was finally poisoned by that wronged lady, was also one of the de Cliffords.

It is anticipated that the prospectus of the new company will be before the public in a few days (says “Melbourne Punch”). George Musgrove is already engaging talent in Europe. The operas will alt be sung in English, and the season opens at Easter, 1907. Of the operas already in Mr. Musgrove’s repertoire, “Faust,” “Carmen,” “11 Trovatore,” “Lohengrin,” “Tannhauser” and “The Flying Dutchman” will be done. In addition, “Die Meistersingers,” “Walkure” and “Romeo and Juliet,” or “Othello,” will be presented. Possibly also we may see “Hansel and Gretel,” “Pagliacci” and “La Boheme.” Of course, the choice of the operas presented will depend a great deal on the artists engaged.

Good Friday night in Wanganui Mr. Knowles contributed a delightful narrative entitled “Old Worlds Through New Eyes.” The local clergy and many churchites were present in good numbers, and Mr. Knowles conducted his audience through many Old World spots to the Holy Land. This celebrated enterta’ner distinctly smacks of the versatile.