THE STAGE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 866, 11 October 1906, Page 16

THE STAGE

(By

“Footlight.”

THE OPERA HOUSE. “.DOROTHY VERNON.” Mos: people have read Charles Major’s fascinating romance of “Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall,” and while some have objected (hat the author is guilty of juggling with history all are agreed as to the absorbing interes of the story. Paul Kester’s stirring stage version does not greatly depart from the book, and therefore it goes without saying that there is enough of interest running through the play to rivet attention hroughout. For those who have not read the novel it may be well to tell the story in brief. Dorothy Vernon, a great heiress, is betrothed in infancy to Sir John Manners, son of the Earl of Rutland. The Earl and Sir George Vernon (Dorothy’s father) subsequently have a bitter feud, and Doro hy is promised to Sir Malcolm Vernon, a cousin whom she has never seen. When Dorothy has reached the age of eighteen, Sir John comes to Haddon Hall, despite the danger of such a proceeding, to claim his bride. It is intended for a jest, - but seeing Dorothy he falls desperately in love wi.h her. To prosper his suit he announces that he is Sir'Malcolm, who is expected, and Dorothy, charmed with her lover, is only too ready to meet her father’s wishes and marry theyyman they all think to be Sir Malcolm.’ At the most inopportune moment the real Sir Malcolm arrives to claim his intended bride, and Sir John just escapes in time to avoid death. Dorothy refuses to wed with Sir Malcolm, whereupon her father endeavours to starve her into submission. Thanks to; the aid of Perkin, a faithful jester, Sir John is able to meet Dorothy at Haddon Hall, where he is discovered by Sir Malcolm, and is only just saved from an ignominious death by the arrival of Queen Elizabeth, who has come to stay the night at the Hall. To save her lover Dorothy betrays the hiding place of Mary Stuart of Scotland, but to make amends hurriedly changes dresses with her waiting maid and rides at break-neck speed to Rutland Castle to warn Mary of her peril. Here she again changes dresses, this time with the Queen, who escapes for the time being, and Sir George Vernon, sent to arrest Mary, is instead confronted by his own daughter. Back again at Haddon Hall the anger of Elizabeth is appeased by the artful flat-' tery of Dorothy, while the double-dealing of Sir Malcolm, who has plotted with Mary, is revealed. The latter is arrested, while Sir John is sentenced’ to a year’s exile in Wales, a lot which Dorothy willingly shares, and for these two at least all ends happy. L . As Dorothy Vernon, Miss Tittell Brune is given a magnificent chance. It is a long and very trying role, entailing an immense amount of work. Miss Brune however rises to the occasion, and in her the Dorothy of the Middle Ages may be said to live again..No matter whether it was the wilful and headstrong beauty, the happy girl being wooed for the first time, or the passionate women striving by every artifice to save her lover, Miss Brune was always in drawing, and if in the lighter scenes she appeared to excel in those requiring greater dramatic force she was hardly less great. The talented young actress has given evidence before that in roles which suit her (and not all that she has been seen in, do so), she has hut few rivals, and of Dorothy Vernon it may be said that the part fits her like a glove, and is one of her very best. After reading all that has been written of him one is perhaps vaguely disappointed with the Sir John Manners, of Mr Thomas Kingston, although like the curate’s egg, it was good in parts. A more debonair lover fiiight be wished for, one who is prepared, to lightly face death for the sake of his lady love. The author was rather over-serious, although many fine touches were introduced, and 1 possibly a little more breeziness might have been an improvement. Mr Mervale. has a thankless role as Sir Malcolm Vernon, but did alt that was possible with it. The Sir George Vernon of Mr J. B. Atholwood may be in accordance with the author’s conception, but surely it was

unnecessary to make this fine old English gentleman so much of a buffoon. The character w-as too much lacking in dignity, and, although as Sir John Falstaff it w-ould have been a success, yet the Mas er of Haddon Hall can hardly have been of such a type. Mr Maurice Dudley gave a particularly good sketch of the part of Perkin, the jester to the Earl of Rutland, being consistent throughout. Mr Vivian Edwards efficiently met the requirements of the part of Lord Burleigh. Miss Susie Vaughan essayed the role of Queen Elizabeth, giving a dignified reading of the part, while the quick changes of expression when Dorothy is playing upon her inordinate vanity, were cleverly brought out. Miss Helen Ferguson made the most of the comparatively small part of Mary of Scotland, while Miss Clara Stephenson’s Lady Vernon left no cause for complaint. Miss Nellie Calvin was a vrey winsome Jenny Foxton, while Miss Irby Marshall made the most of the small role of Bess. All the others in a long cast helped to complete a very excellent picture. The scenery, although not elaborate, was adequate, and the costuming of the play bevond reproach. There was a very large

