National Library of Australia

Merrie England," to be performed in the Botanic
Gardens tomorrow week, is .charming music — an
ideal choice for Sunday afternoon entertainment in a
garden setting. It wili have equal appeal to highbrow
and lowbrow tastes.
Sir Walter Raleigh and Jill-
All- Aione will be chronologically
incorrect when they sing "It Is
the Merry Month of May." '
But in his next solo, the gallant
Sir Walter will be "right on the
beam." This gay little song is
"Dan Cupid Hath a Garden."
"Merrie England," a comic opera,
was written by the distinguished
English composer Sir Edward Ger
man. It was first produced at the
Savoy Theatre, London, in 1902.
Mr Hector Crawford, who will
conduct the Melbourne Conserva-
torium Symphony Orchestra and
the Orpheon Choir of 200 voices,
is not worried about the weather.
His friends call him "Lucky Craw
ford" because in seven years of
open air concerts he has suffered
only one day of scattered showers.
Soloists, choir and orchestra will
have their first combined rehearsal
on Tuesday night. On Saturday
they will rehearse In the gardens.
The concert is being sponsored
by The Herald. It will be broad
cast by 3DB.

We are always desirous of encouraging every innocent recreation, and unwilling to injure private interests in our remarks upon public amusements. In that spirit we have frequently noticed the performances at the Theatre, giving most ungrudgingly the praise we considered the manager deserved, for keeping the house open when, it appeared to us, the attendance was not sufficient to protect him from loss. Our notices were occasional, as our visits were irregular; but whenever we referred to the Lazars (as actors), we did so in terms of commendation, and' were not critically severe on anything. We made every allowance for the insufficient support received, and we were complaisant enough to suppose that there really was no histrionic talent in the colonies, except that possessed by the manager, his family, and the ''ladies and gentlemen" whose 'sweet voices' he secured. We sneered not at the taste that, with such appliances, suggested the production of "Grand Oriental Spectacles," or the manner in which they were got up; the miserable contrivances were passed over; the shabby wardrobe unnoticed; the wretched scenery uncondemned, although never appropriate to the piece, nor in keeping with itself, and seldom shitted into the intended position until it was time to re move it again, while, through the openings, the audience were favoured with "long-drawn vistas" into that terra incognita, the back of the stage. We complained not of trees and flowers growing in the recesses of a "donjon keep", or marble columns springing from the deck of a vessel, and were content to imagine a little back parlour a Parisian saloon ; a cottage, with a practical door, an Italian colonnade. We carried our critical forbearance further, and, in consideration of the "rapid succession of novelties," were satisfied with as much of each piece as the players and the prompter pleased to give us, nor did we protest against the curtailments of the one nor the interpolations of the other. We forgave alike the ruthless scissors of the manager and the treacherous memory of the mimic, who frequently substituted his own amusing mistakes for the "ponderous levity" of his author. We have heretofore only noticed to praise, or "with mute expressive silence mused" our disapprobation; but we can pursue that course no longer without a dereliction of duly. For some time past we have noticed, with pain, that Lazar, to provoke a laugh, never hesitates to broach indecency. He deals out, with unblushing effrontery, allusions culled from or calculated for the especial gratification of the ladies of Light-square, who are, we confess, his firmest supporters. But on last Saturday evening he exceeded himself, and so outraged propriety as to merit the interference of the police, who are, we imagine, bound to suppress obscenity on the stage as well as in the saloon or any other public place. If the police have not power to interfere, it is time that such a system of licensing such places were adopted as would furnish the guardians of peace, good order, and public decency, with the proper power to prevent the repetition of immoralities like those referred to. We have seen Lazar "so overstep the modesty of nature" as to compel even the prostitutes to blush, and send the indignant blood tingling to the ear- tips of every decent man in the house. There can, to our minds, be no greater, no more dangerous nuisance, than an indecently conducted theatre —no greater theatrical atrocity than to announce a "juvenile night," to lower the prices so as to induce an attendance of young people, and then to present an entertainment not only indecent, but brutally and unnaturally so. We cannot praise that man's spirit who keeps open a Theatre, even at a loss to himself or his supporters, who can outrage all propriety by the unwarrantable introduction of filthy obscenities in the presence of a mixed audience, including a member of his own family. We are bound to warn all parents against permitting their children to attend this hotbed of demoralization. As the Theatre is at present conducted, no man can sit out a performance without being disgusted; no lady can enter the impure precincts without contamination. 

The announcement that a number of
aboriginals would perform at the Exhibi-
tion met with general favour. Adelaide
people have not now many opportunities
of seeing a number of natives in the city.
A solitary blackfellow and his lubra come
within the city boundaries once in a
while, but they are generally regarded as
intruders. At any rate the natives
don't feel at home as they used
to do before Adelaide became a
city, and before the white man
took away the land they occupied. Some
months since it was suggested that a
number of blackfellows should attend the
opening ceremony of the Exhibition, but
very little notice was then taken of the
matter. A few weeks ago, however,
arrangements were made with the Ex-
hibition authorities that a number of
natives should see the Exhibition, and
that they should give an entertainment
in it. Accordingly on Saturday last
seventy-seven natives arrived in Adelaide
from the Point Macleay and Point
Pearce Mission Stations-men, women,
and children - forty-six from Point
Macleay and thirty-one from the other
station. The visitors, who are in charge
of Messrs. F. W. Taplin and T. M.
Sutton (the Superintendents of the mis-
sion stations) and Miss Sutton, rank from
various ages, including babes and boys
and girls, the oldest man being between
60 and 70 years of age, and the eldest
woman about 45.
The Old Exhibition Building has
been placed at their disposal for
a camp. On Monday when they
were shown through the Exhibition they
were naturally surprised at the " great
wonders." They were especially in-
terested in the pictures, particularly those
in the eastern annexe. Large mirrors,
too, in various parts of the Exhibition
surprised them perhaps as much as any-
thing. It was probably the first time
they saw themselves in all their beauty
in looking-glasses. Their attention also
was considerably attracted on the display
of weapons and photos in the armament
ball from the Point Macleay Mission
Station. It was first proposed to hold
the special entertainment in the Adelaide
Town Hall, but afterwards the South
Australian Branch of the Royal Geo
graphical Society, under whose auspices
the visitors' programme of engagements
will be carried out, agreed to have the
entertainment in the Exhibition. The
music hall was the place first suggested in
which to hold the concert, but as it was
thought that that building would be too
small to accommodate the public, the
Exhibition officials and others preferred
to have it in the main building. Accor-
dingly on Tuesday afternoon the hall
platform was prepared. A wurley was
erected of evergreens and shrubs in front
of the organ, and the platform was
covered with carpet. Bush mats and
bags, made by the natives, and spears,
boomerangs, waddies, swords, shields,
and other weapons were distri-
buted over the platform, to make
the scene as natural as possible.
Original sketches of natives very cleverly
drawn with a lucifer match by aboriginals
at Port Macleay, and a sketch of houses
at Point Pearce shown on the platform
testified to the natives having been taught
to practically and usefully employ their
leisure. The concert was advertised to
begin at 7.30 p.m., but long before that
time the main hall was crowded, and
during the evening the hall and the
galleries were completely packed. Over
4,600 persons visited the Exhibition in
the evening, and most of them crowded in
the main building. The natives took their
seats in good time, the men and women on
the gallery stairs on the western side of
the organ, and the boys and girls on the
eastern side. Three lubras, as cheerful
and homely as possible, were the first to
come on to the platform. They im-
mediately entered the wurley and started
mat-making, or something of the sort. An
old man followed, and amused the audience
by illustrating the aboriginal method
of making a fire with two sticks.
Six native men, tatooed and in their
native costume, next made their debut in
a tableau illustrating " Savage Life" with
aboriginal singing. This company, who
were assisted in their wordless song-
singing by the women, at once interested
the audience. Each man had two small
sticks with which he "kept time." Of
course none but themselves could under-
stand their one continuous chatter. After
singing for a quarter of an hour their
places were taken by six other men who
were not so savage in their movements,
and did not excite themselves so much.
The second lot were intended to show a
tableau representing " Civilized Life." A
choir of native children next sang " Jesus
Loves Me." The youngsters were very
neatly dressed. All the boys wore
white trousers, and their neat ap-
pearance dispelled any doubts there
might have been as to their clean-
liness. Their singing was distinct
and they evidently felt quite at home.
At various periods the children sang
other songs - "A New Name" and
"Follow On." The last contribution
brought forth applause from every quarter
of the building- Walter Salisbury, a
native lad, gave a solo from the cantata
" Robinson Crusoe," and had to respond;
and " Do they Pray for Me at Home,"
sweetly and correctly sung by Susie
Wangeneen, surprised the listeners, and
she had to respond to an imperative
encore. The natives apparently did
not understand an encore, but in-
structed and prompted by Mr. Sutton
and Mr. Taplin, they acknowledged
the compliments. Two native girls,
Leah Unaipon and Ada Koolmatere,
sang "Over the River" with very good
taste, and Frank Blackmore, who is very
clever and is said to be able to give recita-
tion after recitation, recited "The British
Flag." The recitation was given very well
indeed, the emphasis and pronunciation
being especially commendable. The re-
citer was rather too fast, however, to be
well understood, but he earned the pro
longed applause of the audience. The
singing altogether showed that the
natives have been well trained and
that they appreciate good music.
Unfortunately they are unable to
sing as loudly so their white brethren,
or to blend their voices so harmoniously,
but they are entertaining in their way,
and understand what they are singing.
The children used hymnbooks, but they
seemed so well acquainted with the song
that the books were almost unnecessary.
Miss Sutton played the piano accompani-
ments. After the National Anthem the
aboriginals adjourned to the esplanade,
where arrangements had been made for a
sham fight. The people stood around the
esplanade and crowded the balconies.
About 9 o'clock several natives with
spears and shields rushed into the
enclosure from the western part of
the crowd, and treated the spectators
with a sham fight-such as it was. The
rattling of shields and the tossing and
tumbling of the aboriginal soldiers caused
considerable merriment. At first only
six natives engaged in the affray-three
on each side-and, unusual for warriors,
when they got tired they thought it wise
to rest awhile. Presently the ranks were
strengthened, but for a long time it was
difficult to tell whether the attacking or
defending force had the best of the con-
test. The wooden spears flew about in
every direction, and there was a regular
quarrel, and at last a man on each
side was carried off the field,
supposed to have been killed.
The aboriginals finished their entertain-
ment by singing " God Save the Queen."
Throughout the utmost good humour
prevailed, and nothing objectionable or
obscene occurred. It should be men-
tioned that these natives themselves
object to corroboree. Having been
brought under the influence of civiliza-
tion they feel that it is degrading to resort
to their old bush life, and on the mission
stations corroborees are entirely dis-
couraged on account of the immoral
tendencies. A little dancing was intro-
duced by the natives in their ex-
citement, but nothing to speak of.
The people of Adelaide could see
for themselves on Tuesday evening the
great alterations made in the manners and
customs of the aboriginals, and if the
blacks can thus be brought to comparative
civilization, it seems desirable that every
effort should be made to extend mission
work amongst them.
On Wednesday evening the special
feature was a repetition with slight
variations, of the aboriginal entertain-
ment as given on the previous
night. It is unusual to open the
Exhibition on Wednesday evenings, but
by special request the authorities agreed
to allow the public to once more see the
natives before they returned to the mission
stations. The programme in the main
hall was much the same as on the
previous evening. The same songs
were contributed, with a song, "Mother
is Dead," by a native woman,
and two others, "Merry Dick" and
"Learn to say no." Both the tableaux
and the singing evoked considerable ap-
plause. The almost unnatural chattering
of the natives caused considerable merri-
ment all round, and the audience evi-
dently appreciated the novel proceedings.
On the esplanade a sham fight took place
after 9 o'clock, in which the aboriginals
not only amused the spectators but them-
selves. By means of the electric light
and blue lights the affray was witnessed
to advantage, and the crowd had a
splendid opportunity of seeing the natives
engage in some of their most frantic
actions. The aboriginals will, no
doubt, return pleased with their visit
to Adelaide and the Exhibition.

Last night nearly all the township turned
out to see a corroboree held by the blacks.
The spectators sat on almost precipitous rocks
that rose above the flat which the natives had
chosen. The" actors, naked from the waist,
were painted with broad white bands over
face, neck, arms, and body. Some of them
had great feather erections on their heads and
wore a kind of sporran made of wool. The
leader carried in each hand a Maltese cross of
wood, each point having a bunch of white
feathers attached, and others had the same
shaped frame with scarlet threads wound
across and across. An old man, clothed in a
long coat that looked something like a high
priest's robe, stood in front beating two
boomerangs and chanting a low monotonous
song, to whose time the naked feet of the
warriors stamped and beat in unison. A
number of women squatted round the fire and
kept it supplied with brushwood, and one of
them assisted the "high priest" by joining in
the chant and beating her hands. The weird
character of the scene was one to haunt one's
dreams. The moon shining through the
background of trees, the blazing fire, with its
circle of women and the hideous forms of
black and white that simulated the stealthy
march, the rush on the foe, the ferocious
massacre, the dance of triumph, then the
packing up the plunder, the return march
through the arid desert, and the slaking of
their burning thirst when the longed-for pool
was reached.

 CORROBBOREE.— The Kapunda Herald
writes: — 'Fandangos of the corroboree descrip
tion -were of frequent occurrence in the early
days cf tbe colony, but since the spread of the
white people over the face of the land they have
become a thing of the past. However, a short
lime since a number of the blacks migrated
from Mount Remarkable in this direction. On
reaching Hamilton they fell in with some more
of their countrymen, and immediately^ their
exuberance knew no bounds, ' Fire- water' being
the height of a blackfellow's human felicity,
a plentiful supply of rum was obtained, and a
tenaLtless house being espied, it was
taken possession of. Then they imagined
they were in the midst of a perfect halo of de
light; dancing, howling, and yelling followed in
quick succession, until the peaceful residents of
Hamilton imagined that Pandemonium hid ar
rived amotgst them. This sort of amusement
was continued the next day, but with this dif
ference, that the midnight brawlers nearly
frightened the wits of tha children and the fair
daires; who had to fly for protection to Mr.
Go:d, the lecal schc olniatter. That gentleman,
on expostulating, was jeered at, threatened, and
assaulted. He therefore sought to have an end
put to these orgies, and appeared at the las'
sitting of the Magistrates' Court to prosecute
one of the ringleaders rejoicing in the name of
Jemmy Sprat, who had assaulted him. Mr. Gold
did not press the charge, and as Jemmy promised
to return to Mount Remarkable, His Worship
let him eff with seven days imprisonment.'

Some of the loudest ap-
plause at yesterday's matinee
performance of "Oklahoma,"
at the Theatre Royal, carne
from 20 blind women from
the Helen Keller Hostel,
Woollahra.
The blind women "saw" the
performance with the aid of
Matron E. R. Smith, and four
members of the hostel staff, who
described the scenes, costume,
and actions.
They were the guests of the
management of J. C. Williamson
Ltd.
After the performance they
unanimously agreed that it was
one of the most pleasant outings
they had ever had.
The eldest member of the
party, Miss H. Runcie, 81, and
the youngest Miss Sylvia Barnett
23, were particularly enthusiastic
Miss Runcie, a retired school teacher, said: 'I was always very
interested in music and the stage
You see, when I was a teacher I
had to know a bit about singing
Although I am rather deaf I
enjoyed the programme immensely.'
Miss Barnett, who is an elocution teacher at St Lucy's School
for the Blind, said:
'I am very interested in stage
work, and thought it was grand
Because of my work in voice production, I was able to follow
the plot clearluy"
Arrangements for the women's
visit were made by Mr T. C.
Faribairn, organising secretary of
the Royal Sydney Industrial Blind
Institution.

A number of aboriginals aro in town from
Pooia-nacca. Thoy aro giving corrobborees
with the view of raising funds to provide
thorn with means of combating the coming
winter. One corrobboree was to be conducted
last nijght on the Proprietary paddock, but
th j larrikins of the IIill determined to have a
bit of fun on their own account. When a
number of young scamps who had gathered
on the scene began to shout ana throw
missiles the aboriginals were seized with fear,
and hurriedly paeked up and started up
Oxide-street, followed by a crowd of yelling
and hooting boys. The procession caused
considerable excitement, and the street was
blocked against traffic for some distance.
The question was asked several times,
" Whore are the police?" but not until the un
fortunate natives had taken refuge in the
atabiea of the Tydvil Hotel was a telephone
message sent to the station, and two con
stables soon arrived on the scene and dis
persed the mob. The blacks were then es
corted back to the Proprietary paddock, where
Vhey carried out their programme.

There have been for the last few days about twenty
aborigines camped close to Clare, who enliven us every
evening with their corrobsiics, which are well worth
the trouble of seeing. Each blockfellow is marked with
white chalk in broad lines and daubs all over his face,
breast, and shoulders, which gives them the appearance
of so many demoas as they dance clo3o to a large fire,
and especially when connected with their unearthly
jells. Two or three times during the performance one
of them carried round a hat, stating that tbe smallest
contriDuuon wouia do manktmiy received, wnioa l am
sure was liberally responded to by the spectators.

CONCERT.

On Wednesday night last we did ourselves the pleasure to attend the musical entertainment given by Messrs. Wallace and Deane. To those who are already acquainted with me respective excellence which these gentlemen have attained in their profession, it will not now be necessary to say more in their praise. To those (and we hope they are few,) who. know it but by report, we can only say that we regret they were not present on this occasion, to witness how truly that report has spoken. The Concert opened with the overture to Der Friestchulz, which was executed by the Band of the Fourth, with their usual success. Miss Wallace sang the difficult air of Una Voce, and the ballad of Black-eyed Susan, with all the effect that can result from the union of power of voice, scientific method, and diligent study. Portrait Charmant was beautifully sung by the gentleman amateur, who has lately made his debut at our Sydney concerts. The Concerto on the flute of Mr. Josephson was played well, although in our opinion, some of his performances at previous Concerts were far superior. The Solo on the Violoncello, by Master Deane, was a juvenile performance, surprising, and clearly shewed that the natural talent of this young gentleman must be very great, and his study unremitting. He also distinguished himself in two Ducts with Miss E. Winstanley. This young lady, as far as her tender age will allow an opinion to be formed, possesses great capabilities as a singer, and we have no doubt that under the able tuition of Mr. Deane (of whom she is at present a pupil), they will be brought into such celebration as to render her in time a most excellent singer. O'Pescator dell 'Onda was sung as a duet by Miss E. Wallace and the Amateur, in a manner both tasteful and harmonious. We must not forget Miss Deane's performance on the piano forte, which obtained for her high and well merited applause. Of Mr. Wallace's performance on the violin, it is really unnecessary for us to write, his execution on that instrument being so well known ; but we cannot refrain from a passing tribute to his Concerto of Mayseder, and to express our deep regret at the public announcement of his intended departure from this Colony. The members of the Band sung; two glees in the course of the evening, and were much applauded. The room was nearly full, and every person left highly delighted with the various performances of the evening. 

