The Era from London, Greater London, England • 18

THE ERA. April 21, 1900. 18 THE SHOWMAN WORLD. MASKELYSE AND COOKE'S. The home of mystery at the Egyptian Hall, directed MUSIC HALL GOSSIP.

A most interesting sporting event comes off to-morrow(Sunday) nothingless, indeed, thana bicycle race between Mr Albert Gilmer and Mr Leo Stormont. They will make the best of their W3y on their machines to Portsmouth. Mr Jack Lotto islookingafterthe Oxford manager, and Mr Jack Dring is advising Mr Stormont. The stake is ten pounds a side, and the money has been denonited with Mr Eucene Stratton. Mr Frank IT appears that young Charles Godfrey, the son of the late Charle3 and well.

He is a bright young fellow, and belongs to the Royal Sussex Regiment, his company now being stationed at Chichester. At one time he really thought he would get to the Transvaal, but the doctor would not pass him. Mk Harry Rickaeds's new Tivoli Theatre, Sydney, N.S.W., was opened on Saturday. It iB one of the most beautiful and most perfect theatres in the world, and has cost over 35,000. DEATH OF MR.

E. G. DUNBAR. Mr E. C.

Dunbar, the well-known actor-vocalist, who had reached his fifty-eighth year, died at his residence, Ye Olde Robin's Nest, 33, Cheyne-walk, Chelsea, on the 12th inst. The deceased artist had but lately been working, and succumbed to Bright's disease. In the later years of hiB career Mr Dunbar was associated with a sketch called The Merry Black-tmith, which was presented at every important music hall in London and the provinces. It even attained the greater dignity of a West-end theatrical production, beins nlaved at 1,0 Vaudeville on Sept. 25th, 1893.

(from a special correspondent.) From nearly every centre of popular resort there comes the same sad tale of bad business, caused by the wet and stormy weather. We visited two of the big Manchester fairs, and found, even in the wet, crowds of eager pleasure seekers braving the rain in the endeavour to snatch some little enjoyment out of their scant time of Easter holiday. On the Miles Platting fair ground were the two powerful combinations, the John Whiting combine and Edmund Holland's fair ground amusements, Lieske's big wheel, Richardson's steamships, W. Burke's steam-yachts, Hurst's combination set, the pelicans, ostriches, ponies, and the razzles, Shipley's riding-school, Edward's horses, Dixon's juvenile set, and; a very big crowd of variety novelties. The shows were Buckskin Bill's menagerie, Willson'B circus, the Cinematograph shows-of Messrs Caddick and Halliday, Garland, the magician and esoteric mystic, and the famous Mastrillo Bosco, the conjuror.

On the Queen'B-road ground were roundabout and other steam novelties of Messrs J. and P. Collins, W. Davies, and Messrs Royle and Smith, Sedgwick's No. 2 menagerie, Bartlett's lions and pictures, W.

Clark and Son's Cinematograph, E. Lawrence's living pictures, the Bosco Family, Cord-well's Lifeograpb, Taylor's freaks, and Wilson's, athletes, with a vast array of smaller attractions. At Newcastle-on-Tyne Easter Fair good business was done by the following concerns Reader's menagerie, Buff. Bill's wild beast show. Baker's circus and Mrs.

Johnson's circus, Biddall's Cinematograph, the Cotterell troupe of swimmers, Campbell, the strong man, Root. William's fine art exhibition, Cowland's mechanical show, J. Murphy's gondolas, ostriches, and galloping, horses, W. Murphy's gondolas, Hoadley's gallopers, Payne's steam horses, Kirk's steam horses, Pinnegor's steam horses and Winchester range, White's, Toogood'B, Hoadley's, Robson's, Slater's and Biddall's shooting concern, Kirk's big boats, six sets of Bwings, ten cocoa-nut concerns, and twenty Emma sheets, with streets of other novelties. Sunderland Fair was kept by the following concerns Wm.

Murphy's gondolas and ostriches, Frank New-some's and Cooper's swings. George Payne's cinemato-graph'and John Cooper's two shows, the animatograph, and the fine art gallery, the shooting ranges, bottle-smashers, and other games and varieties by Messrs D. Chapman, C. Mawson, George Newaome, Payne Sheeran, Kelly, and James Newsome. Huddersfield is a capital Easter Fair, and always attracts the very best of the concerns on the Yorkshire round.