audience on the opening night, and that the members thereof were thoroughly pleased was evid’enced by the hearty applause at the close of both acts. “Dorothy Vernon” will hold the boards throughout the week, and on Monday next it will be replaced by “Leah Kleschna, ” a play in five acts by C. M. S. McLellan, which is said to be of absorbing interest throughout, and in which Miss Tittell Brune is reported to be given a grea: chance in the title role.

HIS MAJESTY’S

RICKARDS’ VAUDEVILLE CO. A crowded house greeted the Rickards’ Vaudeville Company which opened a short season of nine nights at His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday evening. The programme provided is both varied, entertaining, and sensational. Brinn, an Italian artist, whose “Pastimes on a

Battleship” include possibly the most wonderful feats of balancing and endurance ever presented on the •' vaudeville stage, is in more senses than one the strong man of the company. His feats seems almost incredible, and suggest superhuman powers of endurance and daring. Such nerve breaking exploits as those he performs with seeming indifference and perfect ease, can hardly be appreciated unless they are seen. The possibility of any man balancing a field gun, carriage and all, upon his chin, would scarcely be dreamt, much less thought of, as wi hin the range of human accomplishment. Yet Brinn not only attempts, but achieves this seemingly impossible task, the feat being made the more wonderful by his method of doing it. Four men with block and tackle, another assisting with the ropes, laborously elevate the gun in o position, and when, suspended in mid air, half way up the stage, Brinn receives and balances it, suspended upon his chin, the ropes are loosened, a lanyard is pulled, and the gun is fired, the man beneath remaining seemingly immovable. But this comes as the climax of a series of feats more or less phenomenal in char-

ac er, such as the tossing of 1751 b projectiles in the air and catching them on the shoulders; the balancing of two ship’s steering wheels and an anchor on t the chin, the wheels revolving quickly the while; the firing of a cannon suspended on a pole, while the latter is balanced on the chin, and the adroit tossing up of the former and catching it on the shoulders —all this and a good deal more seems to interest, and thrill the crowd. Brinn is certainly a wonderful artist and must be possessed * of an iron nerve to undertake the thrilling turn he presents. Another of the stars of the company is undoubtedly “Little Cliff,” the English juvenile comedian and dancer. Hq is still a boy, perhaps fifteen years of age at most, but has all the manners, poses, and actions of a comedian of mature years, and evidently unites exceptional experience with great natural ability; he appears in character—first as a schoolboy, • then as a drummer, and again as

“Bro.wn,” a man about town. His shadow.’ dancing was particularly good, and unstiri ed Applause greeted his every effort . “Baby Watson” is another juveniie prddigy—a dainty, little,- old-world maiden, who sings and dances with wonderful self-possession, and with a skill far beyond her years. She quickly establishes .herself as a favourite with her audience, and wins general approval. She was thrice recalled on Monday evening. Seymour and Dupre, :wo clever speciality artistes, put in a very interesting and novel turn, the former as a Ch’naman, uniting great acrobatic skill with unwonted musical abili.y, and the latter as a singer and dancer. Miss Nita Leete has a rich contralto voice, and is heard to advantage in such ballads as the “Convent Bells” and “Listening.” Her illustrated songs are also good. Miss Nellie Kilburn, as a seriocomic artist, sings with a vivacity which appeals particularly to the gallery and the pit. She made her greatest hit with “The Irish Girl From. Home,” and was also remarkably good in the song of the coster’s wife, stranded twenty miles ftom home and deserted by her husband, with nothing but “the baby and the pram.” Mr Fred Bluett comes to New Zealand With a great reputation as a clever. English comedian, and is very successful as he funny man of the company, his patter singing and dancing, etc., being evidently appreciated. A number of animated pictures shown at the close of each the programme add greatly to he enjoyment of the evening’s entertainment. *.

