SPORTING.

PRINCIPAL RACING FIXTURES,

New Zealand. Geraldine R.C. Meeting September 27 and 28 Hawke's Bay J.C. Spring. : October 9 Wanganui J.C. Spring. October 19 Canterbury J. C. Metropolitan No v. 6,7, and 8 Taranaki J.C. Spring November 9 Auckland R.C. Spring November 10 WeUington R.C. Spring November 30 Takapuna J'C. Spring December 1 Auckland R.C. Summer.. Dec. 26 and Jan. 1 & 2 Australia. Australian J.C. Spring. .September 1, i, 6. and 8 V.A.T.C. (Cauiaeld) Meeting. .October 13 and 20 Victoria R.C. Spring.... .November S, 6,8, and 10 Dates of Nominations and Acceptances. Nominations Auckland R.C. Spring Handicap and Hurdles Soptembor 28 Nominations Auckland Cup, A.R.C. Handicap, and Steeplechase October 26

To Correspondents.

Inquirer.—Robinson Crusoe was so called from his being the survivor of Uie storm on the steamer City of Melbourne, ft. 1876. She was proceeding from Sydney to Melbourne with a Taluable cargo of horses on board, and was caught in a very bad storm. Robin Hood, brother to Goldsbrough, was among those killed, and Robinson Crusoe, then known only as tho Chrysolite colt, was carried ashore at Time.—The lion. W. Robinson's Oudeis is credited with having run a hnJf-milcin _Bs_cs. It was in Uie Welcome Stakes at the last Can terbury Spring Meeting. Arch Hii__.—Waxlight is by Piscator from NighUight; Ike by Piscator from Lady.

For First Portion of Sporting Notes see Fourth Page of "Star."

£350, divided among seven events, the prin cipal of which are the Hutt Park Spring Handicap of 150sovs., lg mile, and the Handicap Hurdles of 50sovs., 2J miles. The Taranaki Jockey Club Spring programme is also to hand, the 9th of November being selected as the date upon which the meeting is to be held. The added money tots up to £370, the Spring Handicap of 12550v5., Steeplechase of 50sovs., and Flying Handi cap of 75sovs., being the leading races. At tho Wanganui Jockey Club Spring Meeting, on the 19th of October, £310 will be given away, the Wanganui Stakes Handicap of 150sovs. being the big event of the day. On Saturday last I took a ran out to Major George's at Epsom, to see how Nelson and Wapiti had wintered, and was courteously shown round by Harri son. Nelson- who was in his box, was the first I interviewed. He has thick ened and grown into a very racing lookingcolt,and-hows adeal of improvement in every- way, while he has a beautiful coat for the time of year. This son of King Cole showed a lot of pace during his early two year-old preparation, and though I think he has scarcely the quality of his stable companion, I should not be surprised to see him turn out nearly as useful a colt, for he has plenty of power, and looks like going fast. Harrison has him in slow work for the Auckland Spring Meeting, but he will not be nearly right by the time, as he is a horse that evidently wants a long steady preparation. Galloping about in one of the paddocks was the game W rapiti, who has not sported silk since last Novem ber, owing to having twisted his shoulder in a wire fence. He appeared to be in great heart, and it i_ t cry evident that his spell has done him an immense amount of good. Although he has not grown much, he has filled out and furnished wonderfully, and if his looks do not belie him, should have a great say in our next Derby. Harrison informed me that Wapiti would not be raced before Christmas time, and it is his intention to put him in work for that meeting at once. Before leaving I had a look at the fretty Tenambra (by The Marquis out of .Lady Maiiners-Sutton), who was graz ing in a paddock with Mr Farmer's old Papapa—Marchioness mare, Florence. The latter was served by Anteros last season, but missed, and both her and Tenambra are to be put to one of the stallions at Sylvia Park next season.