Curious Procession Creates
Interest
Darwin residents were amazed on
Sunday to find aborigines, hideously
bedaubed with mud and ochre and
armed with bundles of spears, con
ducting a corroboree in the main
street. The natives chanted, shouted,
and danced down the street, to the ac
companiment of yells of delight from
a crowd of blacks clad in cast-off Euro
pean garments, until they reached the
corner of the aboriginal compound.
There they began a corroooree and
took possession of the whole road, but
the superintendent of the compound
(Mr. L. Samut) tactfully induced them
to gointo the compound and to con
clude their tribal ceremonies on the
compound beach.
The corroboree was part of a cere
mony conducted by natives who re
cently came from Bathurst Island.
There are considerable numbers of
aborigines in Darwin. They have
come in for the shelter afforded at the
compound during the wet season.
Tlie procession in the street
was a curious one. The. abo
rigines conducting the proceedings
were In then' wildest state, probably
the same as they were before white
men settled the country, but others
were dressed in odd particles of cloth
Ing. A few even wore collars and ties,
while the procession was followed by
several blacks riding push bikes.
When -the corroboree in the com
pound 'was finished, the blacks con
ducted a game of Australian football,
at which they are expert.

On Saturday evening the aborigines, in ac
cordance with an advertisement In the Oncer,
dian, held a corrobboree at the rear of the Sir
John Franklin Hotel before a moderate atten
dance. At first their antics were gone through by
the light of a bonfire; but as that was against a
by-law of the Corporation, it was soon doused.
However, they_went on, and some benevolently- !
minded individuala procured some fundlns,
which made the darkness visible. The perfor
mance concluded about quarter-past 9 o'clock.—

A well developed entertainment
from an amusing situation
is worked out in "Dear Ruth,"
now playing at the Comedy.
Letters written enthusiastically
by a "kid-sister" in her elder
sister's name to a soldier overseas
as part of the bobby-soxer's
many enterprises to help the war
effort have their perplexing results
when -the possessive soldier
returns looking ardently for
his "Dear Ruth," who has just
announced her engagement to
Albert, a sedate young man who
is not able to keep pace with
the rapid turn of events.
There is plenty of humour to
keep the brew merrily simmering
and the characters are well
played by a thoroughly efficient
cast. Claude Fleming is well
suited with the role of the father
of the girls, Judge Wilkins, and
Gladis Griswold and Anne Lincoln
give polished presentations
of the mother, Mrs. Wilkins, and
the daughter, Ruth, respectively.
Gwenda Wilson is well cast as
the younger sister, Miriam, the
imp of mischief behind all the
trouble. The supporting parts
are strbngly filled, though John
Stacy's interpretation of Albert
strikes a farcical note that is
discordant in the key in which
the comedy is played. It is
amusing, nevertheless. The
play is, as usual, expertly produced
by Gerald Kirby, and the
stage set by George Upward and
assistants is a work of art.

We have to record the total destruction of the Haymarket Theatre in Bourke Street by fire. This place of amusement has now been closed for several years, with the exception of a few nights at intervals, when it has been opened for occasional entrainments. At the time of the fire it was under lease to Mr Coppin, also the lessee of the Theatre Royal. Although so rarely open to the public, it was in complete order as a theatre. Its stage was supplied with scenery and fittings; the pit, dress circle, and a gallery were in their usual condition, and the premises were carefully looked after. Those to whom the building is familiar will remember that the establishment consisted of two portions. That fronting Bourke street consisted on the eastern side of Allen’s Haymarket Hotel, and on the Western side (separated from the other by the pit entrance, some 14 ft wide) where ticket offices, &c. The first floor was occupied by the main portion of the Apollo-hall. Behind these front buildings was a courtyard, with a fountain in the centre; but the premises were carried along on each side till they reached the theatre at the back. On the right of this yard were lattice work arbours, fitted with benches and tables, and above was a long covered passage leading to the dress-circle. On the opposite side was a bar, an unused kitchen, and a storeroom in which Mr Allen kept his wines and spirits. Adjoining the latter forum was the staircase leading to the gallery. Above this last range of buildings was a wing of the Apollo Hall. It must be understood that this courtyard led to the chief entrance to the th3eatre. Last evening m(Friday) the hotel was open and doing business, but the rest of the establishment was unused and unoccupied, save by the watchman employed by Mr Coppin to take care of the place. 

At about 8 o’clock last evening (Friday) the fire was first observed. The watchman of the theatre, Reuben Sweeny by name, was standing at the stage door in Little Collins street, when a boy going past gave him the alarm of fire. Running into the street, he saw smoke issuing form the building he had left, at a point about the middle of its length. He immediately went into the theatre, and on to the stage, where he saw signs of fire in the north-eastern corner, at the point where, on the other side of the party wall, were the kitchen and spirit room. He then got out the two hose with which the theatre was supplied, and, assisted by Mr Lasson, a neighbouring oyster dealer, and Charles Marshall, a stage carpenter (who ran in with him when he gave the alarm), tried to throw water on the burning place. This they were unable to do. The fire spread with extraordinary rapidity, and they had to escape at the back to avoid suffocation. According to Marshalls account, the pressure of water in the hose so sued was very weak. By this time, however, the alarm had been given more fully, and the United Insurance Fire Brigade, under superintendent Hoad, appeared on the scene. Their first place was to carry the hose into the courtyard, but from this they were soon driven away by the increasing flames and smoke. Firemen were also stationed at other points of the building, their endeavours being directed to prevent the flames spreading to adjoining houses. In this work they were speedily joined by the Emerald Hill, Hotham (under Mr Cook) and East Collingwood (under Mr Daskein), local fire brigades. Altogether nine streams of water were directed on the burning premises. Fortunately the united energetic efforts of the fire brigades proved successful, and with some small exceptions the damage was confined within the walls of the theatre and front buildings, stretching from Bourke to Little Collins streets. On the western side a number of houses were closely adjoining the theatre buildings, but a strong nearly south-westerly wind kept the flames from them. On the eastern side were a row of small one-storey market stalls, usually occupied by poulterers, green grocers, and other produce dealers. Those of these shops which adjoined the theatre premises extending from Bourke street to the point level with the courtyard, were saved with little injury; but those actually alongside the theatre were destroyed by the falling of the theatre wall. Beyond these little shops were the open sheds of the Eastern Market, which could not readily catch fire. The neighbouring houses in Little Collins Street, were saved by the southerly wind.

Although the progress of the fire afforded one of the grandest spectacles ever seen in Melbourne, it was singularly uneventful. Some six or seven minutes after the first alarm was given, the flams burst through the roof, and tongues of fire issued from the row of ventilating apertures under the eaves. This was in about the middle of the building as before described, but with a speed which could scarcely be told in minutes, so rapid was it, the flames extended through the theatre on one side, and into the Apollo hall on the other, till they streamed out through the windows facing Bourke street. In ten minutes more the iron roof of the theatre fell in with a crash, and a huge volume of black smoke issued forth to be changed in another second to an enormous body of rolling, roaring flames. The wind being high, blew clouds of burning fragments across the street, and but for that interval of space, the houses for a considerable distance must have been placed in serious jeopardy. At this stage the fire was utterly beyond control. It does not, indeed, happen often in aby mans life to see flames of such volume and brilliancy. The whole city was lit up by the glare, and every spire and tower stood out in bold relief, as the reflected the ruddy light. The firemen directed jets of Yan Yean from every point of vantage, but it was obviously not to quench the fire, but to keep the walls as cool as possible. Nevertheless, they managed to subdue the conflagration in the front premises. After the fire had been nearly twenty minutes burning, the upper portion of the eastern wall of the theatre gave way, and fell outwards, crushing a number of the small market stalls before alluded to. Being mostly of wood, they soon caught fire, nut were speedily extinguished. About half an hour after the fire broke out, it was at its height. It then gradually burnt out, utterly destroying everything within the four walls extending the entire length of the establishment, except the bar room of Allens’ Haymarket Hotel, which though little injured by fire, was utterly swamped by water. The Bourke Street front remains but inside, from end to end, is only smoking ruins.

The origin of the affair is believe to be, that during the day a fire was lit in the kitchen of the hotel (ordinarily unused) to enable the boys to clean some pint pots.. The fire was left unextinguished, and some hot cinders may have fallen on the “composition” floor, and set it on fire. This would account form a smell of pitch which was said to be observable when the fire was first discovered. It seem that the fire certainly broke out at that particular spot. It should be mentioned, however, that the neighbourhood is alive with rumours as to a previous strong expectation that the theatre was to be burned down on the previous evening. A little girl, named Sarah Anne Brown, the daughter of a neighbour, told Mrs M’Gee, landlady of the Adam and Eve Hotel in Little Collins Street, that the theatre was going to be burnt down that night (Thursday).

Fatal Accident at the Fire

(From the Herald)

About half past seven o’clock this morning (Saturday), two men, named respectively John Jones and ---- Wyatt, were standing amongst the debris in what had been the pot of the Haymarket Theatre. Whilst gazing on the scene of ruin and smouldering ashes, the suddenly heard an ominous kind of cracking indicative of danger, and Wyatt immediately changed his position, and by so doing probably escaped serious injury, or sudden death. Jones, a young managed twenty-three years, residing at Hotham, and a stage carpenter by trade, did not move, and in another moment an iron pillar, or as some state a girder, came plunging down, striking Jones on the head, and crushing him to the ground. As soon as possible a cab was obtained by Constable Baird, who in company with Wyatt, went with the wounded man to the hospital, where surgical aid was at once rendered. The poor fellow, who of course was utterly insensible, was placed on a bed, and his hair was removed with the object of enabling Dr Lawrence to arrive at some conclusions as to the extent and nature of the injuries sustained by Jones, and it then became clear that they were so serious as to give but slight hopes of his recovery. Ice and other strong remedies were applied with promptitude and skill but without avail, as the unfortunate man succumbed to the violence of the injury sustained by him, and died at ten minutes to one o’clock, without having shown a moments consciousness. We understand that the deceased was related to Mr Geo. Loyal, the gymnast.

THE THEATRE—A drama called Ellen Wareham was produced at the Theatre on Monday evening. It is quite of an Old Bailey character. Ellen marries Creswell, never having loved him. He, not aware of this most important matrimonial fact, is under the necessity of going abroad, and being apprehended as a spy, is imprisoned for years in an Austrian dungeon, from which he at length escapes by a stratagem, the consequence of which is to lead his wife and her friends to believe him dead. Nearly two years after Creswell was supposed to have been quietly inurned, Ellen marries one (Hamilton) to whom her whole heart and soul are devoted. Not many months after, the first husband returns -hears she is again married—has an interview with her, in the course of which she explains the circumstances which led lo her second marriage, but admits that she never loved him. Doating fondness on his part gives way to desperate passion and thirst of revenge, and he causes her to be indicted for bigamy, of which she is found guilty. [The jury must have been a strange set, seeing that the first husband had studiously circulated a report of his own death, and there was no proof that his wife participated in the secret!] The sympathy of the Judge, however, is excited, and Ellen is merely "fined and discharged." Creswell having thus rendered himself the mark of universal odium, at length repents; but weary of life, swallows poison —sends for his wife and children, blesses them in his dying moments; and having obtained the forgiveness of Ellen, bestows her, with his own hand, upon Hamilton-the second husband, and real object of her affections, and expires. Now these incidents are strained and unnatural-yet they give rise to several affecting scenes. The weight of the piece rested on Mrs. Taylor and Mr. Lazar. Mr. L. manifested a very accurate conception of the part allotted to him, though we could point out many objections to his reading and pronunciation ; but as not one of the company-male or female-is unamenable to similar censure, why should we particularise him? Mrs Taylor appeared to please the audience, and therefore, the odds are against our opinion that she cannot pourtray deep feeling. The scenes of which she endeavours to make the most excite a sense of the ridiculous-the convulsive catching of the breath, and extravagant contortions of the head and frame (as if pulled about by a wire), are complete antidotes to sympathy. Mrs. Taylor's line is, in our opinion, quiet comedy of the higher class, or the parts of pert, intriguing, singing chambermaids. Spencer, though he is entitled to the praise of general correctness, was either out of place or out of spirits on this occasion. The incidents in which he is supposed to be a participator, would, we should think, have roused the passions of an anchorite-yet Spencer was cold as monumental marble. The rest of the characters require no particular notice, with the exception of that sustained by Miss Winstanley, who, upon this and several other occasions lately, has shewn a capability to become the very best actress on the Sydney stage, in that line of character which she generally assumes. At the conclusion of the first piece Miss Lazar danced, as usual, very prettily. Then there was some tightrope foolery ; and lastly, the farce called The Young Reeler, of which Miss Lazar, though a very clever child, is too young to play the hero not even a shadow of illusion is preserved owing to this circumstance.

There is no doubt that the chief thing to make a good actor, is genius. It must be remembered, that a performer is not merely an orator ; he must do something more than declaim ; he must represent a certain character, and that justly. Genius is the perfection of the human understanding, au union of the collected powers of the mind, imagination, sensibility, penetration, and judgment, directed to the same point of excellence, with a happy facility of attaining truth. The genius of acting consists in a fine and ready imagination, an acuteness of observation, and a correct judgment, working on the sure principle of an ardent love for the drama, joined to the love of fame. Happy natural talents are necessary to make an actor ; labour and study may do a great deal, but it will after all be a tedious journey to find dramatic excellence. The player who is not rich in talents may indeed labour to amass wealth of the understanding ; but he will be but a mere labourer after all, and will rarely ever find stock in trade enough for a master, in the art. The art of acting, requires such happy resemblances of nature, that the copies may not be known from the original. Thus the performer who has true genius assimilates himself without difficulty, to the character, he has to represent. The more nature assists him the better; and it is only when she refuses, that he must borrow from Art her best likeness, and yet how few possess the fascinating gaite de cœur, of genteel comedy, the grandeur of mind and manners necessary to tragedy, or the happy humour that constitutes farce. On Thursday evening The Wonder was played for the third time at the Sydney Theatre. Mrs. Cameron made her second appearance on the Sydney Boards as Donna Violante. This lady's style of acting in genteel comedy is peculiarly her own; ease and grace in every motion, combined with a certain embodying of herself with the character, which is the very essence of genuine performers. We say without hesitation that Mrs. C. has stamped herself as the leading actress of the Sydney stage. Mrs. Taylor is the only performer we have, who can feel offended at these remarks, but when she remembers that to Mrs. Cameron is she alone indebted for her theatrical success, that it was under the tuition of this lady, at Hobart Town, she made her first appearance on any stage, playing a second character, to Mrs. C.'s Mrs. Haller in the Stranger, it is not to be expected she could with but little instruction, reach to the theatrical celebrity of an acknowledged clever actress. She must therefore however unwilling see the justice of our remarks. Don Felix by Mr. Cameron, was very respectably performed; if that gentleman could divest himself of a certain solemnity of style, and play genteel comedy, in a smarter manner, it would be more pleasing; he must get rid, too, of a particular fashion he has of pointing his hands together: this is too stiff for comedy. Mr. Buckingham's Don Pedro was natural ; Mr. Lane's Don Lopez, was both lame and tame ; Mr. Peat got through Don Frederick, but he should have an eye to his unruly legs, which appear to have much pleasure in crossing each other, every stride he takes; Mr. Lees, Gibby, was very passable, considering he is totally unacquainted with the Highland tongue ; Lissardo, by Mr. Simes, was a good representation of a fop; of a serving man Miss Winstanly's, Isabella, was a fascinating and true impersonation, this young lady becomes a more general favourite in comedy every time she appears. Mrs. Jone's Flora was a lively character, to which she did full justice. By the by, we had nearly omitted to mention Mr. Gordon's Col. Britton. This gentleman is too unwieldly built for genteel comedy, he resembles a young elephant, in his motions, and at the fifth act, he broke down forgetting every syllable of the dialogue which materially inconvenienced the leading performers; Mr. Knowles ought to fine him at the least one week's salary, if he does not, it will be an injustice to the public, as the promptor could be heard all over the house. Master S. Jones recited between the pieces, the famous speech from Henry V.' Who wants more men from England, My cousin Westmoreland ! no my fair cousin." And got through it well, accompanied by appropriate action and gesture. Mr. Fitzgerald followed with an hornpipe, we thought of Mackay but comparisons are odious; the afterpiece was the laughable farce of the Two Gregories, to which full justice, was done by the performers.