THE OLYMPIA RINK.

Rinking continues to be a favourite amusement, and accordingly the Olympia Rink is never without patrons. Inded, there are many worse ways of spending an evening than by taking a turn on the modern equivalent of the winged sandals of Mercury. Mr Woodley and his staff Kester’s . stirring stage version does not order, and the result is that visitors are always thoroughly well satisfied. Last night there was a capital attendance, the ladies being invited free. By the way a capital rule obtains at the rink, and that ’s hat the management reserve the right to refuse admission to any person without stating the reason. By this means the rink is kept entirely free from any disturbing element.

“THE LITTLE STRANGER.”

This entirely new and original farcical comedy, written by Michael Morton, and produced with the greatest success at the Criterion Theatre, London, has been secured for the Australasian colonies by Messrs Meynell, Gunn, and Varna, in conjunction with Mr Allan Hamilton. A specialycompany has been engaged in London, the principal members being Mr James Lindsay, Mr J. W. Deverill, Mr Harry Halle'-, Miss Violet Dene, Miss Helen Russell, Miss Winifred Gunn, who will be supplemented on arrival by the popular Australian favourites, Miss Florence Seymour, Miss E. Guildford Quin, Mr Frank Hawthorne, and Mr Harry Hill, while for the part of “The Little the management have secured from London, Master Willie Parke, a little fellow barely nine years old, but who has had considerable experience on the English stage. Master Willie Parke was specially selected for the character by the author himself, by whom he is described as an “infant phenomenon.” The initial, performance will take place at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, on October 20, after which Sydney will be visited. The New Zealand tour commencing at the Opera House, Wellington, Thursday, 12 th December. “The Little Stranger” will be presented under the stage direction of Mr H. W. Varna,

so long associated with the late KnightJeffries combination, while all business arrangements will be in the hands of Mr Allan Hamilton.

J. Accqrding tb. a London paper, Mr Harry . Rickards has entered his appeal against the rebent decision binding him to accept variety 5 troupes for which he has contracted, but in which important alterations have been made in the personnel.

Mr West, of West Pictures, arrived in Auckland on Monday by the Victoria after an exceptionally rough trip. over. Mr West tells me that the special building which has been erected by him at the Christchurch Exhibition at a cost of £lOOO is virtually completed. “The Fatal Wedding” is going strong at the Sydney Criterion. * . * * The West-Brescians open at His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday week. ■» * * * “The Man from Mexico” is due in Auckland on December 3. * * * * Mr Bert Royle, who has been in Auckland in connection with Miss Tittell Brune is season, has gone South again. « * w ♦ The famous Besses o’ the Barn Band will have a season in Auckland at His Majesty’s f om March 25 .to March 30. * * * • The John F. Sheridan Company are playing “The Earl and the Girl” at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne. « * * » Fred Graham and Nellie Dent are with the Bain Company at Bendigo. f Charley Faning was at the Hippodrome, Leeds, at latest. « * * * The Black Family of Musicians are now touring New South Wales. « * * * The New Zealand members of the Christchurch Exhibition orchestra have now been selected by Mr Alfred Hill. The construction of the orchestra is as follows :—Flutes : First, Mr Jamieson (Wellington); second, Signor Truda (Wellington). Oboes: First, Mr Jackson (Auckland); second, Mr Caroline (Melbourne). Clarinets: First, Mr Clive (Sydney); second, Signor El Forte (Sydney). Bassoons: First, Herr Schiani (Sydney); second, Mr Turvey (Christchurch). Horns: First, Herr Ruhr (Melbourne); second, Signor Gesari (Melbourne); third, Signor Galleti (Sydney) ; fourth, Mr Banbour (Lyttelton). Cornets: First, Mr Fox (Palmerston); second, Mr Coombes (Christchurch). Trombones: First, Mr Siddall (Invercargill) ; second, Mr Dalton (Christchurch); third, Mr Oakes (Wellington). Tympani, etc. : Mr Reid (Christchurch). First violins: Leader, Mr Geo. Weston (Melbourne) ; deputy-leader, Mr Cyril Monk (London); Mr E. Rawlin (Sydney), Mr Adams (Melbourne), Mr White (Sydney), M'ss Thackeray (Sydney), Miss Wells (Christchurch), Miss Marsden