" Senex " who lately paid a visit to the Christchurch course, says Hippodamia is the most forward of Mr Butler's lot. Sir Modred's brother, July, has lost most of the lumber that disguised his frame, and is training into a nice, evenly-balanced colt. He stands about 15.1, and shows as much quality :is any of his brothers, although not built on the same lines, being of the lengthy sort, aud generally affecting his dam more than tho old horse. Cheviot is in brilliant health, Sou-Wester is well on with his work, and Nonsense appears to have regained rome of her two-year-old form. The same writer states that Welcome Jack is looking tho picture of health, and his legs are as sound as the day he was foaled. A novel steeplechase match took place at a Christchurch country district the other week. The terms were that a horse called Slim Jim was to follow Mousetrap across such country as the rider of the latter horse might choose for the space of one hour, at the conclusion of which Slim Jim was to be on the same side of the fence and within 100 yards of Mousetrap. Sheenan, who rode Mousetrap, started by taking a five-barred gate, followed by Slim Jim, who jumped in grand style. As soon as the latter was over, Sheenan turned quickly round, and, to the surprise of everybody, sent his horse at a thick gorse fence between eight and nine feet in height, and got over it safely. This was something more than Slim Jim cared about, but with perseverance and good riding, Aynsley, too, got him over. The backers of Slim Jim were somewhat sanguine of success after this, but Mousetrap had by this time negotiated another "stiff one," and Slim Jim again turned his head, but eventually crawled through it. A sod fence, with post and rails on the top and ditch on both sides, was next discussed, and both horses got over it, both in and out of the paddock, Mousetrap making a very pretty jump, just topping it. Sheenan, who was evidently trying to get away, now sent his horse at a fence about twelve feet in height, with a ditch four feet wide in front, which was filled with gorse. Mousetrap, however, made a slight mistake at this formidable obstacle, for, running too close to the fence, he fell into the ditch, Sheenan narrowly escaping injury by hold ing the horse's head down until he was re leased—his foot having caught in the stirrup. The backers of Slim Jim were now confident, and odds were laid ou him. Sheenan did not attempt the fence a second time, but went over several stiff gorse fences, closely followed by his opponent, when an interval took place, fifteen very big fences having been taken during the first half-hour. After this, it was thought hopeless for Mousetrap to persevere, but Sheenan had still a card up his sleeve. Sending his horse at a tremendous gorse fence, with a broad ditch in front, he got him over it in fine style. Slim Jim repeatedly refused, and Sheenai-, seizing the opportunity, galloped off, eventually winning the match by riding clean away from Slim Jim, Mouse trap and his rider not being seen again till the hour had elapsed. " Eclipse," of the Wanganui " Yeoman," has the following :—The two Wanganui representatives tor New Zealand Cup honours are coming on well. Mr W. T. Owen's mare Fame has been put into slow work by Sam Powell, and great things are anticipated. The followers of the stable make no secret of the fact that they have backed our last year's Derby winner for a large stake, and her trainer lately offered to back her against Hippodamia in the New Zealand Cup for a quiet century. Mr W.

H. Chitham's gelding Dan*- pur other re presentative, is looking very well* indeed, and without doubt is as sound as a bell of brass, and in prime condition to be put into fast work. Dan's owner has not, so far, backed his horse, but if all goes well he in tends backing him to win a thousand, and having a cut in for the first New Zealand Cup. He has engaged D. Campbell, who rode Lara when he won the Wellington Cup, to attend to the ' Wanganui hack,' and the old horse has been doing slow work for some time.

Maud S., the Queen of the American trotting turf, has made another great record. On June 15 Mr Vanderbilt placed Maud S. and Alive in his top road waggon, which, with pole, &c, weighed 2111b, and he him self turned the scale at 2001b. After giving them a preparatory mile in 2min 2_gsec, he set them going to break the record. They fairly flew to the first quarter pole in 32Jsec, maintaining this astounding clip to the half mile, which was reached in lmin sJsec, the three-quarter pole in lmin 41sec, and the full mile in 2mm 15Jsec, beating the fastest record of Edward and Dick Swiveller by three-quarters of a second. They trotted the mite without a skip or a break, and when the time was given by the judges the cheers were loud and long.

