To Miss Aususta L. Dargon.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XII, Issue 2, 2 May 1884, Page 17

To Miss Aususta L. Dargon.

MADAME, — We, the undersigned, acting on behalf of your countrymen and countrywomen settled in Victoria, avail ourselves of this opportunity to express the very high sense we entertain of your genius as an actress and your sterling worth as a woman. Born in a country where the intellectual faculties of our nature are so interwoven with the emotional that tbe artistic temperament appears to be a common property, rather than a special endowment, and where depth of feeling lends an additional charm, and com* municates augmented power to mental gifts and accomplishments, you offer in your acting a true reflex of the national character. in its brightness as in its saddest moods, in its vivacity of feeling as well as in its pathos, in its strength as well as in its tenderness, in the wide range as well as in the deep fervour of its sentiments. Under the inspiration of nature, disciplined and controlled by the nicest art, you have achieved a foremost position on tbe stage of which you may well be proud, and upon which your countrymen antrcountry women in Victoria heartily and affectionately congratulate you. We deßire to show you that, although separated from it by half the globe, our hearts warm towards tbe beloved land that gave us birth, and that, although occupied in fighting the battle of life in a new country, we are not indifferent to the arts that adorn, and the intellectual recreations .that brighten existence in older nations, especially when the minister to our enjoyment is a lady who is not more distinguished for the brilliancy of her talents on the boards

than for the virtues which shed their hallowing lustre upon the pri» vacy of her domestic life. We have the pleasure to subscribe ourselves, your sincere admirers. — Melbourne Argus, Nov. 10, 1879.

Miss Dargon recited "Fontenoy, or the charge of the Irish Brigade," in the most soul-stirring manner. She^appeared to impart into the words much of her national spirit, and this found a fervid response in the feelings of a large proportion of tbe audience, and won the favour of all. Her elocution was of the most perfect order, and she became quite impassioned as she related the valorous deeds of her ancestors. When this recital was concluded she said that lest any person in the aadience should think she had stretched a point in favour of her own country she would recite, with the permission of the audience, Tennyson's " The Charge of the Light Brigade." The permission to do so was conveyed to her in a round of applause, and the recital followed in due course. Miss Dargon then bowed her final acknowledgments and retired. We understand she will proceed to Melbourne, and we feel assured that she will carry with her the good wishes of every theatre goer in Sydney. As a tragedienne she has not been sarpassed here, and as a comedienne she has gained the most widespread popularity. Her abilities on tbe dramatic stage seem practically unlimited, and wherever she exercises them she is certain to secure favour. — Sydney Morning Herald, Sept 27, 1879.