Madame Melba, who left Melbourne last. week to fulfil a concert engagement at Lannceston in Tasmania en route for ww Zealand, has met. with some bad luck. 'The voyage oer in the Coogee as so rough that Madame became excessly' seasick and had hemorrhage of of the vocal chords. When she landed at Launceston she was much too ill to Sing and, much to the public disappointment. her concert was abandoned. The sum of £2,000 had' been deposited by a guarantor and this of course was rel and handed back to him. Over £700 had een paid for seata before the sale was stopped, a record for the Island State. On appearing at the railway station to take train to Hobart, Melba was hooted by a large minority, and although she offered to sing on her return from New Zealand, the offer was coldly received. News has since been received that she has landed at the Bluff (N. Z.) in good health and with her voice in fine condition.
Theatres, ete.
At the Princess's Theatre Miss Nellie Stewart and her company are giving "Zaza" with success. The play, which is distinctly vulgar in tone and execution, has a reputation for "naughtiness," thereby enhancing its attraction for a. certain class of playgoers. It is chiefly remarkable for the lightning changes of her clothes displayed by the leading lady. From one red dress to another red dross she dashes in bewildering celerity. Wo are promised "The Fortune Teller" next wreck; this comic opera has made a distinct' success in Sydney and is said to rorive the best traditions of the palmy days of opera bouffe. The pantomime died prematurely and Her Majesty's is now closed, but will be opened again next week with' the revived "Geisha." Major Taylor, the negro cyclist, has attracted large crowds both here and in Sydney to watch his champion sprinting.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.