TURF NOMENCLATURE.

Southern owners have given the following names to their stock :— Mr J. Pilbrow. Ch c by King of Clubs from Ham mock Ugly Buck Br fby Moribyrnong from Peeress Marion Hon. G. McLean Ch f by Perkin Warbeck from Pulchra Evelyn Ma Nosworthy. Br £ by Albany from Tara TheCxM Mr Horsford. Ch £by King of Clubs from Rupee Dime Mr D. O'Brien's late purchase Album, by St. Alban's, has been renamed Johnny Faulkner.

CONDENSED ITEMS.

Leos was scratched for the New Zealand Cup on Tuesday. Tristan has won over £17,000 in stakes during the last three years for Mr Lefevre. Mr it. Blaikie has disposed of his brood mare Toi to Mr Allan McLean, of Napier. The price paid was £50.

At Christchurch Middle Park, En Avant has dropped a bay filly to Apremont, and Aglaia a chestnut colt to the same sire.

George Williams left for Christchurch on Thursday, under engagement to Mason and Val lance.

Mr Allan McLean's Lord of the Isles (7st. 61b.) has been scratched for the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club Spring Handi cap.

Mr Bate's If So is said to take kindly to the jumping business. He possesses the Itavensworth blood which supplies all our best 'chasers.

Quamby has gone out of Mr Butler's hands, he having returned him to his owner, Mr Wilkin. His place in the stable is filled by Emir Bey, a New Zealand Cup candi date.

The Wanganui Trotting Club will soon be a thing of the past, and the existing members will have to put their hands in their pockets to pay the liabilities, which amount to a nice little sum.

Mr Vallance.who has been on a holiday trip to Australia since the beginning of May, returned to Christchurch this week. The present occupants of the Yaldhurst stable are :—Bundoora, Turquoise, Jack, the three-year-old Epicure, by Yattendon, and Lady of the Lake colt.

Mr Lorillard contemplates reduoing his racing stud in England, and, instead of sending over untried yearlings from America, he will wait until their merits have been fairly tested, after which a selection of the best will be made to uphold the fame of the Yankee stable in England.

The Power of Woman's Will.

A rather odd circumstance happened re cently. Mrs A. and her daughter, of Pynchon-street, SprinfieM, Massachusetts; called upon her relative, Mrsß., of Central street, to spend the day and evening. On their way thither they remarked how plea sant it would be if Mrs B.s daughter, Mrs C, of Hartford, could only be there too. This remark was repeated to Mrs B. upon their arrival at her house, and she said that she thought of the same thing. Then one of the three recalled the old proverb that the combined wishes of three women can bring any person from any place, and the reply was made that if wishing would ac complish anythingMrsC. would surely come. Mrs B. prepared a strawberry shortcake for tea, saying that her Hartford daughter, Mrs G. was fond of it, and that she was going to lay a plate for her at the table just as though she were there. As they were sitting down to tea the door-bell rang, and in came the much-wished-for Mrs C, greatly to their surprise. When asked how she happened to come, she replied that she had no idea of coming till that day, and that she decided to do so because she had been tormented with the impression that somebody wanted to see her. So, acting wholly on impulse, she started off as she was, without stopping to "prink," and took the cars. She is not accustomed to come to Sringfield often, not having been here be fore for about a year—a fact which makes the circumstance all the stranger. It would certainly seem as though by means of some occult mental telegraphy the wish so fer vently felt and expressed in Springfield reached and impressed itself upon the woman's mind in Hartford.

Suicides in America.