On Tuesday night, was produced, the drama of " Angelo round Verona." The piece has been so often in representation, that the actors are quite at home in their respective parts, so that it's a pleasure to witness the performance, instead of having to sit for hours to hear them stutter and stammer; which is not only painful to the hearer, but to obtain even a meaning of the dialogue is totally out of the question. To this succeeded a comic dance, by Mr. Fitzgerald, and it so pleased the gods, that they loudly vociferated for an encore, which being complied with, they insisted upon a hornpipe, and their wish was again accorded to. The amusements of the evening concluded with what is styled, " The Grand Burlesque, Operatic, Farcical, Bombastic, Extravaganza," called " Othello Travestie." The immortal bard's splendid tragedy, frittered down into two acts of the vilest doggerel imaginable. It is a complete stretch of the absurd which cannot go further. The piece we should pronounce to be a miserable failure as a performance, although individually, each of the company, did their best to support it. Not one of the actors, with the exception Miss Winstanley, could deliver the lines with any thing like propriety - certainly she had but little to do, but that little showed that she had studied on which part of the dialogue the emphasis should be placed, of this the rest were totally deficient! It is a performance that would answer very well for a benefit night, but can never become either a favorite with the public, or a stock piece. There is a variety of singing, which went off execrably, and set our teeth on edge. Mr. Collins was the Duke of Venice; he was tolerably successful. Brabantio, an old codger, and senator of Venice, was sustained by Mr. Dyball very fairly. Othello, Moor of Venice, formerly an independent from the Island of Hayte, by Mr. Wintors was a failure; he out-Heroded Herod. lago, Othello's officer, once a native of the Gaultee Mountain, county of Tipperary, province of Munster, and Kingdom of Ireland, was played by Mr. Buckingham, who appeared not to be perfect in his part, judging from one or two blunders, one of which kept the audience waiting at least a couple of minutes. Roderigo, a very silly youth, and very partial to Mrs. Othello, by Simes, was the most comic character in the piece; it was evident that he had studied it. Cassio, a man of note, but still an injured man, rather in liquor, or the liquor there, was sustained by Mr. Lee, the worst specimen of burlesque comedy we have ever seen that gentleman attempt. Lodovico, a very respectable gentleman, whose chief duties consisted in carrying an umbrella over the Duke's head, and sporting a broad brim hat, tied under his chin, by a red cotton handkerchief, was enacted by Mr. Peat. Mr. Fitzgerald as Montano, caught in a row with Cassio, but not disposed to fight, was successful. Mr. Shribbs was a very knowing first police- man, armed with a hot poker. Mrs. Larra was a bouncing Desdemona, a very good natured lady, wife of Othello, and not a bit too well treated by him; poor Mrs. O in every embrace, appeared on the point of being suffocated. Miss Winstanley looked very engaging and interesting as Emely. Mr. Knowles did the ghost of Desdemona, and looked sufficiently frightful for the occasion. There was miserable scene shifting, and the whole piece appeared to have seagoing in the most careless manner. On Thursday night was produced the tragedy of " Richard the Third," it having been performed the preceding Monday for the benefit of Mr. Spencer, which gentleman upon this occasion again enacted the character of the "crooked backed tyrant," on the whole, most ably; it is unquestionably his chef draws, and has not been surpassed by anything that has been played upon the Sydney boards. His dress, looks, action, and manner, were all in keeping, and fully shewed that Mr. S. bad well conceived the character. In the tent scene he was particularly effective, and every passage drew down a round of applause, which was well deserved. There is another point, and one of no small consideration, in Mr. Spencer's acting-he strives to please, and therefore never fails in giving satisfaction in his Shakespearian characters, to which he must confine himself in this line he has no equal here -we do not except Knowles himself- but out of Shakespeare his manner is too stiff and formal, Mr. Knowles doubled the characters of Buckingham and Richmond without the slightest occasion, and with bad effect; the illusion was destroyed. Mr. Peat should unquestionably have played the former. Be that at it may, Mr. K. was about as imperfect at usual that is, without knowing many complete sentences in either character. Mrs. Jones, as Prince of Wales, played very passably; her dress became her much. Master S. Jones was interesting as the Duke of York. Mr. Lane made a hit as King fleury, and was applauded; it is a pity he does not always play with the same feeling and effect. We did not approve of Mr. Collin's Stanley; he had a very disagreeable motion of the logs, and appeared to be calculating " what next?" Mr. Peat was very fair as the Lord Mayor; it is a part in which no one can shine. Ratcliffe and Tyrrel were both sustained by Mr. Lee effectively. Mr. Buckingham was respectable as Norfolk. Mr. Dyball, as Lieutenant of the Tower, played very fairly. Miss Douglass was successful as Queen Elizabeth; the workings of her paternal feelings were well developed. Miss Winstanley was rather interesting as Lady Ann, but she delivered the greater part of her sentences in too high a key. Mrs. Larra was effective as the Duchess of York, The piece as a whole went off well. The house upon the rising of the curtain was thinly attended, but filled at half-price. During the first part of the evening it was difficult to distinguish either stage or actors, from the house being filled with smoke arising from the lamps. The orchestra appeared horribly out of tune, and did anything but draw forth dulcet tones. Monday next being Easter Monday, will be brought out "The Dog of Montargis" and "Don Giovanni," in the latter piece Mr. Buckingham will play the character of Leporello, in the place of Mr. Knowles, who upon this occasion has been shelved. The dog Brain will perform. Mrs. Taylor enacts the Don.

On Monday last, being Easter Monday,

was performed " The Forest of Bondi, or

the Dog of Montargis," which went off

well, and elicited continued applause

from a numerous audience. "Giovani

in London" concluded the evening's

entertainments, in which Mrs. Taylor

sustained the character of the Don very

ably. Mr. Buckingham for the first

time enacted the part of Leperello, and

made a dead hit. The house was very

numerously attended, and every one left

apparently well satisfied.

On Tuesday night was produced, for

the second time at the Sydney Theatre,

the domestic drama of " Lyinesheo

Lovel, or tho Gipsey of Ashburnham

Dell." The piece went off creditably and

received a due proportion of applause

Mr. Spencer dressed the character of Sir

Edward Mowbray properly upon the

occasion, as a private gentleman instead

of mounting the doublet and hose. Miss

Winstanley appeared to be suffering

under severe indisposition, and must

have played the character of Emily

Hathenden with much pain to herself.

To the drama succeeded the matrimonial

duet between Master and Miss Jones,

which they played in a manner that

reflects much credit on those who instruct

them. The evening's amusements con-

cluded with ''The Dog of Montargis,

or the Forest of Bondi," it was very

well got through. Some mischievous

fellow in tho pit attempted to withdraw

the attention of the dog by whistling,

but, fortunately, failed. The house was

well attended for a Tuesday night.

On Saturday night was performed the drama of the " Dog of Montargis; or, the Forest of Bondi." It having been frequently performed, the plot is so well known as to require no repetition at our hands. The piece went off much as usual, that is to say, successfully; but we observed a deficiency in study of both Messrs. Lee and Spencer, which was to us a matter of surprise, considering on how many occasions they have enacted the same characters. ln the concluding sentence before the fall of the curtain, at the end of the first act, Mr. Spencer had to give the cue to Mr. Lee three times, thereby spoiling the effect. To the drama succeeded a Naval Hornpipe by Mr. Fitzgerald, which was well performed. The extravaganza of " Giovanni in London; or, the Libertino Reclaimed " concluded the evening's amusements; on this occasion, Mrs. Taylor sustained the character of the Don for the twenty-third time at that theatre, and with continued success ; she had the good sense to keep her visible muscles within due bounds upon this occasion, not with standing the attempts of the whiskered monkeys in the lower boxes to annoy her, Mr. Buckingham again improved in the character of Leporello, and was remarkably successful in the songs, one of which was encored. We were glad to observe that Miss Winstanley had taken our hint respecting the child, she played the character of Mrs. Leporello very well. The house was very thin upon the rise of the curtain, but filled up well at half price.

The enclosure at the police-station ont
Tuesday morning'reminded onlookers of a
blacks' camp,, owing to the presence ther« - ;
of about a dozen^ natives, with their bag-
gage and inevitable tribe of dogs. Tha
natives had heard at their wurlies at
Encounter Bay of the approaching
¡visit of fhe / King's son, and, ' burning
with curiosity, ihad walked to town to weU
come him to their native land. Their dis-
appointment was great when they were told1 "
their visit wa» premature, and it was
greater when they were informed they,
Would have to return whence they cama
to await the Duke's arrival. The blacks .
were gathered together in the police yard
on Monday and they spent the night there.
Early in the morning they held a corrob
boree, and as a return for their labors they
were given some breakfast. Throughout
the morning the dusky visitors were to be .
seen lolling ¿about in the sun, smoking and "
speculating on the forthcoming tour in
South Australia of the Royal party. They
became reconciled to the idea of having
to return to ibheu- wurlies, and promised to
come to the city again when the Royal visi«
tors arrive.

During the even
ing the aborigines, who had' mustered in great force,
numbering over 50, assembled in front of the Bobe
Hotel, and gave three cheers for His Excellency in
trae British style. The Chief Secretary ordered a
bag of floor and some tobacco to be issued to them
by Mr. Warren, the Sub-Protector. At night the
blacks dressed themselves np and held a grand
cooyong in honor of the Governor's visit, at which
His Excellency was present, and several httempts
were made by the owners of the soil to address His
Excellency, and to solicit him to cause suits of
clothes to be sent down to them as well as rations,
but they had not the fortitude to make known their
wants to Bjb Excellency. Mr. G. Onnerod gave
several of the blacks shirts and trousers, so that they
might make a respectable appearance on tha occa
sion.

A numerous assemblage of the Aborigines of this district took
place a few days since, on the Park Land, at which a large
deputation was appointed from among their number, for the
purpose of inviting into Town a distant tribe which has not
(it is said) been regularly inducted into the Metropolis. It is a
singular fact that one of the Adelaide fribe made it his business
to communicate the circumstance at our Printing Office, as
matter of news, and seemed to he very anxious that it should
appear in the ensuing publication

THE BLACKS.—We would really entreat the
attention of the police to the proceedings of the
natives on the Park Land, in North Adelaide.
Not only is the destruction of the trees proceeding
by wholesale, but the inhabitants are nightly
disturbed by the horrible howlirg in their beastly
corrobories. Morning and evening both sides of
the river are crowded with the savages, armed,
too, with spears, and accompanied with troops of
half-starve

HE NATIVES.—The' inhabitants of North
Adelaide have much room to complain of the
disturbances which the natives now nightly make
by their hideous corrobories. About three hundred
of these savages howl and bellow at the top
of their voices, for five or six hours at a stretch,
every evening, so as effectually to preclude rest
or quiet in the neighbourhood.

QUEEN'S THEATRE.— Mr Lazar's Benefit
takes place on Monday next, and need we say
how much this gentleman deserves a bumper.
His industry and perseverance merit the
greatest praise, and we only regret that so
much talent should have received no more
patronage than has been extended towards his
efforts since his connection with theatricals in
this colony. We however trust his benefit on
Monday next will show that the public are not
unmindful of him, and will give him what he
so richly deserves — a crowded house. The
entertainments are well selected, and will, we
are certain, give universal satisfaction

To the editor of the Argus

Sir, - it must be indeed pleasing to all lovers of really good music to watch the rapid advance which the art is making among all classes of our community. The fact was never more apparent than at the Theatre Royal last night. The musical Union and Mr Lyster’s opera company have reason to congratulate themselves upon the successful experiment of introducing instrumental compositions of the very first water to an Australian audience. It has been long urged that the symphonies of Beethoven, Mozart, and others were of too classical a nature and too tediously long, to be listened to with patience and pleasure by a Melbourne audience; but the breathless attention during the performance of Beethoven’s No 2, an the symphonies of Mendelssohn, and the outburst of genuine applause at the termination of each movement, must clearly prove the promulgation of such objection to be in error.

It is to be hoped, now that the experiment has been tried, with result so successful, that our musical societies will often introduce such competitions into their programmes, and that we shall have periodical performances after the same model as those which at the present time command so much public attention in the metropolis and provincial cities of the mother country.

Yours &c.

Allegretto

OPENING OF THE NEW VICTORIA THEATRE.
Monday night commenced a new era for theatricals
in South Australia, by the opening of the new Vic
toria Theatre, a full and faithful description of
which appears in another column. The approach
to the theatre has been rendered additionally
imposing by the placing of two lamps of large di
mensions, gilded and ornamented, on either side of
the gate fronting the principal entrance. The in
terior of the theatre, lavishly lit up as it was that
evening, was a magnificent coup d'eail, and the
house being crowded in every part left nothing to
be desired in the ensemble, either as a spectacle not
to be surpassed in these colonies, or in that less
imaginative but more substantial gratification represented
by a well filled house. The act drop is
hardly so effective as we should have expected from |
Opie, the festoons of drapery not being at all in
accordance with the rest of the painting, which is a
landscape, but of what country or clime we fairly
confess our ignorance. The entertainments com-
menced with the band, led by Mr Moore, playing
the national anthem, which was received with loud
plaudits, the whole audience startling. The fol
lowing was the
ADDRESS.
Delivered by Messrs Lazar and Coppin.
Mr Lazar—Although I prematurely perhaps appear,
Time honored custom 'tis which brings me here,
And as I mean to mate but a short speech,
I hope you'll not deem't better in the breach
Than the observance; so, if you're agreed,
Without a further prelude I'll proceed.
Permit me shortly to remind you now,
That on this selfsame stage, T made my bow
Eleven years since, nor ever wished to range
Till forced by adverse circumstance to change.
When I with grief the Drama's temple saw,
Alas ! perverted to the woes of Law;
Ungentle service, from whose pond'rous yoke
Thalia flies and leaves the field to Coke."
Here then, where oft we drew the gushing tear,
And raised the laugh thro' many a circling year,
Far harsher themes have been—
Mr Coppin—Ob, come Lazar,
You push the sentimental much too far,
The audience know full well this wa3 the Court,
For few are here but what have seen the si>ort,
And in broad farce colonial actors are
Inferior to their bretli'ren of the bar.
L.—I wish you wouldn't be quite so abrupt,
And come in thus my speech to interrupt,
Upon my word it's really not polite—
C.—Oh, cut it it short, you'll keep 'em here all night |
And sooner than remain to hear your prose
I'll ring the bell, and up the curtain goes.
L.—Do as you please, but I no part shall play
Until I've finished what I had to say.
C.—Well then out with it, and as here I've stood
So long in waiting, give us something good.
L.—Ladies and gents, then here long since I bore
Dramatic sway—
C.— You told us that before,
L.—Here was the tragic Muss's chosen seat,
C.—And actors but short commons had to eat.
L.—There great O. G., established his arcade,
C.—Did he ? I wonder in what year t'was made,
L.—But when blind Justice here had fixed her seat, |
Forced to withdraw though with unwilling feet,
We in a smaller circle had to claim
Your kind support, and found it still the same.
For which, with zeal and gratitude inspired,
We 've here resumed—
C.—Oh, fudge! they're getting tired,
And don't want such long rigmarole orations
To make 'em notice the fresh decorations.
L.—We'll, then, I'll merely just express my hope
That, you kind patrons,—
C.—Now for the soft soap—
L.—In our New Constitution will, with ease.
Assume your seats, although no nominees.
.Since our desire is to amuse all classes,
And though no Chartists, lecture to the masses,
With cant and humbug ceaseless war to wage,
And prove., while illustrating Shakespeare's page;
Or the productions of the modern mind,
That mirth and morals may be well combin'd.
I could say more—
C.—No don't, I beg. say less.
—But, as time presses, I'll be off
C.—To dress; and, for the self same reason, I
. Must also, for the present, say, Good bye.
Meanwhile, believe
L.—That each succeeding night
C.—Your presence here
L.—Will yield us
C.—Fresh delight.
For naught so well the Actor's mettle rouses,
As the dear spectacle of crowded houses,
L.—Cramned with enlightened citizens and spouses.
[Prompter's bell rings.]
C-—But let's decamp, for, hark, the prompter rings,
So exeunt omnes at the several wings.
The address was well received, and the hits told
well with the audience. The band having played
the beautiful overture to Don Giovanni, the act drop
rose upon the first scene of Stirling Coyne's popular
extravaganza of "This house to let, enquire within."...

Some Salvation Army natives held a corroborree
at Mount Barker last. Saturday night. In their
wild state they would not have charged for
admission.

John Allan, of theatrical celebrity, pleaded
not guilty to an assault upon John Davis, of
the Sydney Hotel.
It appeared in evidence, that on the day of
the grand meetingl at the theatre, while Mr.
Worthy Worthington George Nichols was en-
lightening an audience of the British public
with the sublime and beautiful, a farce of an
equally amusing, though not quite so harmless
a description, was taking place in the back-
ground. Allan, the defendant, the man what
perform the savage'ruffian, and ferocious mur-
derer at the Queen's Theatre was giving a
lesson in private theatricals to the complaitant,
the said John Davis, who was standing in
the rear oï the platform. Allan commenced
by first informing him, that his rank not being
that of a gentleman, he was not entitled to be
on the stage. Davis not thoroughly under-
standing the argument, seeing so many of the
unwashed around him, replied he should not
move off. Allan, who, by the bye, has studied
the pugilistic art in the polite circles ot Europe,
then got hold of Davis round the neck, pin-
ning him with his left, and administering
divers blows with the right, on the cranium,
or frontis, and various other osées of the
defendant's person. This was the assault and
grievance complained of, and for which com-
plainant sought redress of the court.
The Magistrates then ordered the defendant
to be bound over in his own recognisance to
keep the peace for six months, and defray thè
costs of the present action.-Communicated.

Many of our friends at home, who may
have been startled by Mr. Horton James's
veracious assertion, that a person might
lose himself in the bush in the city oi
Adelaide, and sleep all niglit under a tree,
for want of a better roof, will be a little
surprized to see in the advertizing columns
of the Adelaide papers, a notice oi
the concert to be given on Wednesday,
next, by Messrs Platts & Bennett; and
will agree with us in thinking, that an
eveuiug may be much more agreeably passed
under the roof-tree of such really elegant
rooms as those of the Messrs. Solomon,
in listening to the strains of the masterspirits
of harmony of our own land, 'and to
the vocal melody of the our emigrant brethren,
than in endeavouring to repose under
the finest South Australian gum-tree,
listening to, and shrinking from, me monotonous
howling of the corrobories of our
sable brethren. Still more surprized will
they be, if they should happen to see the
handsome tinted " programmes" of the
music selected for the occasion, creditable
alike to the taste of our " masters of the
tuneful art," and to the neatness of the
" printer's hand " in South Australia. We
trust Messrs. Platts and Bennett will have
liberal encouragement to renew their
praiseworthy endeavours to provide elegant
and innocent amusement for the
evening hours of our lieges.