Harry Ashington's Warograph and other up-to-date pictures as usual maintained their high positions as first-class shows. Relph and Pedley's magnificent cinematograph concern, the Electrograph, was a very palpable hit. The other picture show, W. H. Marshall's views of the war, maintained its position aB a centre of attraction.

Relph's fine art show, E. Farrar's up-to-date peep-show, and Taylor and Balm-fonte'3 novelty booth complete the list of exhibitions. The first-class machines included Mrs Waddington's and W. H. Marshall's gondolas, Proctor's and Redfearn'a steam horses, Burke's steam swings, and other sets of highflyers and swings by Messrs Morley, Johnson, Proctor, and Redfearn shooting galleries, ranges, batteries, by Mrs Johnson, Tom Barker, W.

Ratcliffe, and many others. The shows at Wanstead Flats included Day's menagerie, Chittock's, Taylor's theatre of varieties and balls, school of boxers, the gondolas, riding machines, of Messrs C. Bailey, W. H. Davies, W.

Symonds, Marshall Hill, and Messrs H. and W. Thurston, with the fair ground novelties, of many others whose names have not reached us. At Wormwood Scrubs were Biddalls Bros, and Hasting's menagerie, M. Le Neve and Norah Sullivan in their athletic entertainment, Buckley's performing dogs and monkeys, Hasting's midgets, and Storey's fine-art show.

The machines were the steam gallopers, steam horses, and roundabouts of Messrs Beach, Gray, and Welch, with the usual addenda of cokers, Emmas, and other novelties. The annual meeting of showmen at Wanstead Flats this year was of a very interesting and most significant character. Convened by the executive of the Roundabout Proprietors' Association, and held in Taylor's Theatre, it was also heartily participated in by the members of the Showmen's Guild, and thus became the first of a series of meetings in which the two Associations will combine for the common object of defending the showman's business from the attack of its enemies. Mr W. Symonds, the well-known Gloucestershire showman and roundabout proprietor, occupied the chair, and in a few well-chosen words pertinent to the issue before the meeting, introduced T.

Watson Wright, solicitor, of Leicester, to the assembled showmen. Mr Watson Wright, in his dual capacity of secretary and solicitor in convening the Association and the honorary solicitor to the guild, was able fronrhis expert knowledge of the question to put before the meeting the nature of the dangers arising, from private bill legislation in the House of Commons and also the vexed question of inimical bye-laws. One especial danger he brought home to his hearers was the fatal facility with which one corporation follows the example of another, and so' we have at the present moment some three or fovir important local bodies seeking the same powers of suppression of open-air entertainments as that possessed by Southend-on-Sea. He concluded a most interesting speech by a vigorous appeal to the showmen present to join the Van-dwellers' Association, and also in the caBe of roundabout proprietors to become members of the new society. A number of questions were put to Mr Wright and satisfactorily answered, a goodly response following the appeal to join both organisations.

CRYSTAL. PALACE. A typical Bank Holiday crowd was that which foregathered at the Crystal Palace on Easter Monday, and that Mr Henry Oilman had provided an exceptionally attractive programme may be taken for granted. From early morning till late at night there was a constant round of amusement. Both inside and outside the Palace there was abundance of music, and thousands were able to foot it merrily to their own enjoyment, and without interference with the enjoyment of others.

It was, in fact, a good-natured' crowd which had come out to enjoy itself heartily, and cook little notice of the variable weather which well maintained the traditions of the month of April, heavy showers being frequentthroughouttheday. Thetotalnumber of visitors was 101,031, as against 98,834 last year. The Cafe Chantant, which is so very attractive a feature of the Crystal Palace programme of amusements, received extensive patronage. Special interest was taken in the performance of The King's Highway, a dramatised version of Rookwood." Mr Frank' Gerald again appeared as the gallant Dick Turpin, and introduced his trained mare Wiapera, who for the nonce assumed the role of Black Bess. The feats in mid-air of the Bob Hanlon Troupe proved another interesting item, the juggling of Paul ttnquevalli was as much admired as ever, the acrobatic bicycle acts of the Selbinis, the American Roller Polo team.