Statistics of suicide are so rarely published in the United States that it might be sup posed Americans were a hard-headed people, who were never -Weak enough to put an end to their lives. A Philadelphian doctor has been investigating the subject, however, and it appears that there were no fewer that six hundred and thirty-six suicides in the City and County Of Philadelphia during the ten years ending January, 1882. There is a large black population, and as a matter of pro portion, twenty-four of the six hundred and thirty-six should have been coloured ; but, as a matter of faict, only eight black men killed themselves. In Europe, suicides are more frequently single than married ;in Philadelphia, on the contrary, more than two-thirds of the suicides were " married, and the men were five times as numerous as the women, notwithstanding that divorces are easily compassed in this State, as in others. Heat, sudden changes of tem perature, rain, and south-west winds, are, Dr. Lee thinks, conducive to suicide ; but as one of these conditions is found nearly every day in the year, there does not seem to be much in the conclusion. Deep water is conveniently at hand for Philadelphiafls; but drowning is not a popular method of suicide. The habit of carrying pistols makes death by shooting the most common, though there are many who prefer hanging. In this State there is no law to punish a man 'Who seeks to take his life, though probably when people reach the verge of suicide they do not consider the question of legal penalties;—" Sta ndard."

FIELD SPORTS AND AQUATICS.

(BY ACT_EON.)

Football Fixtures. Otago y. Auckland September Ist Union Club v. Thames September Bth Wellington v. Auckland September Bth Aquatics. Krug Champagne Cup November 2nd Opening or Rowing Season October Auckland Intercolonial Regatta .. January 29th Athletics. Athletic Sports November 9th Whiteside-Monnock, three distances, £50, shortly Robertson v. Strong (wrestling) Sept. 2St_

The expectation that the first of the series of interprovincial football matches against Canterbury would result in a victory for our representatives has been fully justified by the issues of the event. It was scarcely anticipated that the earlier half of the game would have been so close as it actually proved to be, but it is satisfactory to know that in the end our men triumphed. One fact is easily apparent from our telegrams, and that is that Canterbury produced the best combination of forwards, and had the advantagein the ' scrimmages.'which'formed the monotonous feature of the first term. It was in the fast open game of the second spell that the Northerners proved their superiority, and that their superb condition told so strongly against their opponents. Taking the match as a whole, it must cer tainly be termed a close one, and was cer tainly not so much in our favour as had been anticipated. The result of this was a change in the betting market, and on Thursday odds of 6 to 4 and 5 to 4 were freely offered on Otago against Auckland. The Southerners have certainly a most for midable array of talent with which to op pose our boys, and although they have the reputation of being superior in collaring, passing, and dribbling, my faith in Auck land does not waver. A hard tussle is on the cards, and there is every reason to be lieve that the scoring will be much more rapid than last Saturday. At the: time of writing, the arrangement is that Auck landers, like their opponents, shall play with only ane full-back, Warbrick taking his place amongst the half-backs. Should this plan be curried into effect, the Tauranga man may be considered safe to score, and with Whiteside, he should give the opposing forces a lot of trouble. My tip for the event is—Auckland, 1 ; Ota'j-o, 2.

Negotiations have been proceeding for some time past with the object of securing a good representation at an intercolonial yacht race which was proposed to be held in Auckland. The idea was an excellent and enterprising one, but inability or dis inclination on the part of Australian yachts men to take part will prevent the proposal being carried into effect. In reply to the letters sent to the Yachting Association of Australia with reference to the project, the following communications have been re ceived by Mr Chas. Dacre:—(l) Sydney, August 7: Dear Sir, —I beg to inform you, in reply to your letters dated May 29 and July 5, that there is no prospect of yachts belong ing to the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron competing in your intercolonial match, as the two larger club yachts are laid up, and that it is not the intention of the owners of the smaller vessels to send them across to New Zealand.—(Signed) H. Corn-well, Secretary. To Chas. C. Dacre, Esq., Auckland. (2) Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Sydney, August 13th, 1883. Sir,— In reference to your letter of the 6th July last re proposed yacht race, I have the honour to inform you that the subject was brought before the members of this Club at the monthly meeting, held on the Bth inst., and in reply thereto I have been requested to inform you that the distance and risk is considered to be too great for any of the yachts to compete, and also that the Club engagements here would not permit of their taking the voyage. Thanking you for your courtesy aud handsome offer of a £2 0 prize, I have, etc. (signed), Fred. Bennett, Hon. Secretary. Mr Dacre informs me that he expects three other letters on the same subject, but, as it appears very unlikely that Australian yachts will come to Auck land, an effort will be made to send one from the port to meet them on their own water, and a meeting will be called at an early date to consider the matter.