We perceive this Theatre
opens on Monday next, and are happy to see His
Excellency give his patronage to the Drama of
South Australia. Mr Lazar has conducted the
Queen's Theatre upon a level with many of the
Theatres in London, and the Governor's liberality
in supporting the humble [?] of thespis
deserves the highest praise. Mr Lazar's perse-
verance and talent have made him a universal
favourite, and we are certain his efforts to merit
the high patronage bestowed upon him will be
exerted to the utmost. A theatre is an instruct-
tive source of entertainment, for while it cheers a
dull and monotonous hour, it frequently conveys a
wholesome lesson to youth, by which their future
morals might be regulated, and when the drama
is conducted upon a respectable system, the most
fastidious need not blush to partake of the amuse-
ment it affords. As an example, we find Her
Majesty widely extending her patronage to the
drama, under whose gracious auspices it cannot
fail of success. Mr Lazar has selected as an
opening piece a pictorial drama entitled The
Curse of Mammon, in which Hogarth's celebrated
Marriage a-la-mode will be illustrated in living
characters. We understand the scenery and
dresses are of the most unique description, and
the play itself one of the most successful that has
been recently produced in London. for our-
selves, we wish Mr Lazar all the good forture his
spirited undertaking deserves, and we hope the
public will not be backward in patronising the
new lessee. A Dance by Miss Lazar, and a
laughable Farce called The Dancing Barber, con-
clude the first night's performance, [Communi-
cated.]

The season of this theatre is now drawing towards
a close, and the various artists connected with the
establishment seek to repay their exertions by
the usual means of benefits. Mr Lazar, the re-
spected manager, takes the first on Monday next;
and we must say, his indefatigable perseverance
in the cause of the drama in Adelaide has been
exerted to no common extent. Exclusive of the
difficulty of catering for public amusement, we
have noticed him in two or three pieces each
night, always at his post, and provided with a
fund of good humour. As an actor, too much
praise cannot be bestowed on him; as a manager,
the good taste of his selections and the creditable
arrangements of the theatre and the business of
the stage proves him to be a clover tactician.
The entertainments selected for Monday next,
exclusive of Mr L.'s own popularity, would attract
a crowded house. Mr Edwards and a gentleman
amateur, we observe, are to render their powerful
vocal assistance. We trust the public will not
be slow in testifying in a substantial manner its
approval of the conduct of Mr Lazar. The box
list, we hear, already exhibits a promising ap-
pearance.

By our theatrical advertisement of to-day, we
perceive this deserving young lady takes her
benefit on Monday next. The gentlemen amateurs
who have already appeared twice before the public
have very handsomely come forward to lend their
valuable services upon this occasion. The bill of
fare promises a splendid night's entertainment,
and we anticipate a bumper house. Miss Lazar
is an industrious and promising actress, and, as a
danseuse, she requires no comment from us, as
the public generally have testified their approba-
tion of her talent, in that department, upon every
occasion. Nell Gwynne is an amusing play, and
we have no doubt, from the cast, that it will be
admirably played. Mr Lazar's Largo at Factotum
is a treat at all times. Billy Taylor is a laugh-
able affair, and well adapted to Mr Lazar's rich
comic humour. Upon the whole, the selection is
decidedly one of the best of the season, Com-
municated.

THE THEATRE was re-opened on Monday for
one evening. The house was tolerably well filled,
and the acting good. We believe it is the intention
of the proprietor to open it again once or
twice a week.

QUEENS THEATRE.— We preceive this
Theatre has again opened, and in the precertaiuly
dull times it is certainly a relief to
the monotony of the town. On Monday
last three excellent Farces were produced
in each of which M. Lazar kept the house
in continued laughter ; the Groves of Blar-
rney introduced between the peices, is a
rich treat, and we trust Mr. L. will often
favor us with it. The Company selected
is very limited, but quite sufficient for the
style of pieces calculated to amuse an Audience.
the expenses are now considerably
curtailed and we hope, the Theatre will now
pay. The house is splendidly lighted
and has a very animated appearance, and
we trust the Public will appreciate the very
spirited zeal of the Proprietors.

We perceive by our ad-
vertisement of to-day that this Theatre opens for
one night prior to the regular season commen-
cing on Thursday next, when Mr Lazar under-
takes the arduous task of an At Home after the
manner of Matthews. We have every opinion of
Mr Lazar's versatility of talent, and therefore an-
ticipate a rich treat. This is something new in
this part of the world, and we have no doubt of
its drawing a crowded house. The programme
of the bill is very cleverly concocted and highly
amusing. The concluding part appears to be a
complete farce in itself, in which Mr Lazar per-
sonates all the characters. We wish him every
success. We regret to hear that Mrs Cameron
does not join the corps dramatique of the Queen's
Theatre next season. She is an excellent actress,
and we are surprised that, in the present
times, she and Mr Cameron should have refused
what we take to be a liberal salary of four
or five pounds a week. We sincerely trust Mrs
Cameron will think better of it, and not deprive
the public of the pleasure of seeing her in re-
spectible company. It is quite clear that the
attempt to re-open what has hitherto been but a
den of filth and debauchery, the Victoria Theatre,
will neither add to their wealth or their respecta-
bility. Mr Lazar, who has taken the Theatre
for the ensuing season, is making considerable
alterations and improvements both in the stage
and audience parts, and we hope that patronage
which has been so anxiously sought for will now
be extended to this splendid establishment. We
understand the whole of the company have very
generously consented to take smaller salaries
than they received last season, which liberality
the Manager will, no doubt, repay, in the event
of the speculation turning out advantageous.

Mr Lazar's Benefit
takes place on Monday next, and need we say
how much this gentleman deserves a bumper.
His industry and perseverance merit the
greatest praise, and we only regret that so
much talent should have received no more
patronage than has been exetended towards his
efforts since his connexion with theatricals in
this colony. We however trust his benefit on
Monday next will show that the public are not
unmindful of him, and will give him what he
so richly deserves — a crowded house. The
entertainments are well selected, and will, we
are certain, give universal satisfaction.—
[Communicated.]

On Monday last the
Theatre closed for the season, being for the
benefit of the proprietor, Mr Solomon; and
we are happy to state the house was crowded
on the occasion. We have repeatedly spoken
of the manner in which this theatre has been
conducted, reflecting the highest credit on the
proprietor and the management. Mr Lazar
has been certainly indefatigable, both as actor
and manager, providing for the audience a
fund of humour as the former, and of novelty
as the latter. On this evening The Exile
was reduced in a manner that astonished us—
surpassing even the splendour of the Jewess.
Could an audience have supposed they were in
a colony little more than four years established,
and at such a distance from London? The
scenery was picturesque, the dresser appropri-
ate, and the characters ably supported. The
processions were admirably arranged, and the
brass hand suddenly bursting on the audience
as they were seen proceeding through the
arch from a great extent of stage, had a most
imposing effect, and drew down immense ap-
plause. The Empress, on a beautiful white
horse, added to the spectacle, and the whole
appeared to give universal satisfaction. Mr
Lazar, as Daran, played with much feeling and
judgment, giving every sentence with great
correctness. Mrs Cameron, as Alexina, was
good, as were also Mr and Mrs Arabin and
Miss Lazar. The other characters are of little
importance to the piece, but, notwithstanding,
were well sustained. The Carnival Ball was
the concluding piece, and the last scene cer-
tainly was magnificent. The blaze of light
occasioned by the number of transparent lamps,
strongly reminded us of those scenes in Fairy
Land described in the Arabian Nights. In
fact, every thing that could possibly please the
eye appeared to have been studied for this
night. Previous to the certain rising for the
farce, Mr Lazar stepped forward, and was
received with an unanimous burst of applause
which continued for some time, and delivered
the following neat and appropriate address:—
"Ladies and Gentlemen—It has long been
the custom previously to the curtain finally
closing on the season, to address a few words
to the friends who assemble to bid us farewell
It is a painful yet pleasing task—painful, from
being a leave-taking of kind friends—pleasing,
because I am enabled to express gratitude for
favors past, and have to hope this separation is

not a final one As the opening of a theatrical
season brings with it hope, so the close as na-
turally produces regret. We met you only
six months ago with buoyant spirits, and we
now take our leave with unaffected sorrow.
In an infant colony like this, it cannot be sup-
posed possible that we can vie in splendour
and variety with the London theatres, but I
trust, Ladies and Gentlemen, the efforts we
have made to merit your approbation have
proved our willingness to consult your accom-
modation to the very utmost extent of our
ability. During our short campaign we have
had to thank your indulgence for the complete
success of every novelty we have presented.
The performers also wish to express their high
sense of the kindness you have shown them,
and I hope, Ladies and Gentlemen, it may not
be deemed intrusive if I take the liberty of
thanking each of them who have, by their
zeal, alacrity, and talent, carried with effect
every intention of the management. The re-
sult of the present season has not been so
beneficial to the proprietor as his spirited un-
dertaking merited, which, in a great measure,
may be attributed to the depressed state of the
colony, and not to the want of your kind
wishes; but we look forward with pleasing
anticipations to the next, and, aided by your
kind patronage, will be another proof added
to the many how little he has to fear the want
of success who advances anything like a
genuine claim to the liberality of a British
public, as every individual is served when
the general cause is supported. I feel my own
personal thanks are also due; accept them, I
beg, and with them my heartfelt prayers for
your happiness and my sincere wishes that we
may meet again; and I hope when I have the
honor of bidding you welcome at the next
meeting here, I may give this greeting to as
numerous and as elegant as audience as that
to which I now bid FAREWELL." This grate-
ful acknowledgment was loudly and enthusias-
tically applauded, and Mr Lazar retired amid
the continued cheering of the audience. Mr
L. has taken the theatre for the ensuing sea-
son, and we have no doubt he will be strongly
supported.

We are happy to see the
houses so rapidly improving at this very elegant
and commodious place of amusement, and we
have no doubt the proprietors will ultimately
reap the harvest they so richly merit. Novelty
seems the standing order, and each night the
public are treated with some interesting drama,
a dance from our Australian Taglioni, and a lively
farce. The Tower of Nerle was splendidly got
up on Monday last, and attracted a very fashion-
able audience; the principal character was ad-
mirably sustained by Mr Lazar, who was well
supported by Messrs Cameron, Arabin, and Mrs
Cameron. One Hour, or the Carnival Ball, has
been also produced in a superior style—the ball
room scene at once realizing all the splendour of
a Venetian carnival, the stage being a complete
body of illumination. We understand Captain
Sturt, and several other influential families in-
tend patronising the Theatre on Monday next,
and we have no doubt the entertainments of the
evening will be well selected by the indefatigable
manager, Mr Lazar. We must not forget, how-
ever, to mention the orderly manner in which
the Theatre is conducted, reflecting the highest
credit on those concerned—we have visited the
principal theatres in England, and never witnes-
sed a greater degree of order preserved than in
the Queen's Theatre.—[Communicated.]

Open during the present week, Monday, Thurs
day, Friday, and Saturday.
MESSRS LAZAR & COPPIN
BEG most respectfully to acquaint their friends
and the public generally, that the above
SPLENDID THEATRE,
Being now completed, will Open for the Season,.
THIS EVENING,
Monday, December 23rd.
With an Occasional ADDERSS to be spoken bv
MESSES LAZAR & COPPIN. .
It is unnecessary to dilate upon the vast outlay
expended upon this Establishment, to render it an
agreeable and commodious place of Public Amuse
ment, suffice it to say that every care and attention
has been paid to render it complete in every De
partment, and to conduce towards the comfort and
entertainment of the public.
THE DRESS CIRCLE
Is replete with every elegance and convenience, to
which are attached a
ladies' retiring room, and splendid
SALOON,
Where Refreshments may be obtained.
THE PIT
Is constructed upon the principle of the Princess's
Theatre, London, commanding a distinct view of
the Stage, and, for the purpose of maintaining pro
per order, an efficient Police will be in constant at
tendance.
THE GALLERY,
Capable of containing 400 persons, will be found
to possess every requisite for seeing and hearing.
The Stage Department,
(The most extensive in the Colonics), will be
brought into operation for the production of
GORGEOUS SPECTACLES,
As early as the Mechanical Arrangements arc com
pleted.
The Theatre will be lighted by
FIVE MAGNIFICENT CHANDELIERS,
Expressly imported from England. The Orna
mental and Decorative Designs are copied from the
most classical subjects, and executed by Mr E. A.
Opie, the whole forming a Tout Ensemble never
yet equalled in the Australian Colonies.
Engagements arc pending with some of the most
Established Favourites of Sydney, Melbourne, and
Hobart Town, who will shortly make their first ap
pearance in Adelaide.
THE ORCHESTRA
Will embrace the Leading Talent of the Colony,
viz.:—
Leader—Mr Andrew Moore,
Assisted by'
Mr S. W. AVallacc, Hcrr Mater, Herr Ziegler, Mr
Harwood, Sir Lawrence, Ilerr Ilcunerbein, Herr
Kierdel, and Mr Chapman.
The Performances will commence with a Musical
Extravaganza, entitled
THIS HOUSE TO BE SOLD,
(The property of the late William Shakespeare).
INQUIRE WITHIN.
I To be preceded by Mozart's Overture to Don
Giovanni.
For Characters see Bills of the Day.
IN THE COURSE OF THE EXTRAVAGANZA
WILL BE SUNG—
" I'm a Gent, I'm a Gent" Chopkin?.
Song—" OIc Will Sat at Covcnt Garden Gate" ..
Othello.
Trio—" Who's dat knocking at dc Door".. Othello,
Desdemona, and Chopkins.
Chorus of Characters—" Round, around, around,
about,"
The last scene will represent a Grand Tableau of
Shakespearean Characters surrounding the Im
mortal Bard, the Spirit of Poetry poised in the
air, placing a Crown of Laurel on his brow.
SONG MR. C. WALSII.
Niggkiz Bai.j.ad—"Carry me back to Ole Vir
ginity"—(Bones and Tambourine Accompani
ment) . .Julius C«sar Squash.
In the course of the evening, the Band will play
Several New Folhas, Waltzes, $-e.
To conclude with the Musical Farce in two acts, of
Dove Laughs at Locksmiths.
To be preceded by Auber's Overture to Massaniello.
GST The Entrance to the Dress Circle will be
from Gilles' Arcade ; the Pit and Gallery from
Weymouth-street. Doors open at half-past 7,
commence at 8 precisely. Dress Circle, 4s. Pit,
2s, Gallery, Is. Half-price at to 10. Dress
Circle, 2s Gd. Pit, I s. No half-price to the Gal
Icrv.
N.B.—A Box Keeper will be in attendance at
the Theatre daily, from 11 to 4. Six Private Boxes
have been added to the Dress Circle, which may be
engaged Nightly, or for the Season, upon applica
tion to Mr Lazar, Temple Tavern, or Mr G. Cop
pin, Royal Exchange. Season Tickets may also
be had, single or for parties, upon application as
above.
All Accounts against the Theatre, to be for
warded every Saturday for payment from eleven
until one.

Last evening the lovers of dramatic representation were
gratified to their hearts' content, by witnessing the per-
formances of their old favourite, Coppin, who fully sustained
his former reputation by his clever personification of Mr.
Leeson, in the comedy or ' Time Tries All,' and of Grim-
shaw, in the farce of 'Grirashaw, Bagshaw, and Brad-
shaw.'
The hits in ' Billy Barlow ' were as clever as usual, and
exceedingly well- sustained. ' Billy Barlow ' had realised
the truth which has become patent to so many of our
fellow-colonists, that ' all is not gold that glitters,' and
'Billy' wisely resolves for the future to abandon the
diggings, to stick to South Australia, and trust to the
Escort, composed, as he says —
' Of good men and true
' All made of the same stuff as
'Billy Barlow,'
and with a glance of self-complacency at his care over the
grass widows, and a happy hit which drew roars of applause
from the galleries, that the swells carried their pretensions
rather humbly at the diggings, ' Billy Barlow' concluded
one of the most successful and happy pieces of humour
we have heard him deliver.
An old favourite, Mrs. Cameron, sustained her part well.
The orchestra was small but, led by Mr. Lee, was quite
effective, and the evening passed off most agreeably and
orderly.

I cannot allow this, which will be my last oppor-
tunity to pass without acknowledging the many favours
received at the hands of the South Australian Public. A
residence of six years has not only attached me to the
Colony, but to many true and sincere friends, whose
assistance in the hour of need, end gratuitous offers for the
future, have materially increased the reluctance and pain I
feel in saying Farewell.
Trusting Dame Fortune may place it in my power to
make my absence of temporary duration, and that I shall
continue to deserve and enjoy the good opinion of my
friends and the public generally, with sincere wishes for
the prosperity of the Colony and its Inhabitants,
I am, Liberal Public, your obliged and grateful Servant,
GEORGE COPPIN.

MESSRS. LAZAR & COPPIN, in laying the
following statement before the public, regret that
their exertions in providing a rational entertainment have
met with so bad a return. Nothing on their parts has been
wanting to secure the talent, not only of this, bat of the
sister colonies, and to produce such entertainments as those
who have patronised the Theatre acknowledge to be highly
gratifying. Notwithstanding this the losses have been so
great as to leave no other alternative than CLOSING the
THEATRE after the next TWELVE NIGHTS' PER
FORMANCES, when Messrs. LAZAR & COPPIN will
then take their
FINAL LEAVE OF THE STAGE.
' Adelaide, October 8th, 1851.
' Mr. Emanuel Solomon,
' Dear Sir — We regret exceedingly that, from the want
of that patronage we were induced to expect would be ex
tended to the Theatre, we are compelled very reluctantly to
inform you of the utter impossibility of our being longer
able to support it. We, therefore, rely upon your acknow
ledged liberality to relieve us from the fulfilment of the
terms of our lease.
We have only to assure you that nothing but the very
severe losses we have sustained, amounting to more than
£800, would induce us to make this application.
' We, at the same time, can only regret that the large
outlay which you have made upon the Theatre has not met
with that liberal response from the public which the spirited
speculation deserves.
' We are, Sir, your obedient servants,
LAZAR & COPPIN.

' Gentlemen — I am in receipt of yours of this day's date,
and am very sorry to find that you cannot make the Theatre
sufficiently remunerative to continue it. I was induced by
and at the request of a number of influential families in
Adelaide to refit the Theatre at an expense of upwards of
£2,000, fullv believing that when a place of public enter
tainment, elegantly fitted up and properly conducted, was
established, the patronage of the public would have been
extended towards it. I regret, however, that for your sake
and my own, such has not been the case.
' I shall feel myself bound to accede to your request, and
at the same time you can, before giving up the Theatre,
have it for twelve nights rent free, to retrieve a portion of
your loss.
' Yours truly,
'E. SOLOMON.
'Adelaide, 8th October, 1851.