Jean Seul, "The Indian Mystery," and Mr Shaw's intelligent performing horses, Alpha and Beta, also came in for their due share of applause. The water pantomime and walrus hunt, carried out under the direction of Professor Reddish, afforded unlimited amusement, and a series of cinematograph pictures of the war gave complete satisfaction. Sport was represented1 by the football match between the Corinthians and the Sheffield United, and another great attraction was the motor-cycle-races. All the seats in the enclosure were filled, and upon the rising ground around the people stood in dense masses for a long time watching the progress of the contest. Inside the building the sculpture gallery, the museum, and Victoria Cross collection were the resort of considerable numbers of visitors.

At nightfall there was a grand display of fireworks by Brock and the great set piece in which was entitled Shoulder to Shoulder," and represented Britannia surrounded and guarded by representatives of the Imperial forces and of the various home and colonial volunteers. by those favourite illusionists, MaBkelyne and Cooke, presented a novel second part In their entertainment on Jiaster inonaay. a. j.wvh an uuv magiusi, musical trifle is called, is agreeably written, and is, moreover, acted with sufficient dramatic force to emphasise its theatrical qualities. The plot is based on the pious wish of a dying wife to bind her husband to marry her sister.

Jiate and Madge iaulknerare twins, and bear to each other an extraordinary likeness. Kate married Frank Freemantle. She met with a seriouB accident in the hunting field which proved fatal. Shortly before her death she expressed a desire that her husband and her sister, to whom she was much attached, should marry aa soon as the Act to legalise such marriages should be passed, and they entered into a solemn compact to do so. Frank becomes enamoured of a young widow, Phyllis, and when the piece opens is making secret assignations with her through the columns of an evening contemporary, notwithstanding his solemn promise to Madge, bhe is sharp enough, however, to discover the intrigue, and resolves to impersonate the spirit of her dead sister, and threatens to haunt Frank all the days of his life if he breaks his vow.

She calls to her aid irotessor Primus, who instructs her how to produce "spiritual" manifesta tions, which so trighten Dennis, an old Irish servant, that he believes himself bewitched. During a sensa tional and amusing scene there are extraordinary happenings. Madge appears mysteriously as the spirit of Kate. She threatens Frank, and grasps him by the throat he swoons, and upon regaining consciousness finds Madge leaning over him. He confesses, and promises to keep his vow by tying the knot at Brussels.

The curtain descends upon the jubilant movements of the furniture to the tune ot Haste to the Wedding. We are not about to explain how the extraordinary occurrences take place. The dancing table, the piano which starts a waltz on its own, the complete disappearance of a wax figure, the place of which is taken by a living woman all these may be familiar tricks to the cognoscenti, but they puzzle and amuse an audience with whom Mr J. N. Maskeiyne'3 Professor Primus is an immense favourite.

The ingenuity of the inventor of the magioal problems has been ably exploited by the writer of the sketch. The shrewd and fascinating Madge Faulkner is delicately treated by Miss Cassie Bruce, who sings capably a well-written song to the pianoforte accompaniment of Mr E. S. Elton, a sufficiently forcible representative of the widower Frank Freemantle. Mr J.

B. Hansard is again well suited as the old Irish servant Dennis. The plate-danciag extraordinary is still the opening feature of the programme, the attractions of which are decidedly strengthened by the new and original feats of prestidigitation of that deft wonder-worker, David Devant, who presents also some amusing electric hand shadows. It is quite a droll bit of comedy that Mr Devant silhouettes on a large white screen, and the pictures are keenly appreciated. Not more so than the animated photographs introduced by Mr Nevil Maske-lyne, who makes appropriate observations, which are often witty and never too long.

The views, which include general subjects, besideB scenes from the war in South Africa, are accompanied by Mr Maskelyne's mechanical and automatic orchestra, which is controlled by that expert organist and pianist Mr F. Cramer. From this resume1 it will be seen that all the conditions of a popular entertainment are fulfilled in the latest Egyptian Hall programme. AMERICAN MUSIC HALLS. (from our own correspondent.) NEW YORK, April 11.

A unique feature of Keith's current programme is the Carlisle Indian Band, composed of fifty-five full-blooded Indians from the United States College at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, under the direction of Dennison Wheelock, the famous Oneida red man, which will shortly sail for the jfaris Exposition. The other attractions are Ezra Kendall, the monologue comedian Joseph Hart and Carrie De Mar, in their new sketch, A Close Call; the Quaker City Quartet, in a farcical playlet entitled In a Barber's Shop Clarice Vance, an entertaining singer of Negro songs the Holloway Trio, in their wire and ladder act Jbred iimerson crooks, the Uautornia poet C. Medway, phenomenal jumper; White and Harris. Irish comedians Mark Sullivan, in impersonations of famous actors Luhe western, instrumentalist J. V.