Clare shipped a fine open sailing boat by the Myrtle for the Governor of Tonga.

It is said that Pickering will run Hulston with his own money about Christmas.

Tim O'Connor's " try" was the most popular score in last Saturday's match.

The news that Taiaroa would not play against Auckland for Otago did not affect the betting here.

Logan, of Devonport, is building an open centre-board boat 23 ieet long for Reid Brothers, of Motutapu. •

Australian yachting clubs have declined to take part in the ""proposed intercolonial yacht race in Auckland. The wrestliug match between Robertson and Strong, for the Caledonian Society's championship, has been fixed for Sept. 29. Wynn Williams, of Taupo, wishes to ar range a three-distance match for £100 with Norwood, of Auckland, but the latter doesn't feel prepared to " go it "soheavily. Trickett has ottered to row Beach a<r a in, but stipulates that the stakes shall be a-side. Beach's backers have not as yet made any response. The fastest time for a mile foot-race in New Zealand is „mm 23sec, by O'Brien, the Australian ped, "at Lancaster Park, Christ church, on March 4, 18S2. B. R. Wise, the English champion miler, was to leave England on August 3 for Aus tralia, where he intends to practice at the Sydney Bar. Both the Ponsonby and North Shore Rowing Clubs are liable at any moment to receive thirty days' notice to quit the shed sites at present held by them. An Aucklander now in Dunedin writes to me criticising the Ota-o football team. He .says Taiaroa is inferior to Whiteside, and is very confident that the Northerners will prove successful. A Committee meeting of the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club was held on August 17. The date of the general meetin<r was fixed for Sept. 20, and" the sports days for Oct. 26 and 27. A three-mile race took place at Fulton, New York, on July 26, between Hanlan, Hosmer, and Lee. Hanlan won easily in 19min. 40 sees. ; Hosmer, 19nim. oOsecs. ; Lee, 19min. 51 sees. The rowing club which has been formed at Hamilton, where there is a small lake suitable for rowing purposes, has applied to the Auckland Rowing Club for the purchase of two or three boats. Bigelow has been engaged to build an open twenty-feet sailing boat, something after the style of the Madge, and probably faster than the old ''crack." She will belong to the Ponsonby fleet.

A substantial looking ram-stemmed yacht of about four tons has been built and launched by Dalton, of Freeman's Bay. She is expected to prove fast enough to place herself at the next regatta.

Some interest was excited at Tauranga the other day in a boat race between the Shamrock andSilverof the Sea.. There wasa soldier's wind each way, which eventually fell to a calm, and the Silver of the Sea drifted in a winner by abqut two lengths.^

Jimmy Wood has returned to Auckland, and it is said that his health will prevent his appearance in the football arena again. This is the more to be regretted, seeing that he is one of the most brilliant foot ballists which this colony has produced.

The Auckland team arrived by the Mana pouri on Tuesday, and are staying at the Clarendon Hotel. I 6aw them practising the other evening. Thoy appear very active, and pass the ball well ; but of course one could not form any opinion, as they were only taking gentle exercise.—" Press."

Edward Hanlan was very cordially re ceived on arriving home at Toronto after his victory over Kennedy. He said the Point of Pines course was short of three miles, and offered to wager £1,000 or £2,000 that he could row over it in ISmin. or less.