 Messrs. Lazar and Coppin.'
Messrs. LAZAR & COPPIN cannot close this correspon
dence without thus publicly returning thanks to Mr.
Emanuel Solomon for the very ready and uncompromising
manner he has acceded to their request, and at the same
time call upoa the public to extend their patronage and
support to the
LIMITED NUMBER OF NIGHTS ADVERTISED.

PUBLIC NOTICE.
IN compliance with the request of several influ
ential Families and Patrons of the Theatre,
who have expressed a wish that a number of Shares
should be issued, in order to secure a respectable
and Bnmerous attendance, the Proprietors beg to
put forth the following liberal scheme to ensure the
same :—
The price of Shares will be 5/ each, payable in
advance, which will entitle the holder to a ficee
admission to the Victoria Theatre (commencing
from the re-opening) for the twelve months. A

balence sheet of the affairs of the Theatre to be struck
every three months, and the profits to be equally
divided. Shareholders are guaranteed from loss
or responsibility, and will not be called upon to pay
anything above the £5 per Share. Not more than
fire Shares will be issued to any one person,
any part of which may be re-sold, but will not be
transferable after the name of the holder is entered
on the Free List of the Theatre.
Early application required, as the numbers aro
limited.
N.B.—The above Shares will not extend to Bene
fit Nights.

he trouble developed
during: the last few min-
utes of the final Mel
bourne performance of
"Cinderella" when Trin-
der interpolated an ad
lib sequence.
Trinder recalled several
chorus girls who were
leaving the stage during
the final scene. He lined
them up and marched
them around the stage
in military drill fashion.
The show ended, the
curtain carne down, and
the audience applauded
wildly, expecting curtain
calls.
After two or three
minutes Jim Gerald,
comedian, came through
the curtains and made
a short speech. Gerald
then left the stage, and
several more minutes
elapsed while the audience
called for Trinder.
Trinder finally came
on stage, pale and agi-
tated, and apologised lo
the audience for having
kept them waiting. He
explained that he had
been having a discussion
with Mr. Martin back-
stage.
Trinder then called
through the curtains to
Mr. Martin, who carne
through to the front of
the stage. Mr. Martin
made a short speech,
praising Trinder and ex-
pressing hopes for the
success of the comedian's
New Zealand tour.
"Tell them!"
Trinder, almost in
tears, then turned to Mr.
Martin and shouted:
"Now tell them what
you said in front of
everyone backstage -
that I am a disgrace lo
show business and can
go back to England on
Monday."
Turning to the
audience, Trinder then
announced: "I've been
sacked."
A section of the
audience laughed, taking
the announcement as a
joke, but the whole of the
house soon afterward
i realised that the comedian
was serious.
Trinder briefly fare- »
welled the hushed
audience; then retreated
through the curtains,
leaving Martin, flushed
and embarrassed, alone.,
on the stage. . .*''
The orchestra then
began to play, and Mr.
Martin left the stage as
the shocked audience
began to'drift out of the
theatre.
A crowd waited until
about 12.30 a.m. at the
stage door for Trinder,
but he remained in the
theatre, still wearing
make-up and a dressing
gown, to talk with mem-
bers of the company.
"Sacked"
Interviewed in his
dressing-room about 1
a.m., Trinder said: "I
don't know where I stand.
All I know is that I was
sacked last night.
"My bit of tomfoolery
on the stage was harm-
less, and the customers
loved it. Everyone knows
that ad-libbing is my
stock-in-trade.
"My contract with the
Tivoli was only a verbal
' one, and if Mr. Martin
wants lo put me on a
new contract he can
come and sec me."
Mr. Martin, inter-
viewed a few minutes
later in his office at the
ft ont of the theatre,
said: "Some artists arc
very temperamental. I
believe Tommy was defi-
nitely wrong in what he
did last night. Perhaps
I was a little undiplo-
matic in my handling of
the situalion.
"Tommy has been
drawing £1,250 a week.
Settled
Trinder, told of this
proposal, said: "This is
ridiculous. He can see
me here or at my flat."
Trinder announced
shortly after midday yes-
terday that the dispute
was settled. He said:
"Mr. Martin and I had
a long discussion in my
drchsing-room until about
4 a.m. and cleared up the
whole unpleasant busi-
ness.
        

SYDNEY THEATRICAL INTELLIGENCE

[FROM A CORRESPONDENT]

On Saturday evening last, Capt. Piper and many of his friends visited the Theatre. The "haut ton" mustered pretty strong in the Dress Circle. The performance commenced with the "Lear of Private Life." Mr. Simmons's personification of the fond, doting and ultimately maniac Father, was excellent, as well as Mrs. Taylor's exquisite performance of the tender dutiful confiding artless daughter, who relying on the promises of " Alvanley" consequently brings herself to ruin and goads her parent on to madness. in her departure from " Alvanley" and the scene which arises in the forest where she recognizes her father, her acting was truly effective; as was that of Mr. S. - Ample applause was the reward of their exertions. From the intense feeling she exhibits in this line of the drama, which may be termed the Tragedy of Domestic life, we should recommend to the manager's notice, Annetta, Victorine, The Sergeant's wife. Mrs. Jones was the Merriel and was a poor substitute for Miss Winstanley who originally played it here. It is a matter of regret to find that young lady absent from the establishment; for with all its dramatic strength, it requires more females- from the improvement she had lately shown and from her capital performance of Mrs. Tucker, Norna, and some other little characters she was rising in public favour. Grove's "Alvanley" may be rated as his best character, the other characters are all so trifling that the actors could not well acquit themselves better or worse than they did. A" Day after Wedding" closed the performance. There arose many ludicrous points about this little piece, that it cannot but excite laughter, and it did so abundantly, but did it give general satisfaction? We will pass over it in silence - it was wrong cast. Mrs Chester introduced three songs and was very happy in "Should he upbraid." It is impossible to observe the spirit which prevails on the Sydney Stage to produce horrible and terrific melo-dramas, instead of those fine, true, mirth inspiring and moral pictures which Mr. Centlives, Faraquhar, Morton, Reynolds, Colman, Sheridan have spread before us to make us ashamed of our follies but not of our species, We are now almost continually presented with odious and appalling dramas, which tho' calculated powerfully to disturb the wellspring of our emotions, have any thing but a pleasing or beneficial effect on the heart. Being profoundly impressed with a veneration for the drama and still more so for the moral lesson it ought to convey, we cannot behold with indifference our stage transformed into an exhibition of crimes which are beyond human imagination. The production of "Father and Son" last night causes these remarks, it being a tissue of improbabilities at the same time the heart shudders to behold a parent committing crimes, with the knowledge of his children, merely to cover his former sins and aggrandize his face. Instead of time being spent in such productions, something better might be substituted, which would tend to cultivate a correct and judicious taste for the drama. We do not advise the old plays indiscriminatingly, but a careful observer could select such as would suit the present stage. We understand Miss Winstanley's absence is caused by some disarrangement with the manager respecting her salary. This of course the public have nothing to do with. It is to be hoped however that her absence will not be long.

By THE CHIEL
Handicapped by conditions without
parallel in the history of the stage
in Melbourne, owing to the dispute
with the Actors' Equity (see page
3), the musical play "Viktoria and
Her Hussar" was presented at His
Majesty's Theatre on Saturday night.
Although members of the equity re-
frained from demonstrating either
inside or outside the theatre, ab-
sence of the chorus imposed a heavy
strain on the principals.
It was a courageous gesture on the
part of the cast to undergo the or-
deal m the circumstances; that they
carried the show through success-
fully was a still higher tribute to
their courage. Wherever the merits
of the dispute may lie, there was no
doubt as to the feelings and sympa-
thies of the audience. The keynote
was struck before the curtain rose
by the prolonged applause that
greeted the appearance of Mr Claude
Flemming in one of the boxes.
The music by Paul Abraham pro-
vides some pleasing and well-remem-
bered numbers. Chief among these
are "Sweet Love's Dream" and
"Petals of the Plum," in both of
which Gladys Moncrieff, as Viktoria,
scored heavily. Fred Murray as Count
Ferry Hegedus, and Miriam Lester as'
O Lia San made a notable success of
their infectious and hilarious duet
"Mousie." Herbert Browne's "One
Girl Only ni the World For Me" was
another highlight.

The Manager of the Theatre has been so ill
advised as to commence an action for damages
against the Proprietor of this paper for libel,
founded upon articles which have recently ap-
peared in our columns, denouncing the gross im-
moralities, obscene allusions, impertinent and
foul interpolations which have been introduced by
Mr Lazar into the performances ot late. If tried
by a jury of Light-square ladies, it is possible the
verdict might be against us; but that twelve citi-
zens (husbands, fathers, or brothers) can be found
to resist the complete justification which we shall
put upon the record is out of the question.

THE DRAMA.

"Eloped!- she- she eloped! Then are the angels false"

Lear-Act 1st. sc. 5.

This touching piece, "The Lear of

Private Life," was played on Thursday

night last to a well and respectably filled

house. For pathos, incident, and moral,

this is unquestionably the best dramatic

production of Moncrieff's, voluminous a

stage writer as he is, and ingeniously as

he has dramatized "Eugene Aram,"

"Monsieur Tonsou," and several more.

It represents a father slung to  madness

by the seduction of his only child- her

consequent suffering and his own-her

final return to virtue, and his his to rea-

son. The piece abounds in touching

scenes, which, above once, draw the tears

from many of the audience. Mr. Sim-

mons personated Fitzurdine capitally;

Mrs. Taylor rather failed in the placid

plaintive character of Agnes, but did the

character much justice notwithstanding;

in the harp scene her voice was particu-

larly sweet and thrilling. The other parts

were well sustained. The after-piece,

'The Warlock of the Glen," was ex-

ceedingly well performed. Mr. Mackie

played Andrew; Mr. Knowles the War-

lock; Miss Winstanley played Adela

better than any character we have seen

her in yet. The house opens again to-

night.

To the Editors of the South Australian Register.
I am, Gentlemen,
Yours, &c.
A TOWNSMAN.
GENTLEMEN —Not long ago, I saw in the
Gazette a notice to the effect that the police and
park-keepers were to consider it their duty to
prevent as far as possible the natives from cutting
wood on that portion of the park lands lying be-
tween North and South Adelaide.
After this notice, I was rather surprised the
other morning to see a whole body of natives
hewing and cutting away at the fine trees nearly
opposite Government House; and not only this,
but one fine tree was set on fire and continued
burning during the whole day and succeeding
night.
Now, it is to me, and must be I think to every
citizen of Adelaide, a matter of regret to see the
only part of the park lands on which the trees
have been preserved, and the only part which can
now be converted into a pleasure ground, thus
left for the natives to do as they please with.
In a year or two, when our minicipal autho-
rities shall have been fairly established, and our
colonists have a little more leisure for recreation,
this might be converted into a pleasure ground
with very little trouble or expense, but if the
natives are allowed to cut down or deface the
finest trees, fifty years will not repair the damage.
Besides, I cannot for my own part see what right
the natives have to the park lands any more than
the settlers. If the natives are to have the use of
public property, they may as well claim the use
of private. Not that I wish to see them driven
off the park lands; but the Protector tells us how
well they are advancing towards civilization, and
that they have built houses for themselves,—why
then do they not reside in them, and have wood
supplied to them for fires, which would be a very
trifling expence? I think they would be much
more comfortable in their houses, and it would
be a better proof of their improvement than all the
statements the Protector can make.
Again, where is the use of appropriating land
for them in country districts, if they are to be
allowed to loiter about our park lands doing
nothing but mischief?
I trust the attention of His Excellency the
Governor will be directed to this subject, and I
am certain he would apply a remedy without
delay.
[The above letter refers to a subject we have
often had it in contemplation to bring under
public notice. It is impossible for our readers
who do not reside in North Adelaide to form
any idea not only of the wholesale destruction
of the finest trees of the park which the natives
are committing with absolute impunity, but of
the nuisance of their beastly corrobories, the
noise of which is so frequently carried far into
the night. Surely it were desirable for the
Protector to take some order on these points.
Could they not, at least, be persuaded to cele-
brate their discordant orgies at some greater
distance from town ?—EDITORS.]

On Tuesday night the Government Resident
entertained the commanders and officers of the
Tauranga and Penguin by providing a native
corrobboree, which was held on the esplanade
opposite to the residence. This exhibition was
followed by a dance, at which a large number
of residents were present

The new theatre royal – concerning which small talk has long been busy – was opened last night under the management of Messers Harwood, Stewart, Hennings and Coppin. The pit, stalls and dress circle were crowded to suffocation. The galleries were not so well filled.

We have already given particulars of the construction and decoration of the theatre, and it only remains to describe the effect which the decorations and furniture produced when viewed by gaslight. The dress circle is furnished (by Messers Cohen Brothers, of Lonsdale street, who are the contractors for the upholstery) in red damask, the effect of which is to our thinking somewhat sombre. The stalls are supplied with cane seats, with arm divisions of kauri pine for each person; and in both parts of the house attention has been paid to the comfort of the audience. The panelling and painting is rich and tasteful. The liberality of lighting and the multiplication of chandeliers gave to the auditorium a most brilliant appearance and when the first notes of “God save the Queen” drew the immense house to its feet, the scene was a remarkable and exciting one. The same fault which was so marked in the old Royal – the extent to which the upper boxes overhung the dress circle – has, however, not been omitted to be reproduced. The acoustic properties of the house are good, its appearance elegant and airy, while the marked improvements in stage accommodation and increased facilities for exit and entrance render it a theatre second in convenience to none of its size in Europe.

The singing of the national anthem completed, Mr Hennings new drop-scene was exhibited. The subject chosen is a view of a lake and mountains. It is impossible for Mr Hennings to paint anything which is not artistic, but in this instance we can but agree with Goldsmith’s admirer of Pietro Perugino and say that “the picture would have been much better had the artist taken more pains.” It is barely finished, and bears marks of great haste. The painting is not worthy of the first theatre in the colonies. This complaint of hastiness may be made indeed with reference not only to the other parts of the building but to the performance which initiated the season. The bars, café, and lounge are in a condition of bricks mortar and mud which his utterly abominable, and the bill of fare set before the audience was of the most meagre kind. Mr Coppin has given his reasons for the non appearance of a company in his speech, and doubtless to him they are all sufficient, but there was no necessity to open the theatre at all until it was completely finished, and furnished with actors. Mr Coppin has a good stock comedy company in Adelaide; if he could not get them back in time to open his theatre, he might have accepted the results of his arrived. “To Oblige Benson” and “Milky White” are good pieces enough, and were very defective arrangements, and waited until they well played, but we maintain that there are not the sort of plays to produce upon the opening night of the leading theatre in Australia, and we regret that the tradesman-like consideration of the pocketing of a few hundred pounds during the race week should have induced the management to thrust second rate pieces upon the boards of an unfinished theatre.

The opening address was written by Dr Neild and spoken by Mrs Collins, late Miss Docy Stewart, who has returned to the stage where she made so many friends. It is as follows:-

It seems indeed but as the other day,

That here a heap of smoking ashes lay, 

O’erhung by blackened walls that high appeared

Their ruined length, like ramparts lightning-seared

It was, in truth, a very tristeful scene

Nought left but memories of what had been;

Mind-thronging memories of things long sped,

Of those in other lands, and of those dead!

A lengthened pageant passed before the eye

Through that black void, all open to the sky

And it was hard indeed to vanquish tears

To think that of the glories of gone years

The ruthless fire no monument had left,

But into devastation all had swept.

The boards that Brooke so oft had trod were gone

Those on which Rogers in his best days shone

On which, too, we were wont, erewhile to see

The ideal Hamlet in Montgomery

Where Jefferson his perfect skill displayed

And fine old Alberts last farewell was made

Where, later, Mathews with consummate art

Seemed all he played, yet seemed to play no part;

Where hosts of others, not unknown to fame

Had left a more or less enduring name –

Gone was the place – scene of their glories all –

Spent like a fleeting day dream, past recall

But yet, though dismal ruin sat and frowned

On smouldering beams, still sacred was the ground;

Although the temple to the earth was cast

Its history stood still grandly in the past

So long the drama’s home had flourished here

‘Twere profanation other pile to rear

Destructions hand had crushed to dust the lane

What then remained? Why – build it up again

Hence active brain, with busy hand combined

(Alliance potent, muscle wed with mind)

Resolved this drama’s temple to restore

A fairer building that it was before

And in short spaces as if by wizards will

The structure ’gan the dreary void to fill

Soon there was seen a goodly house well planned

Worthy of the foremost southern land

And of the drama worthy too, we trust

Albeit they say the drama ‘s in the dust.

But that’s a slander, and we hope to show

Not yet it hath received its mortal blow

But this in passing. Nathless be it said

If now the drama be in truth quite dead

Faded and withered never more to bloom

That we have built for it a fitting tomb

But will I not believe that so’t must be

Not ended yet the drama’s history

So long as passion stirs the human breast

And the soul hath its tumult and its rest;

So long as men in life’s hard battle fight

And wrong for victory contends with right

So long a loves great lever moves mankind

So long the drama, worshippers shall find

And when the last man utters his last sigh

Then but not till then will the drama die

Tis nothing that it changes oft its mood

That all the muses in their turn t’as wooed.

That mad burlesque hat sometimes favoured been

And art been hidden by sensation scene –

These are but shadow phases and the light

Will come again, as it of erst was bright

Bit howsoe’er, or whosoever it be

Burlesque, sensation, or pure comedy

Tragedy, farce, or aught of all the rest

We here will strive to please you with our best

I speak for all my friends, I who awhile

Here basked in the sunshine of your smile

Grateful I come for many favours past

And the first part of which you find me cast

Is this, the pleasantest of many a part

To bid you welcome from my inmost heart

Take then my greeting, warm as words can make

And I your pleasant greeting back will take

For tis a night of greetings, as’t might be

In a long separated family

Our house is built again, let us rejoice

With one united and outspeaking voice

And as the roof tree rattles with our cheers

Lets wish’t may last at least a thousand years.