(Christchurch), Mr Ralph (Auckland), and Mr Bissel (Sydney). Second violins: Signor Asioli (Sydney), Herr Strauss (Melbourne);- Mr Lockhead (Sydney), Mr Williams (London), Miss Hannah (Wellington), Miss Alexander (Sydney), Mr Isherwood (Petone), Mr Woodward (Wellington). Replies are awaited from two other pla;, ers. Violas: Mr Hardy (Sydney), Mr Knibb (Sydney), Mr Jiffkins (Sydney), Mr Painter (Christchurch), Mr Wood (Lower Hutt), Mr Robertshaw (Dunedin). ’Cellos: Mr Bell (Liverpool), Mr Chapman (Bristol), Mr Johnstone (Melbourne), Signor Argenzoi (Melbourne), Mr Quinn (Sydney), Mr Eddiswood (Timaru). Basses: Herr Briese (Melbourne), Herr Sarau (Melbourne), Mr Smith (Sydney). * * * * In a not very enthusiastic notice of the new comic opera “Amasis,” the “London Sportsman” says it has much to recommend it. The attempt to cut away from the or hodox modern musical play is apparent and worthy enough, but we are not sure that it surpasses the more familiar article. This is not because it contains any less clever effort, but because there is a something missing which we find in the harmless entertaining jingle of the musical play. Having hit upon an idea or plot Mr Frederick Fenn, the author of the book, has courageously stuck o it, and fantastic and extravagant though it is, the play itself benefits by reason of its lack of irrelevant and superfluous matter. It is true that the humour is so broad and sometimes forced as to farcical, and if “Amasis” had not been called a comic opera it might appropriately and perhaps more truthfully have been described as a burlesque. The scene is laid in Egypt, which has thereby introduced colour and picturesqueness, and enabled the author to take tremendous liberties with his characters. They are all indeed very weird creatures. Mr Fenn’s rhyming hits back at you, as it were, for not only in the lyrics, but in the book, just as the pantomime author would say, he has made generous use of the poet’s license. Thus Prince Anhotep, who has killed a sacred cat, says: “Alas! great Priest, ’tis true she is a goner; . . Quite thoughtlessly I dropped a brick upon: her.” • . Mr Fenn has founded his story upon the idea of the betrothel to Amasis, Pharaoh’s daughter, having accidentally killed one of the sacred cats, for which the punishment is death. Thereafter the atmosphere is intensely feline. All the talk and most of' the songs are about the cursed cats. Pretty Amasis, who loves Prince Anhotep, does her best to save him, and by a device which succeeds she brings a happy ending to the story.

To the list of theatrical players who have this year deserted the regular stage for the music-hall, is to be added the name of Miss Marie Tempest, who has arranged to appear at the Palace Theatre. Miss Marie Tempest some time ago deserted comic opera; and she has for the last year or two played only in real comedy. ■ * * *■ Miss Nellie Stewart has arranged with Messrs Klaw and Erianger, the wellknown American theatrical managers, to make a year’s tour of the United States under their management. At the conclusion of the engagement Miss Stewart will return to Australia, taking with her new pieces and a new company. Brinn, who juggles cannons and other little things at His Majesty’s, is a native of Milan (Italy), and before going on the boards was a mechanical engineer. As an amateur wrestler and strong man he at one time won all the notable competitions in Italy. Seeing there was more money in the show business than in engineering he worked up a “strong man” turn, called himself “Milo,” and became well known on the vaudeville stage of Europe. Three years ago he decided to change the form of his entertainment, so changed his name to Brinn, and worked up the “Fun on a Battleship” turn. * * * * The Brough-Fleming Company’s latest success is Mr Gilbert Dayle’s comedy drama, “What Would a Gentleman Do?” Of it the “Adelaide Register” says that it is nicely charged with good, wholesome. humour, the lines are clever, and the characters well drawn, particularly Miss Agatha. There are three acts, and they are all laid at Barstone Grange, which has been the home of the Kederbys for 200 years. Col. Sir Bruce Kederby, the present owner, becomes involved through foolish speculations, and receives a sort of paying guest Dickie Hook, a man who has made a fortune of in Australia. The quid pro quo is that Sir Bruce is to introduce Hook into society. When the play begins Hook, armed with a copy of “The Complete Gentleman, and How to Become One,” is feeling his way among the bluebloods, and slowly rubbing the corners off himself. Ronald Kederby, Sir Bruce’s son, who is also in the army, contracts gambling debts to the extent of Z?iooo, and Hook gives the young fool a cheque for the amount. Madge Kederby (the sister) learns of this, and when Hook asks her to be his wife she consents. Hook, who is made the happiest man in the world, subsequently overhears a conversation between brother and sister, in which the latter confesses to having agreed to become Hook’s wife out of gratitude for what he has done for Ronald, and that she still loves