The Union Club was to have sent a team to the Thames last night to play against the representatives of that place this after noon. A telegram was, however, received on Wednesday postponing the match till next Saturday.

"Williams has gone to the Thames in the yacht Christina, in order to make an in spection of the wreck of the Lizzie, a well known yacht of about 7 tons measurement, which recently went ashore there and sus tained serious damage.

The football match between the Banks and Insurance Companies was to have been played last Saturday, but was postponed in consequence of the bad weather. A scratch match was arranged, and proved very interesting.

Darby Ryan, whose brilliant place-kicking in .the New South Wales and club matches of last season was so much admired, appears to be gradually going "off-colour." He missed in a by no means difficult attempt at goal last Saturday.

Oamaru was very anxious to arrange a match with the Auckland Foot bailees, but would not guarantee anything for expenses. Really kind ; but our boys could not have had better training than a two miles ride in the Oamaru '-break/ a conveyance without springs. A trial fifteen, less one man, Murray, who' was unwell, played a sixteen, amongst whom were two or three interprovincial men, at Dunedin last Saturday week. The fifteen won by four goals and seven or eicht tries to nothing. °

Twenty-seven matches have taken place on the Oval between the Gentlemen and the Players. The former have won 10 matches ; the latter 10 ; six have been left unfinished ; and one ended in a tie. Fifty three matches have baen played at Lord's, resulting as follows :—Players, 2S ; Gentle men, 22 ; drawn, 3.

A large score was made at Aldershot on July 2 by the Aldershot Division in a match against Trinity and Trinity HalL The Aldershot Division went in first, and made 537 runs for the loss of five wickets. The scores were—R. Ward, 10 ;W. N. Lloyd, 147 ; Captain Spens, 5S ; J. Oswald, 58 ; s! Maul, 155 ; Captain Griffiths, not out, 69.

Great interest has been taken in this Auckland match, for various reasons. In the first place, it is seven years since the Northerners met our men ; then, after their excellent display against Sydney last sea son, the Southern players were very anx ious to have ago at them. Now the oppor tunity is afforded us, I hope our men will make the best of it.—" Canterbury Press."-

Cambridge University easily beat Surrey at the Oval on June 16. C. T. Studd bowled in fine style. The University put together 206 and 307, C. T. Studd contri buting 27 and 175 not out; P. J. de Para vicini, 61 and 1 ; P. J. Henery, 35 and 29. Surrey made 150 and 163 (M. Read, 50 and 4 ; J. Shuter, 3 and 45 ; W. YV. Read, S and 56).

Tom Farquhar, who has proved suc cessful in several sculling competitions in Auckland, has sent to Swaddle and Co. an order for a new boat of the best workman ship, and fitted with the most recent im provement., including a patent sliding-seat similar to the one used by Hanlan. The boat will also be supplied with two pairs of racing sculls by the builders. The cost altogether, I am informed, is very reason able.

An effort is being made by several gentle men interested in athletics to establish a number of gymnasium clubs here. There is 'already one in Parnell, and a meeting has been called with the object of forming a similar club in the Grafton district, while Ponsonby is expected to move in the matter very shortly. With three good clubs it is expected there will exist sufficient induce ment to secure the services of an efficient trainer now in the South.

It appears more probable that the scheme for having a Rowing Regatta on the Whau River on Prince of Wales's Birthday will be catried to a successful issue. There is a fine stretch of water on the river, which is admirably suited in every respect for row ing, and no doubt several good contests can be secured. Subscriptions in aid of the Regatta fund are coming in very well, both in town and at Avondale.