The applause was frequent, and Miss Stewart – as she still chooses to be termed – may feel proud of the hearty and appreciative cheering which greeted her appearance. After the first-piece, in which Mr Coppin, as Trotter Southdown was as amusing as of yore, occurred the event of the evening – the managerial speech. We print it verbatim:-

“Ladies and Gentlemen – it is usual at the commencement of a dramatic season to announce coming events. I will not do so upon the present occasion, because I am much in the dark in reference to the future managerial policy of the theatre as any sleeping partner in the depths of somnolence can possibly be. The next mail steamer brings Mr Harwood, who will, I have no doubt, give a very satisfactory account of his search for novelties and talent in the old country. As I cannot enlighten you as to the is to be’s I will make a few remarks about the has beens and the is-s-s-s. You are no doubt aware that I was burnt out of the Theatre Royal. You may have heard that my positive losses exceeded £5,000. In fact, if the stock of old scenery and machinery destroyed were valued in proportion to the cost of the new, my losses would exceed £7,000. You can all understand that the disastrous event was neither agreeable nor convenient. The ashes of the old Royal were undisturbed for months. The property was advertised for sale, or to let. Appeals were made in the newspapers to the enterprise and public spirit of our wealthy colonists to restore the legitimate home for the drama, but without a response. As no one else would face the breach, I came to the fore again, and leased the ground for 99 years, through the negotiations of Mr. Auctioneer Knipe. I selected my architect, had plans prepared, and accepted tenders for the building. I negotiated for insurance in England, and let the theatre for five years to Harrow and Co. Now, many persons would say – why didn’t Coppin float the Theatre Royal Proprietary Association before making himself liable for £20,000 because we all know that he hadn’t the money to carry it out? He couldn’t say – Alone I did it. I’ll tell you:- I am a member of one or two excellent associations that are perfectly dormant at the present time, in consequence of the inaction and want of sympathy on the part of some of the directors and the secretary. There are many persons in this world that either cannot or will not do anything themselves, but constantly oppose the exertions of others that are willing and competent to undertake the responsibility of guaranteeing success. With this mortifying experience I arrived at the conclusion that when you wish to carry out any undertaking, the safest way is to keep the power within yourself until the arrangements are so far advanced that they cannot be altered. After entering into all my engagements, I then issued a prospectus for the formation of a company to carry them out. The shares were disposed of by Mr J P Macdonald. My plans have been most literally endorsed by the directors, who – whilst protecting the interests of the shareholders, have not neglected the comfort of the public – and the result of this little bit of management is the magnificent building you now occupy, which I think ought to satisfy the demands even of those gentlemen which were liberal enough to dictate the expenditure of other people’s money by building theatres in the air through the newspapers. I cannot too highly praise the talent and energy displayed by my architect, Mr George Brown. His heart was evidently in his work and the result must elevate him greatly in public estimation. The services of Mr Powell have been most valuable as clerk of works, from the experience he gained in his connexion with building, the old Royal and Haymarket Theatres. The contractors, messers Hood and Brown, have carried out their works in a substantial and tradesman like manner. I cannot now enumerate every person that is entitled to honourable mention – from Mr Hennings down to the most humble labourer employed there has been a general desire to make the theatre a success – to each and all I tender now my thanks. I need not tell you that we are in an unfinished state. It would be a pity to spoil the Brussels carpets by placing them upon the floors whilst the plasterers are at work. I should therefore advise you to come every night to notice the gradual improvements until we arrive at completion. I have no doubt that some amount of disappointment exists (in which I heartily join) at the non-appearance of the ladies and gentlemen intended to open the theatre. The fact is that a great portion of the company is under written engagement ‘to open the Theatre Royal on or about the 7th of November. You see I calculated my opening night very closely some months ago. Without thought, engagements were afterwards made for a three months season in Adelaide, and when noticed to appear this evening, they found themselves in the awkward position of having to break one of their engagements. Managerial pressure, through the violation of a distinct understanding, compelled them to remain in Adelaide until the 19th of November, and we had to form another company not a very easy task with two other theatres open in Melbourne. The fortunate arrival of Miss Rose Evans placed novelty and talent at our disposal, and tomorrow evening I thoroughly anticipate one of those great successes for which the old Royal was so celebrated. And now, ladies and gentlemen, permit me to thank you most sincerely for your attendance here this evening. Although I shall not take any active part in the management of the theatre, I shall occasionally pop in, and hope I don’t intrude. On behalf of Harwood and Co, I can assure you that every exertion will be made to insure the liberal patronage and support that they had the good fortune to enjoy during their former years of management.”

Mr Coppin was much applauded at the conclusion of this effort, and Mr Brown, the architect, was also summoned by the audience to receive their compliments.

The comedy-drama, “Milky White” concluded the entertainments. It was received with great marks of favour, and it merited them. Mr Coppin never played the misanthropical cow keeper better. Mrs Crosbie made an excellent Mrs Sadrip, and Miss Maggie Stewart may be congratulated on the acquisition of some little sprightliness during her recent absence from the boards. Mr Munro and Mr Collier would seem to claim some notice, but beyond stating that they, Mr Stewart, Miss Douglass, and little Miss Nellie Stewart appeared in the course of the evening, the insignificance of the parts enacted by them renders criticism needless. For the same reason we refrain from commenting upon the acting of Miss Docy Stewart. She sustained the small part of Mrs Trotter Southdown with the ease of experience. Miss Stewart is a capable and painstaking actress, and we are glad to see her again upon the boards.

This evening Miss Rose Evans will appear in a drama called “quite alone,” dramatized, we understand, by herself, from “Jane Eyre”.

THE ABORIGINALS.—We have had a good,
sprinkling of blackfellows and their lubras
amongst us for the last week or so. On
Saturday Mr. Coles kindly sold them a few
opossum rugs—thus making them acquainted
with some of the advantages of this species of
sale, as their rugs fetched on an average 15/ to
16/ each. In the evening these sable visitors
held a corroboree in the yard of the Sir John
Franklin Hotel, at which there was a large
gathering of spectators..

THIS theatre was opened on Monday evening;
The play was Othello. Previous to the commencement
of the piece the national anthem was
sung by the whole of the company, at the con-
clusion of which Mr Arabin, of the Sydney
theatre, stepped forward and delivered the fol
lowing opening address:—

Ladies and Gentlemen—This little box
To-night an adventurer unlocks;
Nor opes it vainly—for this light presents
A graceful exhibition of contents.
SOLOMON said, " Urge to our friends my plea"—
" I Urge !" said I-"bless you, they'll laugh at me;
Yet, if you wish it, be my efforts tried,
Your cause my spur—their service all my pride."
The bow of gratitude before you made—
Having this smiling generous range surveyed—
Care has been his this labor to complete,
Which makes magnificence and comfort meet—
Anxious that multitudes may sit at ease,
And scantier numbers in no desert freeze—
That ample space may mark the liberal plan,
But never strain the eyes or ears of man.
Look round and judge. His efforts are all waste
Unless you stamp them as a work of taste.
He pleads for favor, only if his due,
He pleads for justice, and he pleads to you [applause].
So much for visual sense.—What follows next
Is chiefly on the histrionic text—
And our adventurer has toiled to store
His list of favorites with some favorites more.
The universal cry is--- Something new;
And to obey this call we trust to-night
Some pleasing novelties may greet your right [applause].
New is the house—these boards too—this & certain— -
New are the dresses—new the scenes and curtain—
New also are our hopes, in this new cause,
That we may meet and merit your applause—
Rich the repast, and may we trust ensure
The custom of the scenic epicure.
"What our pretence ? What all the world pursues—
To please for praise—for profit to amuse.
I don't despair—your looks imply no danger,
And John Bull ever patronised the stranger [applause].
E'en I, although amongst the last and least,
May pass, perhaps, as garnish to the feast.
We hope to please, &ad as we're dull or clever
You patronise or damn the same as ever!
And tee, who long tost on dramatic seas,
The sport, alas! of many a shifting breeze.
Have still contrived our shattered bark to steer,
Now furl our sails and drop our anchor here,
Happy indeed if, all our labors past,
A friendly harbour we have found at last [applause].

The theatre was well filled in every part—the
dress circle particularly was crowded with the
'beauty and fashion' of Adelaide. Hie house is very
comfortably arranged and elegantly fitted up, the
decorations altogether reflecting great credit on
the abilities and taste of the artist—Mr Opie we
believe.
It would at present be premature to speak of
the general merits or demerits of the company, or
of any particular member of it, this being the
first opportunity we have had of seeing them
perform. Two or three of them only have we
seen before—the remainder are entire strangers.
Mr Lazar's Othello was upon the whole
good. At times his utterance was too rapid, and
consequently rather indistinct; and once or twice
he gave more scope to his voice than was necessary;
but taking the part as a whole, it was very
creditably gone throngh, and drew from the audience
repeated expressions of applause. Mr
Arabin, as logo, decidedly sustained his character
better than any one on the stage; lie indeed
played the plausible and Wily villain to the life.
Mr Allan, who played Roderigo, appeared to be
quite out of his line, and endeavoured to amuse
the audience at the expence of the tragedy. In
the afterpiece he seemed more in bis element
Mrs Cameron was well received by the audience,
and promises to take the lead among the female part
of the company. Mrs Arabin too, we.doubt not
is a very useful actress, and seems almost equally
at home in comedy and tragedy. We must not
omit to mention Miss Lazar's dancing, which no-
one present could help admiring. Of the other
performers we cannot' speak till we" bave fartber
opportunities of seeing them.
Mr Solomon-has certainly shown great public
spirit in erecting such a building as the Queen's
Theatre—a building which equals in every respect,
most of the English provincial and second-
rate London Theatres—and we trust he will not
be a loser by his speculation

The members of
the Masonic Craft patronised the Theatre on
Tuesday evening last, for the benefit of the
Infirmary; the whole of the proceeds over and
above the expences going to that institution,
which accordingly drew a very full house. The
pieces produced were Shakespere's Taming of the
Shrew, the Crown Prince, and The Turned
Head. We have not space to notice the per-
formers particularly, but the universal ap-
plause sufficiently testified the satisfaction of the
audience.

On Thursday evening
the second amateur performance took place to a
respectable audience. The dress circle was
crowded. The comedy or farce of the Heir at
Law, followed by the Merry Monarch, constituted
the entertainments of the evening. It would be
impossible to criticise minutely the acting of the
different gentlemen who have so good-humouredly
taken so much pains and gone to such expense to
amuse the public. But we may safely say, that
batling those unavoidable defects which only "stage
practice" can remove, their preformances were
creditable, and in many scenes effective. We
are glad to notice an improvement in the orchestral
department. A portion of the overture to Zamna,
in particular, was played with brilliancy and spirit.
It would be desirable, however, that some more
moderation should be observed in the accompani-
ments. Mr Charles Campbell's amusing song was
actually drowned by the noisy fiddling. The fol-
lowing Prologue, written by Mr Mann for the
occasion, was spoken by Mr Hamilton:—
In good Queen Ross's days, as legents tell,
England from every nation bore the bell.
Sage in her councils, foremost in the fight,
The haughty Spaniard quailed before her might
O'er the Pacific's wave of liquid gold.
Full on the breeze the red cross banner roll'd;
And where the storm tost billows fret, and foam
On Albion's cliffs, her navies found a home.
Council and battle past, in hall and bower}
Noble and peasant hailed the festive hour,}
And iron manhood bent to woman's power:}
Valour and beauty graced the gorgeous scene,
And lent a glory to the Tudor Queen.
'Twas tehn the drama rose—and Shakspere's name
Hallowed the age with an immortal's fame.
Each passion language found, and humorous thought,
And sparkling wit, their ready tribute brought
With sceptre'd pomp the tragic muse swept by.
And mirth and laughter crown'd our comedy.
That age has past—but still its works remain
To grace the triumphs of Victoria's reign.
Our ships and sailors still are hearts of oak—
Still the vexed ocean bears Britannia's yoke.
Still are our soldiers foremost in the war }
Witness Barrossa witness Trafalgar }
Our Nelson's glorious death, and Douro's ducal star. }
Has beauty lost its power? Nay, sceptic, gaze,
If gaze thou can'st, on yonder living blaze.
Be like the eagle, face that sunny ray
Or with the Persian, bend and own its sway.
No sceptics we dear woman's power we own, And willing captives bend before her throne;
Suppliants—but suppliants for a just applause
Suppliants for favor in the drama's cause.
That cause is yours—by him whose [?]
Pierced to the inmost depths of [woman?]
And in each character his pencil drew, }
Still kept to woman and to nature true. }
By Shakespere's honor'd manees, we call on you }
And to your triumphs, still one triumph more,
And rear the Drama on Australia's shore.

This Theatre opens on Monday evening with every prospect of suc-cess. The boxes, we understand, have been nearly all taken, and it seems determined to give
the spirited proprietor a fair opportunity of realizing his intention of making the Theatre and its entertainments such as the respectable classes of Adelaide may resort to with propriety.

—"The.
Patawalonga ; Creek has been the scene of
many aboriginal tribal battles and corroborees.
To old residents the traditions of the creek
are as numerous 'as tbey are, interesting. But
a few wurlies now adorn the neighborhood in •
which -in pioneering days hundreds of blacks
were at times encamped. On Tuesday evening
some old-time memories were awakened by the
discordant strains which were heard in the
vicinity of the aboriginals' camp. Although there
were only one or two old' warriors' in camp the
noise created was as- hearty

This house was
re -opened last night by Messrs. Troy Knight and Gouge
for a week's performances with one of the most efficient
companies we have had the pleasure of seeing on the Adelaide
board for some time....

Our Alice Springs correspondent, tele-
graphed as follows on Tuesday:-"Pro-
fessor Baldwin Sjiencer and ]Ur. F. J.
Gillen have completed their anthropological
studies here. During their stay tome on
the residents were afforded an opportunity
of seeing many interesting phase» of native
life not previously displayed to them. Per-
haps one of the most effective and exciting
was the war dance performed by 60 adults,
who went through atseries of evolutionary
movements, first with spears and shields,
land aßterwlirdls witlh boomerangs, working
?tihemstelves into ?a. frenzy of excitement. Re
cently natives went north to avenge the
death of a tribal brotiher. Photographs* were
taken of the departing avengers and of their
return after killing a man. Numerous
valuable cinematographic and photographic
pictures were secured of corroborées",
dances, and sacred ceremonies. The ethno-
logists were highly gratified with the re-
sults obtained here. The expedition left
on(Saturday, northwards, all being well'

THE BLACKS OF THE INTERIOR.
[By Professor Baldwin Spencer, in the
Melbourne 'Age.' I ?
A day or two after our arrival at Alice
Springs the natives began one of their ordi
nary corroborees. The Arnnta name for
these is Altherta. and each one usual
lasts night alter night tor perhaps a fort
night or three weeks. For hours during
the day time the men are decorating each
other with down which they gather from
the seed cases of a Portulaca; this is
: either rubbed in gypsum to make it white,
or in red ochre to make it red. The men
sit down in a group with nil their materials
ready. These are comparatively simple,
red oehiv and gypsui-», witii stone.-t on
which to grind them, little, heaps of down,
twigs of some bush, such as a cassia, and
then, when all is ready, some of them tie
a hair strimr tightly round their arms, and
with a sharp Hake cut one of tlie veins,
and allow the blood to pour down into the
hole in a shield made for the hand, or into
the concavity of a spear-thrower. Then
first of all each performer has his hair
tied up- with cassia twigs bound round with
human hair string, which he undoes from
his hair girdle. When this is over a little
brush i» made out of a twig with string
wound round one end, and with this some
of the congealed blood is smeared over the
parts where the down- has to be put on,
and gradually the design characteristic of
the special corroboree being performed is
drawn npon the body. Singing of the
corroboree song goes on all the time, the
notes alternately rising and falling, while
one or two men keep time with tho chang
ing of their boomerangs. Towards sun
down all is readyj and at dusk fires are
lighted on the corroboree ground, and the
women and children come and group them
selves in 'front of the dancer.--, together
with the men who arc not performing, the
nien singing, and all of the audience keep
ing time with sticks and boomerangs.
The first corroboree which they started
after onr arrival at Alice Springs was one
called Chichingalla. It was jnst about as
monotonous as most corroborecs are. The
men danced sometimes with staves in their
hand*, sometimes with a cleft stick rest
ing on their shoulders, advancing out of
the darkness into the light of the fire?
with leafy twigs tied round their ankles,
and stamping upon the ground. At times
the performers, who varied from six to 32
in number, would divide into two parties,
one passing to one side, and one to the
other, and then skipping across much as
if they were changing sides in a square
dance. After watehih- this and listening
to the monotonous singing and clanging
of boomerangs on the part of the audience,
which never seemed to weary, we usually
took advantage of the interval, when the
women, at a given signal, retired a little
distance away to allow of the men. having
a spell and quiet chat, and left them to
continue with the second part of tiie pro
gramme, which was never completed until
the early hours of the morning.
So as to enable us to secure some records
of ono of these characteristic dances, they
rehearsed some of the scenes— a full dress
rehearsal, of course, except so far as the
size r.f the audience was concerned— as soon
as they 4wd finished decorating themselves
before sundown. The only reafly interest
ing part was tlie very end, when, unlike
most of the ordinary corroblwrees, one man
was crtpccially decorated with birds' down.
The lir.st part «l the performance consisted
of the usual uninteresting dance, but after a
short pause all of the dancer*, 12 in number
on this occasion, rangid theinsulves in front
of a little lxiHgh wurley, which had been
built at- the beginning of the corroborec,
while the audieirce, wnristing of about 100
men. women, and children, stood up, all
of them evidently nnietb excited. l-own
from a low rise two men can*; creeping,
tlie leader carrying a shield in front of
him, as if to prevent the man U-hJnd from
being seen. This man was elaborately de
corated with lines down all over his head
and the upper part ot Ins body, anu had
a circlet of white and pink feaiier tufts
radiuins from his head like the points of a
irreat tiara. Suddenly he leaned forward,
and hddinc a fcpear tipped with a. bunch of
feathers in both hands, charged the dancers
who were standing in front of his wurley.
Amidst the loud shouting of the men and
women, Uie latter all as it ?were warding
him off with extended arms, he kept charg
ing and recharging tlie performers, who ran
sideways, backwards, and forward's in front
of the wurley, shouting and prancing about
wildly. Suddenly an old man came out
of tlie audience and set fire to a-sreat heap
of shrubs placed on one .fide. The excifte
ment on the part of tlxc audience became
more intense, and grew still greater when
the decorated man. having forced his way
through the dnneerF, die litter ranged up
behind him, following him as he danced
wildly round and round. Tin's was the
signal for the women and children to rc
tjre, which they did precipitately. No sooner
Wd they gone ihnn, amidst the loud
yells of the men and the clashing of boom
crangp, the wurley was sot on fire, vlie
dancers stamping and jumping upon it until
it was one mass of flames, which lighted up
the thin scrub all around and shone weirdly
on tire bodies of the men who were still
dancing madly with excitement. Gradually
ii subsided until only a heap of glowing
ash remained, the outlines of the hills and
trees and the bodies of the natives grew
indistinct, and the corroborec was aver.
It is a strange fact that the words of the
owroboree song liave no meaning to the
performers. They are nanded on from group
to group along with the dance itself, and
doubtless undergo sinme ciituipe as they pass
from a. tribe speaking one dialect to another
speaking quite a different one. Simple in
many ways and monotonous though they
are, still the various movements must re
quire a good deal of careful thinking ont
on the part of the originators and a good
deal of receptive capacity on the part of
those to whom they are handed on if they
are to bz correctly performed. Curiously
enough every corroborce in this part of the
continent appears to have been received
from the north. This particular one, for
example, is evidently identical with the
Molonca dance described by Dr. Roth in
his work on tlie Queensland natives, and
has come down to the Aranta tribe from
tiieir north-western neighbours, the Upirm
tribe, Who doubtless received il from tlie
Waagai tribe, which extends away again
still further to the norcn-west into Queens
land.
No sooner was thia over than the very
next day the natives started a second cor
roborce called Illionpa, in which, apart
from the slight difference in the movements
and die fact that in one scene a man was
represented in ihe act of what, is called
giving 'mania' to a sleeping man, there
was little of interest. This giving 'of ''ma-
nia*' consisted in one cftlie decorated men
advancing quietly towards the spot where
another of tiie performers was lying on the
ground and touching the foot of the Lutter
with his own. The pnisai was supposed to
be contained in a minute piece of stone,
which had been sung over and thus en
dowed with evil magic, and in mis form is
supposed to be very potent.
Information. — She — 'What, does this
mam about all just government deriving its
authority from the consent of the govern
ed?'' Ho— 'It means that when a man gets
married he practically agrees to take the
consequences'.'