her old sweetheart “Kit,” who is none other than Sir Christopher Wynne. Hook, in a generous, clumsy way, asks to be released, and determines to do all that he can to make the young lovers happy, “Kit” just having returned from Australia. Everything goes well until Geoffrey Seaton meets Kit face to face. The two men have been chums in Australia, and Kit has robbed Seaton of his sweetheart, and ruined her. Seaton is telling Madge the story, and is on the point of showing her the photograph of Kit and denouncing him, when Hook seizes Seaton by the arm, asks him not to say any - more, and makes Madge believe that he_~*himself is the traitor. In the third..act Kit confesses the truth to Madge, and the two part. A thoroughly good .sort in Dolly Banter, who likes to see the game played fair, then advises Hook to go in and win. Hook goes in, and brings the lovers together again, and in the end Miss Agatha being in some way responsible, Hook and Dolly Banter agree to share life together. The papers speak very highly of Mr Fleming and Mrs Brough in the parts of Hook and Miss Agatha. * * * * During the year ending August, King Edward attended 13 plays at London theatres, was present at ten operas at Covent Garden Opera House, and had seven performances given by Royal command at Windsor Castle and Sandringham. The theatrical performances were: —“Leah Kleschna,” “On the Love Path,” “The Prodigal Son,” “On the Quiet,” “The White Chrysanthemum,” “Oliver Twist,” “Captain Drew on Leave,” “Lights Out,” “Decore,” “The Little Michus,” “Les Affaires Sont les Affaires,” “The Man from Blankley’s,” and “Raffles.” The plays produced by Royal command were:—“Carrots,” “A Privy Council,” “A Marriage has been Arranged,” “The Merchant of Venice,” and “Pantaloon ” * * * ♦ Mr W. F. G. Steele, organist of the Melbourne Scots Church, has been engaged by the music committee of the Christchurch Exhibition to give a series of recitals on the great electric organ, which is being erected in the Exhibition Building. * * * * A sort of miniature exhibition is to be held next Christmas by a syndicate of English and American showmen in the big London building known as Olympia Streets typical of the various countries of the world will be laid out, and one of the principal side-shows will be an illusion by which visitors may take a trip from New York to San Francisco in ten minutes, witnessing all the objects of interest on the journev.

It has more than once been stated -recently that the Gilbert and Sullivan Company are to be disbanded on the conclusion of their visit to West Australia, which began at Perth on Monday (ist October), and while this is in part correct, it is calculated to convey an erroneous impression. The Company will not drop out of existence altogether. Mr J. C. Williamson intends to use their strength and stage experience to further increase the attractiveness of the pantomime he is producing at Melbourne this Christmas, and most of the members will be utilised for that purpose. When the pantomine has finished its career a Musical Comedy Company will be organised out of those who are now in the Gilbert and Sullivan Company, and a fresh start wil be made with it as a permanent touring attraction, “Veronique” and “The Little Michus” being the first piece in what will eventually become a substantial •s repertoire. * * * * “Paul Jones,” which never seems to pall upon the playgoing public, was revived on the 3rd October by the Royal Comic Opera Company at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, with Miss Florence Young in the name part. Mr J. C Williamson has engaged Queen and Le Brun for the pantomine which is to be staged at Melbourne this Christmas. The pair have a very high reputation as animal impersonators, and have been much in request for the Drury Lane pantomines * * * * A long array of statistics which Mr J. C. Williamson gave recently to a Melbourne daily throws a flood of light upon the immense scope of his business and the huge sums that are paid away yearly by him in his efforts to keep the Australasian public amused. There are, for example, no less than 650 people permanentlv under his employment while quite as many again are engaged from time to time in the different cities as they are .wanted by the various visiting organisations for supernumeraries and so on. This regiment is controlled by a headquarters staff so to speak of 12 while its different “companies include 187 pr cipals, as many minor actors and a - resses musicians, and 52 mechanis dnd 6 machinists. These people draw a total of £110,183 in salaries and wages, the greater part of it going to Australians. The various items spent in tne production of plays represents another large figure. Scenery in 1905 cost £lO,ccb, and in its preparation 14 square miles of new canvas, mil^ s of timber, and as much again of old stuff was utilised. Properties inclusive of furniture and furnishings absorbed another £6627, and £5390 was s P ent in cos_