The contests for the championships of Ireland took place on June 16, with the following result:—Putting 161b—O. Harte, 40ft. 7in. ;M. Cuback, 37ft. 2|in. One mile run—W. J. Hogg, 1 ; D. O'Neill, 2 ; time, 4min. 38 3-sth sec. Half-mile—W. G. Meade, 1 ; J. E. Hussy, 2; time, 2min. 4 4-sth sec. Pole jump—T. Hobbs, 9ft. lOgin. ; W. G. Meade, 9ft. 9_in. 100 yards race —R. E. Sproule, 1 ; G. Christian, 2; time, lO.sec. Seven miles walk—C. B. Irvine, 1;S. F. O'Crowley, 2; time, 57min. 45sec.. .Putting 421b—0. Harte, 25ft. 4in. High jump=—P. Irvine, sft. 9in. Long jump—P. Davin, 20ft. 4in. Throwing hammer, 7ft. run—O. Harte, 90ft. 2in. Four mile run—F. Nunns, 1 ; G. C. Webb, 2; time, 21min. 12sec. Quar ter-mile—G. Christian, 1 ; R. B. Bourke, 2; time, ,2}sec. 320 yds. hurdles—P. Davin, 16min. 3-sth sec. No grander, specimen of a "champion" athlete (says the " Field") than Owen Harte has ever put a' weight. He is about the finest specimen of athletic humanity that ever donned spiked shoes.

Leedle Schakie.

"How you vas, Mister Klopenstein ?" said a well-known pawnbroker to another of the guild, who wore a fresh crape on his hat. " I hear you loss your leedle Schakie—dot vos a sad ting."

" Yas ; dot vos a bainful Occidents," said the other, drawing an unredeemed pledge across his eyes." °

" Occident, my tear Schakob : how vos •dot?"

"Veil, you see, Moses, it occurt in dis vay. I dakes leedle Schakie vid me ter Synagogue last Saturday. Dey vos a pier growd in dere, und aider a vile some veller sticks hes head unter ter door und shouts out, ' Vot gan I gets on dis vatch V " " Veil—vot den X" .." Vj.> ts m' t >*°" see, leedle Schakie vos killed in der rush."

GOSSIP FROM STAGE AND STUDIO.

[By Euterpe.]

Mr W. E. Sheridan, after leaving Auck land, plays a short season at 'Frisco, and then goes East in order to join Edwin Booth.

_ Charles Reade has undertaken to novelise his last Adelphi drama, '' Love and Money."

Sjgnor Luisetti, who was here with the Simonsen Opera Company, has settled down at Christchurch as a teacher of music.

Arthur Elliott and Louise Pomeroy played "Romeo and Juliet " on the evening of their marriage. °

Baker and Farron have a new play for their next American season called " Govern ment House."

Henry Irving states that ho has, in the course of his career, acted 640 parts, of which he has played only 02 in Loudon.

Mrs Walter Hill and Miss Arethusa May are in London, where Mrs .Hill is endeavour ing to obtain an engagement for her daughter.

Miss Emily Faithfull has accepted a brilliant offer to lecture for six months, five nights a week, through the United States and Canada.

M. Henri Kowalski, who has been per forming at the same concerts as Miss Bur vett, is also preparing to revisit Australia with two or three first-class artistes.

M. Labanoff, a Russian tragedian, has created quite a sensation in London by the manner in which he recites the "Dream of Eugene Aram."

An opera by a lady composer is shortly about to be produced in Turin. The new production is entitled, La ilccjina de Scozia, aud the lady musician by whom the work has been written is the Signora Stressa.

Mr Carl Rosa has commissioned Dr. Villiers Stanford to write an opera comique for the Drury Lane season next Easter. New operas by Mr (.oring Thomas and Mr C. Mackenzie will also be produced.

Salvini leaves America worth £120,000 ■all made within the last ten years. He has made a vow to retire from the stao-e before he reaches the age of 55, and he has but two years before him, as ho celebrated his 53rd birthday on January 1 last.

The matrimonial affairs of the eminent composer, Johann Strauss, bid fair to be come t somewhat mixed. He recently married for the third time, and as the Roman Catholic Church will not grant him a divorce, he has turned Protestant.