Winton, the Australian ventriloquist Pickard and Bowen, comic acrobats Hanson and Drew, in a comedy sketch and Richard Thomas, vocalist. Fougere, the Parisian chanteuse, is at Proctor's Twenty-third-street Theatre this week. She appears in a new monologue, which includes songs and recitations in English. Mr and Mrs Tony Farrell appear in a satire on society called An American Duke, and the other performers are Newell and Shevett, comedy bar experts Jules Keller, hand-balancing marvel Joseph Newman, monologue comedian Sisson and Wallace, in a juvenile sketch Colville and M'Bride, Celtic humourists the Gaspard Brothers, axe jugglers, Delmore and Wilson, travesty artists Emil Ohevriel, violinist and comedian Madge Fox, soubrette Bar-rington and Martell, duettists and John E. Drew, Celtic singer and dancer.

The Palace programme includes Eddie Girard and Jessie Gardner in their farcical skit, The Soubrette and the Cop; Hilda Thomas and Lou Hall, in a novel singing act the Pantzer Trio, contortionists Lynch and Jewell, singers and comedians Phyllis Allen, contralto Coakley and Huested, comedy pair M'Cale and Daniels, Celtic farceurs Spenser Kelly, baritone Alice Lewis, mimetic prodigy Walberti's equine marvel and Kitty Leslie, soubrette. Tony Pastor's attractions are Mr and Mrs Mark Murphy, in their latest sketch The Seventh Son Buo-man and Adelle, in their farcical skit, The Door Key the Crane Brothers, "the Mudtown Rubes;" Linton and M'Intyre, in A Doctor's Patience John and Nellie M'Carthy, sketch artists the Morello Troupe, acrobats, wire walkers, and bag punchers Miss Olla Hood, lady baritone George C. Davis, mimic and monologuist Mack and Armour, in A Summer Episode; Miss Polly Hazel, mimic and comedienne Frey and Fields, in A Tramp's Reception the Grant Sisters a3 the Bowery Girls Lester and Stevens, eccentric acrobats and dancers and Harry M. Drole, contortionist and juggler. BANDURRIAS IN BRADFORD.

EMPIRE THEATRE The Bandurrias supplied a high-elass mandolin and guitar entertainment, which was full of genuine music and tree from any technical raults. Bradford Observer, Tuesday, April 17th. EMPIRE THEATRE. Visitors to Bradford yesterday attended the Empire Theatre in the evening in large numbers, and this place of entertainment was much admired. There were packed audiences at both performances, and the pro gramme proviueu uy me management was greatly appreciated.

The Bandurrias played the mandoline and guitar with commendable finish, and the inspiriting Tuesday, April 17th. Owing to the indisposition of Miss Ida Rene, Miss Alexandra Dagmar took her place on Monday at the Tivoli and London Pavilion, and will continue "to do so for the next fortnight. Mr Will Dalton is engaged for Edward Lauri's part in pantomime in London next Christmas. Lieutenant Albini, now at the Winter Gardens Mo're-cambe, has been winning golden opinions among the Lancashire and Yorkshire folk, and he has been complimented by Mr W. Holland, with whose father the well-known illusionist fulfilled several engagements.

Professor Maccann, who has been playing reminiscences of the late Charles Godfrey's songs, commences a provincial tour at the Grand, Bolton, on Monday next Glenister is taking a great interest in the match. The distance is seventy-three miles. Mr Stormont has compassed it during the week, returning by train, and, in spite ot cis avoirdupois, 19 a strong tavourice. The New Grand. Clanham-iunction, is going ahead, and dnrins the ensiii'mr week the builders will place in position the heaviest girder that up to the present has been used in the structure of a music The directors of the company, in deciding the question of laying the foundation stone, invited Miss Daphne De Rohan to perform that office, taking into consideration the fact that she has several times appeared with great success at their halls, and is personally known to most of the members of the board.