THE THEATRE. -

On Saturday, the melodrama of "Timour the Tartar" was introduced for the first time in this colony, and the manner in which the scenery and dresses were got up was highly creditable to the managers. The house was crowded to excess, and many persons were forced to leave on account of the oppressive heat. Groves as Timour was rather too tame for the hot blooded Tartar, but in some of the scenes his expression was good, and if he would throw a little more fire into the character without the ranting that is too generally mistaken for spirit, his delineation of the character would be good. Simmons's Kerim and Mackay's' Samballat were well sustained, and the combat to decide the possession of the captive Selima was ably contested. Had we a voice we should cast Simmons for Timour, if another could be selected to fill the character of Kerim, possessing the skill in fencing that Simmons does. Knowles made a decided hit in Oglan, and evinced considerable comic humour. Abdalla (Lee) is a sort of a supernumerary character, excepting in the last scene where he severally engages with and slays Kerim and Samballat, in which he evinced great tact and activity in the broad sword exercise. Mrs. Taylor's Zorilda was stately and in the scene where she is discovered by Timour. when effecting the escape of her child, the thrilling anxiety for his escape, the almost unsupportable agony of his being discovered and arrested in his flight, and the undisguised capture when his safety is communicated by Oglan, were finely portrayed. Miss Winstanley was properly cast for Selima, and appeared extremely interesting in the young captive, which she sustained well. Mrs. Jones did all that could be done. in the character of Liska, which is not a character of any peculiar feeling or point. On the whole, the effect was good and the trouble and expense which it must have cost in getting up, evinces a desire on the part of the managers to please the public, which we hope will be duly appreciated and acknowledged. Fitzgerald danced a comic dance, and was recompensed by having to dance a hornpipe. Simmons gave Beggars and Ballad Singers, with his drollery, and was encored. Lillie Jones and Miss Ann Winstanley sung Polly Hopkins, and were also encored. The afterpiece was the farce of "Mr. and Mrs. Pringle," which occasioned much laughter, and the night's performance, as a Christmas introduction, when the juvenile portion of the audience require relaxation and amusement in the vacation, was creditable to the colony. The house will be open every night during the Christmas vacation.

THE THEATRE.

The managers appear to have engaged the

services of Mr. and Mrs. Cameron, as they

have both played occasionally during the

past week or twelve days; but whether they

have been permanently engaged we are not

informed. Mr. Cameron played Iago tole-

rably well on Tuesday night. In the first

part of the tragedy he seemed ill at ease, and

to play without spirit ; but as the piece drew

to a conclusion and he became warmed with

the applause, he brightened up, and managed

the remainder of his part much more effective-

ly. On Saturday evening, Mrs. Cameron

played Clari. This character, as well as the

one in which she made her debut (Mrs. Hal-

ler,) have been played with no inconsiderable

success by other ladies now on the Sydney

stage; and Mrs. Cameron therefore makes

her appearance under those circumstances

under some disadvantage. Her style is how

ever so different, that without instituting

"odious" comparisons we may commend and

admire both herself and them at the same

time. In Clari she impresses the idea that

she really feels all that her impassioned lan-

guage describes; which of course gives ad-

ditional value to her acting. Mr. Knowles

played Rolamo the broken hearted father with

great talent and emotion ; and Mrs. Taylor

the character of Vesirina with all tlie vivacity

for which she is distinguished. If the corps

was a hundred strong/those two parts could

scarcely be assigned to two performers more

admirably calculated for them. The Bravo

of Venice was the after piece, and was rather

bungled in some of the scenes, in consequence .

of a few not being "well up''- to their parts.

The Bravo (Rugantino) from the changes of

character in it as described by us last week,

is ii difficult part and one well qualified to

shew on Mr. Knowles' versatility of talent.

His bearing in Rugantino is bold and daunt-

less, and his manner in Flodoardo is refined 

and graceful. Miss Winstanley in Rosabella 

is somewhat incommoded with a long train,

which fashion probably dictated for ladies of

rank with the mischievous purpose of dis-

covering how their native grace would ex-

tricate their persons from the embarass-

ment of such an ill-contrived garment. She

manages the part cleverly, and in the. last

scene is very energetic. Mrs. Larra is very

amusing in Camilla. Mr. Lane looks a res-

pectable old Duke enough and would play it

decently if he would leave off exasperating

that inoffensive letter which 'is whispered

in Heaven and muttered in Hell' Dr. John

son and Sheridan, should old Charon ever

skull them across the Styx, in order to their

witnessing Theatricals at the Antipodes of

this other world, would be horrified, and

look in vain for precedents in their Dictionaries

when they heard the dread language now and

then perpetrated. Memmo's fears call forth

many a laugh ; it is a part which Mr. Buck-

ingham always plays with humour. The

other characters have no distinguishing points

to comment on. 

On Saturday evening the Stranger was

again requested, with the afterpiece of

Is he Jealous? in which Mr. and Mrs.

Cameron personated the parts of Mr. Bel-

mour and Harriett. The admirable perform-

ance of Mrs. C. kept the house in continual

laughter. We were glad to see the house

was well attended.

THE THEATRE.

The Drama of Tekeli has been re-produced since our last publication. Mr. Mackay has bought it advisable to seek his fortunes in mother land. He was a very valuable member of the corps, from the versatility of his talents, as well as from the advantage of a clear voice and general good appearance. As he is now absent we will not speak of his faults. His place will be advantageously (as it is said) supplied by a Mr. who has been engaged by the manager; and who is to make his debut in Richard III. In the acknowledged difficult part of Richard. Our paper goes to press too early on a Thursday evening to report the Theatricals on that night, or we should have afforded our readers a description of Blue Beard, which was announced for last night in terms which lead us to augur much for its attractions, In Tuesday's Australian it will, however, appear. The two Farces, Lovers' Quarrels and Mrs. Wiggins are in themselves particularly amusing, but they are carried off with considerable esprit. In the former, Mrs. Jones as Jacintha, enacts the malapert, intriguing lady's maid to the life, and by her sprightly sallies keeps the audience in a 'perpetual grin.' These characters, and all coquettish parts, are admirably suited to her style. [text missing…] Buckingham as Sancho, in his philosophical disquisition upon women, delivered himself with a volubility really surprising. The ' gods' were dying to encore the edifying essay. Lopes by Mr. Dyball was dressed in highly quizzical fashion. In Mrs. Wiggins, Mr. Knowles as Old Wiggins is the soul of the farce; his appearance is ludicrous to the last degree; and he supports the character so naturally throughout, that the illusion in the mind of the spectator is never dispelled. Mr. Peat would really improve himself much by casting off that affectation of manner and voice, with which he deems it necessary to clothe young men's characters. Young Wiggins is undoubtedly a profligate and a spendthrift, but there appears no urgent necessity for constituting him a puppy likewise. Mr. Simes as Trim was very entertaining; he makes a transcendent valet. After witnessing the affray between Mrs.Chloe Wiggins by Mrs. Downes, and Mrs. Tom Wiggins by Miss Winstanley, it would be a crying sin to excite their feelings of jealousy, so fearfully displayed, by commenting particularly upon their respective performance; we will therefore speak of them and Mrs. Larra as Old Mrs. Wiggins, en masse. Their consciences may be satisfied that the farce suffered naught in effect and spirit from their exertions. Among other pieces the Overture to Figaro was played in excellent time and style by the Orchestra; and wo arc convinced that frequenters of the Theatre will always be more gratified with similar overtures than with such exhibitions as we felt it desirable on a late occasion to condemn.

THE THEATRE.—This place of amusement,
"we are glad to see, still continues to draw
tolerable, houses, though frequently not so
good as we would wish to see. Mr Lazar
continues. as indefatigable as ever in catering
for the public entertainment. The pieces produced
are generally of a light and amusing
nature, which give more satisfaction than if
heavy dramas were introduced. We trust soon
to see better times, when Mr Lazar may expect
his visitors to become more numerous.

We have scarcely vain glory
sufficient to impress ourselves with the idea that
our remarks last week have occasioned a better
attendance at the Theatre than before; certain it
is, however, that the last three nigbts have presented
better filled houses tban for some previous.
We are glad to note the improvement, and shall
be pleased to see a still better attendance.

It is with great regret we observe that the Theatre
is about to close, inconsequence of the small
support which has met the energetic endeavours of
the management. The theatrical year of 1851
commenced under the most favourable auspices. A
new theatre, in dimensions equal to most of the
minor London establishments, and decorated at an
expense of two thousand pounds, was opened. An
entirely new wardrobe, complete in every particit
ar, and the scenic department under the manage
ment of the first landscape painter in the colonies
(Mr Opie) and a band headed by Messrs Moore
and Wallace, and comprising our chief instrumen
talists, offered such a prestige in favor of the Near
Royal Victoria Theatre, that it was universally pre*
dicted for once in the annals of theatrical specula
tion that it must pay. But the addition of the
great talents of Mr Coppin, who now joined the
management, known and appreciated as they were [...]
whether pioneers or new
comers appeared to render assurance doubly sure;
and the receipt of the first few nights certainly did
not lessen the likelihood of the realization of such
expeditions ...

The Chambers family continue
deservedly to attract full and fashionable audiences, the
vote nan skill and agility of the parent being all but eclipsed
by tho dramatic powers of his son and the winning grace
of his little daughter, who seems a veritable ' fairy from
Fairyland ;' both presenting in their finished performances
an epitome of the various excellencies of all
' Who in the dance sported merry toes,
Taglionis and Ellslers, Duvernays and Ceritns.'
Master Chambers advances other claims to popularity than
that of an accomplished dancer. In his' performance on
Saturday evening he exhibited comic powers of no mean
class ; indeed, our old stagers, with few exceptions, might
take lessons in pantomime from -either of these talented
cliildren. As the short engagement of ' the Chambers
family' will speedily terminate, we would remind those
who desire to witness a display of dancing immeasurably
superior to anything heretofore produced on our stage' that
they have no time to lose!

THE THEATRE.—The general dulness of the
town seems to have operated on our play going
folks during the present week, the Theatre not
being so well attended as usual; but we are
happy to see it has not dampen the ardour of the
manager—a succession of new pieces (or attrac-
tive ones) having been produced, and the
performers strive by every means to please. An
amusing drama under the title of the Crown Prince
was performed on Monday last, which was well
received. Mr Lazar's personification of the Watch-
man's son was admirable—his whimsical em-
barrassment on being taken for the Crown Prince
excited bursts of laughter; as did the exchange
of dress from the Prince to the Watchman. There
are some witty allusions in reference to the
ministry, which told remarkable well, and the
audience appeared to join in the [?] the
little piece displayed. The [?] [?] of
the Irish Trator followed, in which Mr J. Solomon
sustained the part of Terry O'Rourke with great

Mr. Morton King made his bow
last evening in the new theatre as Hamlet. The house was
crowded, and all who were attracted by a previous acquain
tance with Mr. King's ability as an actor, as well as those
who had for the first time an opportunity to compare his
performance with his reputation, had the satisfaction to find
his nowers unimpaired, and that he enjoyed no exaggerated
credit as a tragedian. The play was remarkably well got
up...

By our advertising columns of to-day we find Mr
Lazar, the enterprising manager of the Queen's
Theatre, takes his Benefit on Monday next.
Those who have watched the progress of the
season, will admit that no pains have been spared
on his part to secure for the proprietors good
houses, and, for the public, rational and amusing
entertainments. His exertions, both as actor and
manager, deserve the highest praise, and we trust
will be duly appreciated on his approaching benefit
; for our own part we have no doubt of seeing
the most crowded house of the season. Mr
Edwards (whose vocal talent is well-known and
justly admired) gives his valuable services on
the occasion ; also a gentleman amateur, of whom
report speaks in very high terms; and the Bill of
Fare throughout promises one of the most at-
tractive evenings of the season. We can only
repeat our wish to see a full house.

Native Encamphent.—On Saturdry afterncon
a few aborigines who have been seen abaut town
of late pitched their wurieys on the banks of the
Torrens, just to the north, of the Frorne Bridge.
In the evening they treated a large number of
persons who had been attracted to the spot with
an exhibition of the "corrobboree.*' This dance,
in consequence of the scattered state of the
Adelaide tribes of blacks, is rarely seen in the city,
and even when performed is devoid of much of
that uaeartldy appearance which is natural to it,
and which in the early days of the colony was a
somewhat coveted sight. On Sunday the wurleys
were visited by many persons, including a large
number of boys, who were frequently more up
roarious than the performers. It is said that some
of these blacks are adepts in card-playing, and
would be rather dangerous opponents to many of
their white-faced brethren.

BLUE BEARD

THOSE who have seen certain pieces performed in London, and afterwards see them here, witness the colonial representation at a disadvantage. Thirty-two years ago, we saw 'Blue Beard' in the old Theatre of Drury Lane; Palmer in 'Blue Beard,' Suett in 'Ibrahim,' Bannister in ' Shacabac.' Mrs. Bland in ' Beda,' Kelly in ' Selim.' The impression this gorgeous spectacle made, is well fixed in our memory. And after saying this, we must admit, that 'Blue Beard' has been got up by Knowles admirably. Had we seen other shewy pieces at the same are, we might have been equally impressed. Yet there, are reasons why ' Blue Beard' was pre-eminent above ' Cinderella' and other splendid Pantomimes founded on the nursery tales of the famous ' Mother Goose.' ' Blue Beard was the first of the many attempts to dramatise the old lady. The music of 'Blue Beard' has rarely been exceled for true harmony; that which touches the heart without breaking in on the feelings by a vulgar mechanical execution "of difficult passages." And the circumstance of 'Blue Beard' being announced by our Sydney Thespians, as it has been, with a sort of pomp, and as a piece of unusual merit, shows, that there is in this Turkish Romance something unusually imposing. The first scene, in which the incomparable march called "Blue Beard's March" is introduced, with a grand Turkish procession, was well managed; the new scene itself excellent. The charming duet between Fatima and Selim had to be omitted for though Miss Winstanley can sing, Peat cannot. The famous duet of "Tink a Tink," which was ground on the hand organs for years afterwards in the streets of London, and then relinquished with regret to give way to novelties, was capitally executed by Mrs. Jones, and got through tolerably by Buckingham, who, like Peat, is no singer, yet sang. Mrs. Bland's style of singing ballads was unique, and has, like Incledin's, never been equalled since. But if she sang "Tink a Tink" better than Mrs. Jones, she did not dance so well, for she was a little dumpling of a cherry-checked milk-maid in appearance. Miss Winstanley "would" have sung "When pensive" well, but for two things-first, she was frightened out of her wits, being a novice in singing in public; and next, she pronounced the words with too homely an accent. But for these faults, both easily remedied, she would have sung this beautiful air well. The dance between Mrs. Jones and Mr. Fitzgerald was well executed. Mrs. Jones's movements were singularly graceful, without anything to offend; which cannot be said of the Opera at home. Mrs. Downes sang "Love is a mischievous Boy" with great spirit and correctness. With practice, and aided by Mrs. Chester, these three actresses would get through a comic opera with éclat. They have the latent capacity. The dresses of Mrs. Downes, Mrs. Jones, and Miss Winstanley, were superb.