It has now become the fashion in England for actresses who have only appeared in the provinces, and who are desirous of be coming known in London, to give a ball, and invite all the dramatic critics in town, as well as the principal first nighters.

As an inducement to visit his theatre, Herr Bandmann advertises : "To mothers, wives, and sisters. Last night a lady fainted and a gentleman was carried out of the Gaiety Theatre in a fit from the effect of the marvellous acting of The IVo-man of the People." J

It is said that John Jiorley is tired of editing the English Men-of-Letters series, andthat it will stop after Mrs Oliphant's "Sheridan," Professor Colvin's "Keats," and H. D. Traill's "Coleridge," leaving untouched Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Steele Congreve, Smollett, Carlyle, Bulwer-Lyt ton, etc.

Mr H. I. Leigh, of the London Savage Club, is dead. He was a poet, and adapted the librettos of several French operas pro duced in London. His delicate humour, daintiness of language, and gentleness of character and manner bore a striking re semblance to the same qualities in the author of " Elia."

Miss Alice Sydney Burvett, a native of New South Wales, who, for the last six years, as "the Australian pianiste," has been giving concerts and earning irmcb praise in England, France, BelgiSm, and Switzerland, is being persuaded by the in defatigable Smythe to undertake a colonial tour.

Miss Nellie Fortescue, a favourite actress of the Savoy Theatre Company, has become betrothed to Lord Arthur William Garfoyle second and eldest living son of Lord Cairns! The young lord is not twenty-one, and ha. for a long time, by his pronounced love for theatricals, kept himself in hot water with his family. A younger brother is also seek ing a bride on the stage.

Scantlebury's '' Boccaccio" Company is at Tmgha, Queensland, where the opera 'is much appreciated hy the Chinamen. Miss Horan, the prima donna, was recently in receipt of the following letter, which ac companied by a jar of ginger, was left at the stage door :—" Me got cabbage warden lrkee you nearly allee same Cliina eirl' Plentee money, me give you blooch, rive you ling, you mally Charley Ah Hoy *

During its last season of ten months, the Royal Berlin Opera performed 236 or>_r_ "Wildshutz" 14 times, <' LohengriA " 30 times, and '' Tannhauser " nine thnes. Of composers, Wagner was played 32 times Mozart came next with 21, then Meyerbeer with 18 Lorteing with 18, Bizet with 17, with Ti 'and Gluck and ber ««*

Munkacsy the greatest of all livins twT '_ pc,?aps' lsf grievously il!_ Eo ill rErfft-Llf- fT Peremptorily ordered to rest from Ins labours at least si:: months ti«-rrl«rT enP^? °P°n a Pict«re en titled Calvary." The colour is said to be even more admirable, richer," de&er! befoi-e Pilate." The painter has made free use, as usual of bituminous pigments, aud has^produced effects such a_ no other artist li\mg probably has obtained.

xv„. 1. Bawett> the American actor, v,as recently completing an impassioned &oen_ in a insco theatre, when, taking ad vantage of the pause, a lanky stranger arose, from his seat in one of the boxes, and said :—" Mister Barrett, lam 'pinted by a committee of yer Petaluma friends to pre sent yer with this box of the biggest straw berries ever raised on this coast." The appalled actor gazed at the speaker for ft moment in silence, and then, with a Sic*, distributed the strawberries over all pari* of the house. The "yarn" requires con firmation.

The Municipal Council of Paris has re solved, by a vote of 44 to 21, to establish an "epera populaire." A huge building for tho purpose is to be erected in the Rue dv Chateau d'Eau, and an annual subsidy will be granted of 300,000f. (£12,000). It is stipulated thnt the price of three-fourths of the seat* must not exceed 3f.. Dunne the holidays free admission is to be given *o trie prize-winners in the municipal schools, ana to the officers of the boy battalions.

':&-QABr SlJ_p£^ 1;. ISB3.

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