Miss De Rohan, who is returning to England shortly after a brief holiday in Normandy, has acceded to the courteous request, and the function will most likely take place during the first fortnight in Blay. One should be quite prepared to hear of Mies Minnie Palmer's appearance at the halls, and under the guidance of Mr Richard Warner she is to entertain at the Canterbury on Monday, May 14th, in a revised edition of a sketch which has tor heroine the celebrated Kose Pom-Pom. That fascinating dancer has a soldier lover, who is to be shot at daybreak. Disguised as a hospital nurse she pleads with the commanding officer for her boy's life, but in vain. Doffing her nurse's dress she reveals her ballet skirts, and then in a pas de fascina tion softens the obduracy of the officer, who grants her request.

The Music Hall Benevolent Fund has received a donation of 25 from Mr Thos. Bush. This amount was voted bv the committee of the theatrical gala at Liver pool, to whom a hearty vote of thanks was passed at the last meetrng ot the jj una. Mr Horace iviarnott naa also received a cheque for 2 from Mr G. W.

Hunter, being a part of the proceeds of a concert he gave on board ship on his homeward passage from Australia. A vote of thanks was also passed to this gentleman for his kind efforts. The Punch Fund, in aid of the Hospital for Sick Children in Great Ormond-street, should be largely aided by the matinee at the Palace Theatre on May 3d. Mr Chas. Morton, by permission of the proprietors of that popular journal, has been able to advertise the matinee bv means of a facsimile of Doyle's familiar title-page.

The artistes contributing will number manv leading London favourites. A fair crowd will bring along from the Lyric an excerpt from Fhrodora and Miss Edna May will be seen in The American Beauty from across the road. There will also be contributions from Mrs Beerbohm Tree and the Misses Violet Vanbrugb, Lily Hanbnry, Marie Dainton, Katie Seymour, Mabel Love, Ada Reeve, Evie Greene, and lopsv amden, and Messrs Dan Leno, uharles Hawtrey, Lewis Waller, Lionel Brough, Herbert Campbell, Ben Nathan, Edward Lauri, the Liedertatel Glee lingers, and Arthur Roberts. A NVMBISR of Terriers and friends interested in the Music Hall Home dined together on Good Friday evening at the Dover Castle Hotel, under the presidency of Mr C. Smith-Wilkes, manager of the Cambridge, who has recently joined the fraternity.

Good fellowship and charitable resolve governed the proceedings, and the harmony was contributed by Messrs Johnny Dwyer, Tom Woottwell, Horace Wheatley, Milner Verren, J. Maccann, Charles Gardener, Little Zola, and Verno. The Rats who were in town dined together at Fras- cati's on Good Friday evening, Mr Eugene Stratton occupying the chair. Ihe songs were choice and varied. and Mr Wal Pink's contribution should secure for him a speedy engagement as a comic singer.

The coach drive to Epsom proved enjoyable, although the wind was high. Me J. L. Gbaydon is interesting himself in a benefit to be given on Thursday, May 3d, at the Middlesex to Mr Johnny Hanson, who will be remembered as playing ihe part 01 one ot Sir Augustus Harris pantomimes. To music hall audiences, however, the beneficiaire is known in connection with such sketches as The Naughty Dustman, The Queen's Birthday, The Donor, and 2 fee Country JXv.rsc.

Mr Hanson has suf fered from unmerited misfortune, and bis case is being very heartily taken up by, amor.g others, Mr George Barclay, who is one or a hard-working committee. Another of the fast-disappearing company of music hall chairmen has passed away in the person of Mr Alfred Roberts, who died, after a long illness, on the morning or Good hnday. he deceased will be remem bered a3 chairman at the Middlesex after Mr Gus Leach had vacated that position to take up management at Harwood's. He afterwards went to the Marylebone aB manager, and at the time ot his death was acting- manager ot the Varieties, jtloxton, under Mr U. ti.

Macdermott. The swimming carnival in aid of the Music Hall Home luincl is to take place on June 11th at the Lam beth Baths. Mr Tom Woottwell, the champion swimmer of the profession, who beat Mr Charles Mildare last year, has been successful in securing the services of Tyers and isuttall, who will exhibit their prowess. Miss Katie La wrench's new song by Mills and Ferry, entitled iou can nudge the marmalade by the label on the jar," has been secured by Messrs Francis, Day, and Hunter, who will publish it immediately. 'J he firm has likewise acquired Mis3 Lawrence's other new song, by the author and composer of "The ship that belongs to a lady," entitled You can't have better company than tommy, Jack, and Joe.