During the last week, the interior of the Theatre Royal has undergone such a thorough transformation that it was scarcely recognisable under its new aspect when opened for promenade concerts on Saturday evening. These entertainments are, we believe, the joint enterprise of Mr W. S. Lyster and of Messers, Spiers and Pond, and they have been got up with a liberality of expenditure, and are conducted in a spirit, which entitle them to the success achieved by the first of the series. The pit of the theatre has been boarded over on a level with the stage, and as the whole depth of the latter has been thrown open, an immense area is thus secured for promenading. An elevated orchestra has been constructed immediately beneath the proscenium, and is occupied by a band which includes most of the best instrumentalists in Victoria, under the conduct of Mr. A Rolff. The stage itself presents the appearance of an elegant pavilion, decorated with shrubs, and brilliantly illuminated, and the general effort is light and cheerful, and reflects great credit on Mr. Hennings, who has superintended its metamorphosis. Where the wings need to be on either side, four spacious alcoves have been erected, furnished with lounges and marble tables, the walls being ornamented with fluted drapery of various colours; the unsightly flies are concealed from sight by folds of particoloured cambric; and at the extremity of the stage the roof of the pavilion slopes down to what resembles a balcony, looking out upon a view of the Bay of Naples, from the expert pencil of Mr. Hennings. Along this balcony is ranged a refreshment bar, in the arrangement of which a good deal of taste has been displayed. We should also mention that the Vestibule has been redecorated and renovated, and constituted a sort of smoking saloon, as this practice is rigidly interdicted in the theatre; nor was there any attempt to resort to it on Saturday evening on the part of the promenaders, amongst whom the utmost decorum prevailed. Between 2000 and 3000 persons were present, notwithstanding the unfavourable condition of the weather; and the house presented a really brilliant aspect, whether viewed from the boxes or the promenade, recalling to recollection the appearance of Drury Lane when Jullien used to wield his baton, with so much affectation and effect, in an orchestra which has contributed two or three of its best soloists to that of the theatre royal.

It is unnecessary to say that as the principal vocalists presented themselves to take part in the concert they were greeted with acclamations, and that the appearance of each of them was a signal for the promenaders to gather in a compact mass round the centre of attraction. The programme was judiciously selected, for while the works of the best composers were not neglected in it, it comprehended some of those Jullienesque polkas and quadrilles which are so popular with a mixed audience; and the vocal pieces embraced familiar ballads, as well as selections from choice operas. Madam Lucy Ascott was in excellent voice, and sang the “Robert, toi que j’aime” splendidly; and great praise must also be awarded to Mr Henry Squires for his beautiful execution of “Come into the garden, Maud.” In the famous old ballad of “Sally in our Alley” he was vehemently encored, and a similar compliment was awarded to Mr Farqhuarson for his spirited delivery of the descriptive scenes of the “Ship on Fire.”

Among the instrumental selection given on Saturday evening, special mention must be made of a clever pot pourri, arranged by Mr. Reiff; and the “Carnival of Venice,” with variations for a number of instruments, arranged by Herr Siede, whose solos on the flute were as admirable as those on the flageolet and cornet a-piston by Mr. Kohler, who rivals his former colleague, Herr Koenig.

Altogether the performance was extraordinary, when we take into consideration that the price of admission to all parts of the house, except the dress circle, was only a shilling. A few years ago, people in Melbourne would have cheerfully paid half a guinea admission to an entertainment of a far inferior character, and it is not surprising, therefore, to find so large a concourse of persons flocking to the Theatre Royal on Saturday evening, in spite of the rain, and mud, and cold, to listen to what we must characterise as the cheapest and pleasantest popular concert ever given in this city.

THEATRE - A Mr. Spencer, recently arrived from Hobart Town, made his debut on Monday evening in the character of Gloster, in Richard III., probably, with one exception, the most difficult character that was ever conceived by a performer, and one with which most playgoers are familiar. Mr. Spencer was well received on his first appearance, but had hardly got through his soliloquy before evident marks of disapprobation were shown; indeed, from the hurry to hiss, which was evident, it appeared as if a few persons were determined that Mr. S. should not have a fair trial, but they gained "nothing by the motion," for this evident desire to depress Mr. S. had the effect of making the other portion of the audience rather warm in his defence, so that at least it may be said that "the Ayes had it." Mr. Spencer, by his dress and general manners on the stage, showed that he will be an acquisition to the Sydney Theatre; but what could induce him to make choice of such an arduous character as Gloster, for his first appearance it is hard to conceive, as he must have been aware that he could hardly make a hit, when had he come out in any minor character he would have been sure to please the public. From the manner in which he played in the fifth Act, we should imagine that melo-drama rather than tragedy could be Mr. S's. forte, for his action was certainly not very tragic. Mr. Spencer gave the public what they seldom enjoy the benefit of in Sydney, the words of the author from first to last. Although Mr. S. will probably be permanently engaged by the Managers, it is not likely that he will again appear in Richard, and in any character of a common description he will be almost sure of succeeding. The other characters were mostly […] played; Knowles’s Buckingham, Simmons’ Richmond and Master Jones’ Duke of York being well supported. Mrs. Downes, as the Duchess of York, looked like anything but a Lady of fourscore. Mrs. Taylor played Lady Anne with no spirit; indeed, tragedy is out of her line. On Mrs. Jones' Queen Elizabeth it would not be fair to pass any remarks, as she had but a very short notice to play the character, which was intended for Miss Winstanley, who in consequence of a quarrel with the manager, has left the stage. The visitors of the Theatre will be sorry to hear this; for although Miss W. had little versatility of talent, yet her pleasing, unaffected demeanour, while on the stage, had rendered her a great favourite. Mrs Jones was to have played the Prince of Whales, a character which was assumed by a little girl (a sister, we believe to Master Jones) who went through the part with the same tone of voice, and with much the same gestures that children repeat poetry at school. The house was very full, every portion being crowded, a proof that however ill it is played, the public are and will be admirers of what is properly called legitimate drama.

Last week was closed the first season of the
performance of the legitimate drama in Van
Diemen's land. When the curtain dropped
Mr. Cameron came forward and addressed the
audience in the following terms:—
Ladies and Gentlemen,—
As the first season of the first theatre in
Van Diemen's Land has drawn to a close, it 
is with the deepest feelings of gratitude that I
present myself before you to return my most
sincere thanks for the warm support you have
been pleased to bestow upon our exertions, and
believe me those exertions will never cease till
I render the drama in this part of the world
still more worthy your approbation and sup-
port.
But I have farther to thank you for the pa-
tience and indulgence with which you have
overlooked the many deficiencies attendant up-
on a first attempt.
I have also to return the heartfelt thanks of
Mrs. Cameron and the members of the com-
pany generally for the cheering favor with
which you have invariably received their en-
deavour to please.
And now ladies and Gentlemen, till I have
the pleasure of meeting you in a more com-
modious edifice, which the spontaneous kind-
ness of the public is now preparing for me, I
respectfully bid you farewell.
On Monday the whole of Mr. Cameron's
company, with all the scenery, dresses, and
decorations proceeded across to Launceston.
The room engaged there is far more spacious
and convenient for the purpose than that at
the Freemason's Tavern, in which Mr. Ca-
meron has so successfully commenced dramatic
exhibitions in Van Diemen's Land. If carried
on in the orderly and prudent manner in which
it has hitherto been conducted, he cannot fail
to succeed and give much public satisfaction

THEATRE.—The celebrated spectacle of  "Blue Beard" was brought out on Thursday evening, in a style that, taking into consideration the smallness of the house and other disadvantages, may be justly called surprising. The dresses were splendid and appropriate; and the scenery and decorations generally, were of a description far superior to anything before produced in the Colony. The piece opens with a view of Ibrahim's cottage, with a mountainous country in the back ground, over which the grand procession of Blue Beard, who is on his way to the cottage for the purpose of taking Fatima to the castle, is seen advancing. This scene was well managed, and the view of the procession on the hill, with the distant music, had a very good effect. The procession looked splendid; and the supernumeraries had evidently been well drilled. The chambers in Blue Beard's castle (especially the blue chamber) were very well painted,—indeed he new scene painter appears to under- stand his business. The view of the exterior of Blue Beard's palace, with the gardens, was also very good ; and, on the whole, the piece was got up in a manner that we hope will draw such houses as will remunerate the proprietor. The marches and other music were appropriate and well played. Abmelique (Blue Beard) was well played by Knowles, who looked the character admirably; Simes, as Ibrahim, displaced some humour, although rather out of his line when playing an old man ; Buckingham's Shacabac was very middling, we have seen him play a comic character better ; in his part in the duet of "Tink a Tink," he sang but very poorly, but he made a much better attempt at his comic song. Miss Winstanley was an interesting Fatima, and made a very good attempt at singing "While pensive I thought of my Love," although her excessive timidity (a fault not often chargeable to Miss W.) prevented her giving herself fair play ; Mrs. Downes, as Irene, displayed considerable vivacity and tact, and introduced the song of " Love was a mischievous Boy," which she sang with much taste; Beda was remarkably well played by Mrs. Jones, who (with Mr. Fitzgerald) went through a very graceful dance in the garden scene. It would be doing injustice to Messdames Winstanley, Downes, and Jones, not to mention the elegant and characteristic manner in which they were dressed. From the manner in which the piece was received on Thursday, there is no doubt of its being a favourite. This evening, a gentleman, who has played at several of the London theatres, will make his debut on the Sydney stage as Richard III.

From the first of next month an important change will be made in theatrical management, not only in Victoria but also in the other colonies, which must have a potent effect in determining whether or not the stage, as an influence on the community, is to be more of less powerful than it has been in the past. For many years Mr Coppin, associated with gentlemen whose names have been before the Victorian public for a long time, has been at the heed of theatrical affairs as far as Melbourne is concerned, and during that time the management of the Theatre Royal can fairly claim that not only has the pleasure of their patrons been studied, but that commendable efforts have been made to advance the interests of the drama. The limits of this notice would not suffice to enumerate a very small number of the artists who from time to time have graced the boards; but it is sufficient to say that we have had amongst us men who have acquired a reputation that is worldwide, a result due to the enterprise of those who have catered for the public amusement. Mr Coppin and his confreres have grown grey in management and having reached the age when rest is desirable have transferred the management to other and younger men. On the 1st of July next Messers Williamson, Garner and Musgrove become the lessees of the Theatre Royal, Melbourne and Sydney, The Princess’s Theatre, Melbourne, and the opera House; and we also understand that they are connected with Mrs Allison, the lessee of the principal theatre in Adelaide. Each of these gentlemen has had a lengthened experience of the requirements of the colonial stage. Mr Williamson is an actor who in his peculiar line occupied a foremost position on the stage. Mr Garner was a member of the finest comedy company that had ever visited Australia and has since had a very long experience as a manager in Sydney; while Mr Musgrove, a nephew of the late Mr W S Lyster, made a brilliant success of his first managerial venture when he brought out the Tambour Major company that recently created such a furore at the Opera House. This is a combination of business and dramatic talent that cannot be excelled in the Australian colonies, and must result not only to the satisfaction of the public, but to the pecuniary benefit of those immediately concerned. The new managers propose to produce in rapid succession the latest and best dramatic and musical pieces, with that attention to detail which distinguishes the best English and Continental theatre, and which goes so far to insure the success of a piece, Messers Hennings and Gordon, whose reputation as scene painters is as high, if not higher, than any other two men in the profession, have been specially retained for this important branch of the art, and from the fact that the management intend to keep their theatres always open it is certain that actors will not have the slightest difficulty in obtaining engagements. Mr S French, one of the leading dramatic agents in London, has received carte blanche to forward any new pieces that may be produced in the old world irrespective of cost, and each will be given in exactly the same manner as it is in London or Paris. Orders involving large sums of money have been sent home to augment the wardrobes and scenic accessories of the various theatres, and with the amount of capital that has been put into the concern, it is certain that success will be deserved and is sure to follow, as the Australian public readily appreciate every effort that is made for their amusement. The first performance under the new management will be Patience at the Theatre Royal. This comic opera is said to be the most successful of the many comic operas that Messers. Gilbert and Sullivan have written, and will be produced with an exceptionally strong cast, backed by all the assistance that scenic effect and stage mechanism of the highest order can give. The company will probably include misses Alice Ross, Beaumont, Verdi, Vernon and Ford, besides others of lesser face, assisted by a capable chorus, and an orchestra under Mr Van Ghele, which is sufficient guarantee for its excellence. Patience will be succeeded by La Mascotte, a French opera bouffe of something the same character as Madame Favart, and which has been a great success in London and Paris. La Mascotte will be followed by Billie Taylor, and this in its turn, will give way to a dramatic season, which will commence with The Lights of London, Mr Rignold and the company which recently played Youth being the dramatis personae. Other novelties will follow, and the dramatic season will continue up to Christmas, when some new comic operas will succeed. On the 9th July Miss Emilie Melville, who was a great and deserved favourite when she last appeared before a Melbourne audience, will open at the Opera House in La Perichole with a strong company, but for obvious reasons the names at present are not given. She will continue the season until the time when Messrs. Wallace and Dunning’s occupancy commences. These gentlemen are now in England, and according to recent advices are engaging a strong company, and securing some novelties with which to commence their season in November next. At the Prince’s the Grasshopper will be succeeded by a farcical comedy entitled Where’s the Cat, which has been a wonderful success at the Criterion Theatre, London, and on its withdrawal Miss Jennie Lee’s company will probably go to Sydney, and Miss Melville will appear at the Princess’s. The companies of the three theatres will visit Sydney at intervals, and the whole of the houses under the presented management will be improved and redecorated before any representation is given. Altogether a new order of things is promised, and if it is carried out, as we have no doubt it will be, not only the public, but the profession, will be the gainers.

WE some time ago predicted that the
state of public feeling in Adelaide was
not of such a nature as to afford a rea-
sonable prospect of support to a public
place of amusement of such an extent
as the Queen's Theatre, and we ven-
tured at the time to suggest to Mr.
Solomon, that, even as a money specu-
lation, his new erection was better
likely to pay if devoted to some general
public purposes. The trial of a single
season has convinced Mr. Solomon that
we were right, and, on Saturday last,
he dismissed the whole company, and
on Monday commenced taking up the
benches in the pit, with the view of
throwing open the whole premises to
the public. What definite plan Mr.
Solomon intends to adopt, we have not
yet heard ; but, as for Theatricals, this
is to be considered as another abortive
and unsuccessful attempt to establish
them in the colony.

Mr. Jacobs had a full benefit at the
Theatre on Tuesday night; and we learn that his
brother actors intend giving him another night on Fri-
day. Jacob is a good actor, has exerted himself a
great deal, and being embarrassed in his pecuniary
concerns, we shall be glad to hear that his second
benefit is a bumper.
Mr. Cameron, the Manager of theTheatre, pro-
ceeds, we hear, to Sydney, on a theatrical mission;
his duties during his absence being undertaken by
Mrs. Cameron, whose abilities in this department
we believe to be unquestionable; but who would feel
herself in a very trying situation, but that we are cer-
tain every assistance will be rendered her by the com-
pany during the absence of her husband. The patron-
age, indeed, which the Theatre has received at
Launceston is such as to command the undiminished
exertions of every actor possessed of proper feeling.
An active and efficient Stage Manager has been en-
gaged.

This fine building,
finished by Mr E. Solomon at an expense of
nearly £10,000, was opened on Monday last, by
an effective and well-organised company under the
experienced management of Mr Lazar—well
known and much respected as the conductor of
the theatrical amusements of Sydney. the
theatre is neatly fitted up, and admirably arranged
for seeing and hearing. The decoartions are
designed and executed by Mr Opie, and reflect
much credit on his skill as an artist. We did
not reach the theatre until nearly the close of the
tragedy (Othello), and can therefore venture to
express no opinion on the particular merits of the
actors—although we presume it would be in
accordance with that of the audience, which
was most favorable. Miss Lazar's dance was
exceedingly graceful, and met a deserved and
[?] encore. This young lady would be
an acquisition to any theatre, as, in adiditon to her
talent in the ballet, her acting in the after piece,
Mary Anne, a farce of Buckstone's, was excellent.
She was well-supported by Mr Buckingham, and
by the other actors. The house was crowded in
every part.

In compliance with an advertisement
in the Express, a blaekfellow*' eorrbhoree was
held on the North Park Lands on Tuesday even
ing. Some eight men, daubed over with whiten
ing paste, danced to the monotonous chant of
four lubras. There was a laige number of spec
tators, and the blacks seemed to get a good
many coppers. The exertion appeared rather
violent for this weather, and the part of the
spectators—or those of them who were te> wind
ward—was decidedly the most agreeable.

THE QUEEN'S THEATRE.—The attendance at
the Theatre during the present week will, we
presume, lead the proprietor to look forward with
some hope. The Jewess was repeated on Thurs-
day evening, and as before, admirably performed;
Tom Noddy's Secret was the farce, in which Mr
Lazar, as the eccentric schoolmaster, and Mr
Arabin, as his usher, kept the house in a constant
roar of laughter. We observe that the entertain-
ment, by request of the Masonic Fraternity, will
certainly take place on Tuesday next; and we
doubt not, that the bill of fare, together with such
respectable patronage, will draw the fullest house
of the season. Mr Solomon's liberality in pre-
senting the surplus over and above the actual
expences of the night to the Hospital, deserve the
highest praise; and we hope the public generally
will appreciate his good feeling, by giving him a
bumper in return on some other night.

Corroboree At Tennant
Creek Only 'Half-Hearted'
TENNANT CREEK. August 9.
The £100,000 gold production cele
brations at Tennant Creek were con
tinued by a few hardy spirits almost
until dawn yesterday.
The town during the night presented
a scene reminiscent of stories of earlier
days on the goldfields elsewhere. Dur
ing the night some exuberant prac
tical jokers exploded several home
gelignite bombs, which resulted in the
shattering of one or two windows.
The celebrations were continued yes
terday afternoon with a corroboree by
the blacks at the old telegraph station,
seven miles from the town. For the
last two weeks there has been a steady
stream of aborigines from the bush
into the station, called together by that
system of communication which still
remains an enigma to the ?white. The
aborigines had been preparing for the
entertainment all day, daubing then
bodies with kopi, blood, and feathers
in fantastic designs. Many of them
were half-wild myalls, and when tbp
time came for the corroboree and a
large crowd from the town had gath
ered at the ground, they took fright and
ran away. Only about a dozen of the
more sophisticated workers at the sta
tion remained and performed ln a
half-hearted manner, to the disap
pointment of the crowd. The others
gathered in groups some distance away,
talking and gesticulating excitedly.
The celebrations ceased last night
with a dance, and tomorrow many of
the men will return to their claims.