IN PERSONAL TOUCH.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1262, 25 June 1914, Page 35

IN PERSONAL TOUCH.

“The record-breaking pantomime,” Mr. C. M. Berkeley calls “The Forty Thieves.” “And so it ought to be,” he added. “It’s full of pretty girls, dazzling marches, bright ballets, sparkling music, and last, but not least, real comedy!”

Mischa Elman makes his first New Zealand appearance in Wellington on July 2 and 3. He will give two concerts in Auckland on July 7 and 8.

Mr. Scott Colville has received a cable from Messrs. J. and N. Tait, notifying an alteration in the Harry Lauder tour, owing to the phenomenal success of the famous comedian in Australia. The season has been one big triumph, and return dates have been arranged. The New Zealand tour will now commence at Invercargill on August 17, and the Auckland season will be from September 17 to

Mr. Duncan Neven, of journalistic and theatrical fame, arrived from Australia on Sunday, and is having the glad hand held out to him freely by his hosts of friends in the Northern City. Mr. Neven’s mission this time is on behalf of Mischa Elman, the great Russian violinist. “No long hair, no velvet coat about him!” said Mr. Neven. “Just a simple youth with wonderful hands and a wonderful face, overflowing with enthusiasm. And he makes his instrument positively speak.”

More than 1300 actors and actresses and admirers of the late Mr. Laurence Irving and his wife, Miss Mabel Hackney, who were drowned in the Empress of Ireland disaster, attended the

memorial service at St. Margaret’s Church, Westminster.

Mr. Mischa Elman has completely conquered the Melbourne musical public. To use a colloquialism: It has taken a fancy to him. His appearance suffices to bring forth a storm of applause.--Melbourne “Herald.”

Mr. Charles B. Westmacott, who recently returned from Africa, where he had been in charge of the Oscar Asche-Lily Brayton tour, has joined Beaumont Smith and Louis Meyers.

Miss Pearl Ladd, soprano of the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Co., has had a varied and interesting comic opera career. A role in which she achieved one of her greatest successes was Nadina in “The Chocolate Soldier,” which she played for two years in England. » * * Mr. Reginald Wykeham is joining

the Beaumont Smith-Louis Meyer dramatic forces in the presentation of “Mr. Wu,” which will be produced under his personal supervision. Mr. Wykeham will also appear in the important role of “Mr. Gregory,” the English shipowner of the bull-dog type.

Miss Dolly Harmer, the clever low comedienne who plays “Lizzie Ann” in “The Forty Thieves” pantomime, has had a varied experience in all branches of her profession. She has been for many years on the music hall stage. Her appearance is always a signal for mirth. Her singing of “See What Percy Picked Up in the Park” is said to be a revelation in comic vocalisation.

Prior to leaving Sydney for New Zealand, Mr. Duncan Neven concluded negotiations with Mr. John Lemmone for Madame Melba to appear in Perth, at His Majesty’s Theatre, of which Mr. Neven is lessee. The diva has not sung in Western Australia for twelve years, and this is the first time she has opened her Australian season in Perth. By the way, it is whispered that the young lessee, whose New Zealand friends are legion, is about to join the ranks of Benedicts. The fortunate young lady hails from Perth. Congratulations!

Playgoers in Johannesburg gave a warm welcome to Ruth Lincoln w\'en she made her re-appearance in South Africa as the leading lady of the J. C. Williamson Gilbert and Sullivan Company. After her opening performance a number of admirers met together and presented the popular artist with a brooch made of South African gold and diamonds.

The King and Queen, Queen Alexandra, Empress Marie of Russia, exHing Manuel, Queen Augusta, and Queen Amelie attended Covent Garden, when Madame Melba made her final appearance before leaving for Australia as Mi Mi in “Boheme” with Caruso, the famous tenor, and Scotti, the renowned baritone.

A well-known official of the Tourist Dept., a smoker for 30 years, writes that in the past he has been compelled to cease smoking whenever he has had a cold. Since using undiluted Fluenzol as an occasional gargle he “has never found it necessary to lay aside his pipe. (Worshippers at the Shrine of My Lady N : 'otine will please take note!) 105