Miss Constance Moxon's forthcoming song, "In the days when I was husking on the beach," has been set to music by Mr red Lplett, and the melody iB fully characteristic of the composer of 'E dunno where are. Me Barney Akmsteoxg has been unable to appear at the Oxtord, London Pavilion, and Metropolitan since Tuesday evening in consequence of an attack of pleurisy and influenza. He is nursing himself up, and hopes to return to business on Monday next. It may be interesting to many readers who are not conversant with music hall business to know what a great amount of work is sometimes got through by an artiste in a single day and night. Miss Harriett Vernon, who is appearing nightly at the Bedford, Cambridge, and Kilburn, sang, on Easter Monday, three new tongs two of which were chorus songs and, although she appeared at one matinee only, she sang 110 less than ninety-nine verses and choruses, independent of band rehearsals, the same day.

Miss Leona Staadkn, the -'Boulevard Bebe," is obliged to postpone her provincial tour owing to an attack of scarlet fever, which will not only prevent her resuming her professional duties for several weeks, but will necessitate the postponement of her marriage with Mr Percy D. Jack. A promising; young Irishman in the person of Mr Fred Cramer made bis first appearance before aLondon audience at the Middlesex on Saturday, He was well rewivtu, using iwicu recaiiea. as an eccentric character comedian and dancer he is quite original, and London audiences will want to see a good deal more of him. For the present, however, it is understood that he will confine himself to the provinces.

A grand matinee will be held at the Tivoli on Monday, April 30th, in aid of the T. H. Roberts Fund for the rehet or the needy survivors or the ught Brigade Charge. The 155th meeting of the Executive Committee of the Music Hall Artistes' Railway Association was held on Tuesday afternoon, Mr J. W.

Cragg presiding. The secretary announced that nine new members had joined during the past week, and that the total number was 4,550. Several communications were read and considered, after which the -meeting was adjourned until next Tuesday at the usual hour. Mr C. Thorbtjrn, acting-manager of the Royal DuchesB Theatre, Balham, has been presented with a bust of Dan Leno.

The great comedian sent Mr Thorburn the work of art as a token of esteem. The recipient is proud of the gift, which occupies a place of honour in the beautiful Balham Theatre. The death is announced of Mr Frederick Heath, who, with Miss Flo Garton, at one time presented duologues on the variety stage. The deceased comedian was much respected. He died on April 0th of that painful malady cancer, after an illness of some duration, and was buried at Tooting Cemetery.

The services of Mr Arthur Playfair have finally been secured by the management oE the Palace Theatre, where his celebrated imitations of leading London actors will be given nightly for some considerable time to come, commencing from Monday, May 14th. Mr Harry Poole and Mr James Francis are at the Prince of Wales's, Liverpool, next week with The Dandy Doctor, with which record business has been done since its production. Mr J. Pitt Hardache, who i3 now the proprietor of Savage South Africa from Earl's-court, recently paid over to the Great Central Railway Company the sum of 325 for the journey from London to Sheffield of that show, a record price considering the great number of people travelled. Three new Biograph pictures, representing scenes in the relief of Ladysmith, were shown at the Palace Theatre on Thursday evening, when they were most enthusiastically received.

A matinee will take place at the Alhambra on May 1st in aid of wounded officers returning from the front. Among the artistes who have already volunteered are Mrs Brown Potter, the Misses Marie Tempest, Edna May, Florence St. John, Katie Seymour, Mabel Love, Kate Phillips, and Louie Freear, and Messrs Lewi3 Waller, Charles Warner, Arthur Roberts, Kelly and Gillette, Frank Lawton, and Pan Leno. The band of the Royal Horse Guards Blue, conducted by Lieut. Charles Godfrey, will play during the afternoon.

The Grand Theatre of Varieties, Gravesend, has been formed into a limited company, and the first meeting of the directors took place on Thursday, when the allotment of shares was arranged. Mr Charles Palmer, of London, has been appointed general manager of the Prince's Parade and Royal "Victoria Theatre, Bridlington Quay, and entered on his duties on Thursday last. The friends of Comical" Cris, the well-known ventriloquist, will be sorry to hear that he is lying with a fractured hip, at his residence, Prospect House, Tyl-desley, having been thrown off his motor cycle, on Saturday last, while returning from a spin in the country. He is progressing favourably, and hopes to resume work by the 30th, when he will join the Korries company at Rochdale. On the day of the Diamond Jubilee, June 22d, 1897, the late Mr E.