tumes for new productions, while nearly as large a sum represents the proportionate capital cost, drawn upon from the immense wardrobe which has accumulated from the days when Messrs Williamson Garner and Musgrove first dominated the Australian stage. The expenditure on printing and advertising in 1905 came to £22,469, the columns of advertisements paid for placed end to end being sufficient to reach two miles, while the posters, etc., would have covered an area of three acres. Then there was a rent bill of £19,428, one for lighting which came to £9783, and a sum paid a wav in royalties that exceeded £5OOO, irrespective of the sums paid outright in former years for the 105 musical pieces, 40 comedies, and 91 dramas, of which Mr Williamson holds the full Australasian rights. Finally, £12,858 was paid away in 1905 for fares and freight in moving the various companies about from place to place. * * * * The past dramatic year in London has been declared on all sides the dullest for many years, but nevertheless the large public appreciation for “The Spring Chicken,” which ran throughout the twelve months at the Gaiety Theatre, brought receipts to that . playhouse amounting to £93>457> on which the profit was £17,196. making it a most prosperous period for the shareholders, who drew a dividend of 15 per cent. * * * * Wirth’s Circus will be over in New Zealand shortly. Since its last appearance here the circus has been considerably augmented by several star acts, including the Flying Herberts, five in number; Hugh Floyd, a marvellous ropewalker, who performs somersaults on the tight-rope while playing a fiddle; and Mdlle. Phillipner, said to be the only lady bounding jockey rider in the world. In the menagerie there are fifteen cages of wild animals and six elephants, while there are also sixty performing horses and ponies.

From the Sydney “Bulletin”: —Miss Dolly Castles goes to join her sister Amy and her brother for further study abroad after Christmas. An amazing family, the Castles. A small boy Castles, aged between eight and nine, lately took second prize in a competition for boys under eighteen. Dolly is staying with her mother at a Sydney hotel. Although so fluffy-looking, she is a little beaver for work, and has learnt eleven operas in twelve months. * * * * The statement that Madame Melba, the famous singer, is suffering from illhealth, is contradicted by her uncle, Mr J. W. Walker, of Auckland, who recently returned to New Zealand by the Tongariro. Mr Walker says that he saw a good deal of his niece when he was at Home, and found her looking particularly well She is working as hard as ever and earning large fees, but she talks of retiring from the operatic stage at no distant date. * * * » According to organist Lemaire, Sydney Town Hall organ is still the world’s “top dog.” The St Louis (U.S.A.) “baby,” built for the Exposition, certainly has more stops, but “its general volume of tone isn’t a tenth of the Sydney instrument’s.” In the report of the London Gaiety Theatre Co., Ltd., which has just been published a dividend of 2s per share, making 15 per cent, for the year ended on June 30 last, is recommended. The total receipts have advanced from £Bl,35° t° £96,636 Stage expenses, too, have advanced, being £52,746, over £5OOO more than they were last year. £BOOO has been written off for depreciation. The increase in net profits, therefore, has been reduced to £l3OO, the total being £9197 Up to two years ago, for a period of seven succeeding years, the company paid a dividend of 20 per cent. The shares are now quoted at £1 to £1 ss, whereas three years ago they were as high as £2 ss.

Miss May Chevalier, the clever actress here with the Sherlock Holmes Company, was, at latest advices, appearing at the Royal County Theatre, Kingston. * » » » Miss Jessie Maclachlan, who is at present giving concerts in America, intends shortly to pay New Zealand another visit. There is a likelihood of Mr Albert Chevalier and Mme. Yvette Guilbert making a combined tour of America. * * * * Miss Maud Powell, a distinguished violinist, will visit Australia next year, opening in Sydney in May, and subsequently visiting the other states.