C. Dunbar, who was known a3 Dashing Dunbar," sang God Save the Queen" on the balcony of his house in Cheyne-walk, Chelsea. He had the organ taken out, and sitting there with Mr Tom Maltby and other friends, he sang the National Anthem to thousands of people, who were not content till the singer had obliged with God Bless the Prince of Wales" and "Auld Lang Syne." Among the listeners were several Colonial troopers who knew Mr Dunbar in Australia. In the Court of Bankruptcy, on Thursday, a meeting of the creditors of Miss Bella Bashall, described as late of Dale-street, Chiswick, was held. She stated that she had been engaged as an actress for some years past in touring with theatrical companies.

Her insolvency she attributed to liability for costs in respect to an action for damages for breach of contract unsuccessfully brought by her against the petitioning creditor. She estimated her indebtedness at about 200, against assets of small amount. No offer was submitted, and it was intimated that the matter would be wound up in bankruptcy by the Official Receiver as trustee. A report was published on Wednesday that Earl Russell had married in the United States. The lady's name was stated to be Cooke, and the date of the ceremony was given as the loth inst.

In respect to this announcement, a press representative made some inquiries of Lady Russell, who described the news as having been a terrible blow, and added that she felt too unwell to fulfil her engagement at the Tivoli on Wednesday night. Mr Vernon Dowsett released her from her engagement for the evening. She reappeared on Thursday night. Mr William Freear, who has been very successful at the Crystal Palace, has again been re-engaged. Dandoe and Neame's success during their first visit to the Empire, Wolverhampton, has been very encouraging, and their eccentiic comedy act has decidedly caught on.

On Tuesday Mr George Sanderson, the esteemed acting-manager of the Belfast Empire Theatre of Varieties, was accorded hi3 first annual benefit. The house was literally packed from floor to ceiling, and the performance was under the patronage of the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Sir Otto Jaffe, Major-General E. P. Leach, V.C., C.B., commanding Belfast district, and the officers of the garrison of Belfast.

A mammoth programme was provided, and, by the kind ness of Mr Fred W. Warden, Miss Edith St. Clare and Mr W. Wattie Walton came over from the Theatre Royal pantomime, and their reception was very enthusiastic. There were no less than twenty turns provided tor tnis red letter occasion, including Vox, ventriloquist Mr William Gibson (the local "Ju who sang an entirely new song, "The Ulster Yeomanry," in clever style Henri Abdy'scanine circus Mr W.

J. Whelan and his talented child violinist, only five years of age the Esmes Mr Hugh McCormick, baritone Miss May Henderson, the dusky comedy queen Mr H. A. Knight Professor Kineto's biorama; the Wedburns, ke. During the course of the evening the beneficiaire appeared on the stage, and was, on behalf of a few Belfast friends, presented with a beautiful marble clock and ornaments.

Sir Otto JafTe Lord Mayor of Belfast during 1S99 made the presentation. and in a capital speech spoke in high terms of Mr Sanderson's abilities, and the personal services he recently rendered him in connection with Lady Jaffe's fund for the local families of the Boldiers at the front. Mr Sanderson briefly replied, thanking everyone. The piece was adapted from Longfellow's poem by Mr Dunbar, whose fine baritone voice enabled him to do complete justice to the title-role. Mr Dunhar onmtr.ar,aA hia career as dresser to Fred French and Tom Maclagan, for the modest salary of two snimngs, afterwards raised to nan-acrown, Maclagan said to him one day, You young devil, I going to take you on the stage." Young Dunbar then made his dthnt riasre.

in buttons. Eventu ally the young aspirant went into the City, where he remained in the silk velvet trade for eight years, but he still hankered for the footlights, and accepted an engagement from the late Mr J. J. Poole at the Metro-Dolitan at 2 10s. nor wee.

One of his first song3 waB Act on the Square," but the proprietorship of this was transferred to the Great Vance. Young Dunbar was much in request, and under the auspices of Mr Ambrose Maynard, was doing three turns a night. Very soon he received an offer for America, where he met with so much success that during his career he paid no less than ten visits to the States, where he was associated a great deal with George L. Fox, a capital clown. Other managers with whom he played across the oond were Tonv Denier, Tony Pastor, Georee Tvler.

and Rice, and Palmer. It was in America that Mr Dunbar first met Mr John F. Sheridan, who apo.nred him for the part of Count Menaseio. in Fun on the Bristol. Herein Mr Dunbar's snecialitv as a Milanese niner made him very popular, and he "went round the world with Mr Sheridan.

Unfortunately he left him to take up management in Australia, but failure resulted. He soon after met Mr Sheridan again, and was with him for several years longer. He had an interesting experience of opera at the Oxford, where Mr Syers produced Faust, under the title of Temvtation, which was given in defiance of the magistrates. His colleagues were Mr J. W.

Turner, who afterwards went to the Alexandra Opera House. Camden-town, and Madame Du Maurier. Mr Syers arranged several other operatic performances, but his persistencejeopardised the licence, and the exneriments were discontinued. One of Mr Dunbar's most popular selections was Funiculi, fumeula. His last encasements were at the Battersea Palace and the Standard, Pimlico, about two months ago, and his voice was considered to have oeen oetter tnan ever.

He had been unwell for about six months with liver troubles, which turned to dropsy. He read his news capers un to the last day, and said, "I should like to have read of the relief of Mafeking." He was quite free from pain for two days, and died holding his wife's Photo hi Brown, Barnes, and Co. THE LATE MR. E. C.

DUNBAR. hand. For the last six years he had kept the tobacconist's shop "Ye Olde Robin's Neste," also a confectioner's shop next door, at 33 and 34, Cheyne-walk. Mrs Dunbar, the widow, desires through our columns to thank Fred Higham, Herbert Campbell. E.

De Vere, J. D. Hunter, Chirgwin, Gus Leacb, Nellie Wilson, Milroy Cooper, Walter Norman, and others in the profession, also private friends, for their kind letters and telegrams, wreaths, kc. She was too unwell to let her husband's professional friends know of his death until the day of his funeral. The remains of the deceased, whose real name was Edward Howell, were interred on Wednesday at Ful-ham Cemetery.

The funeral arrangements were characterised by extreme simplicity, in accordance with the departed comedian's wishes'. The following is a list of the wreaths sent from sympathising friends Mr and Mrs Cook and Agnes, Mr Clark and family, George Jackson, G. and J. Terry, Mr and Mrs A'Herne. Albert and Laura West, Mr and Mrs Meakins, Mr and Mrs Wormsley and son, a few friends in Chelsea, J.

C. Wright, "from Emma to dear master," Mrs Cheeseman, "from sister Jennie and niece Nellie," "Nellie and Ted to darling uncle," Mrs and Mrs Bush, Mr Renninson, and a beautiful cross from his widow, Mrs Dunbar, inscribed, "In loving memory of darling Ted, from his heartbroken wife." Those who followed his remains to the grave included Mrs Dunbar, Mrs Ashley, Mrs West, Nellie Dunbar, Mrs Cook, Bliss A'Herne, Mr C. Yvis, Mr Wormsley, and Mr James A. Meade, one of his oldest friends, who had travelled the colonies with poor Dunbar when they were both members of Mr John F. Sheridan's Fun on the Bristol company.

That sociable and genial fraternity, the Jays, had a merry time at the Horns, Kennington, on Good Friday evening, when they met at theirannual dinner. Brother Charles Chapman presided, and he was supported by Mr Willie Boisset in the vice-chair, Mr Fred Marchant mighty atom the secretary, ably assisting in looking after the comfort of the visitors. After a good old-fashioned meal had been done full justice to, there were toasts. Mr Tom Tinsley responded for the proprietors and managers, whose entemrise was oithilv referred to by Mr Horace White. Mr Phil Ray, who gave "The Visitors," elicited happily-worded replies from Mr J.

H. Milburn and Mr Albert Voyce, Mr Arthur Wylie acknowledged the artistic aid of the music hall orchestras, whose interests were quite safe in the hands of Mr W. Burgess. Song and jest followed the speeches, and among those who contributed to the amusement of the company were Messrs Phil Ray, J. Milburn, Gus Garrick, A.

Wylie, Horace White, Albert Voyce, the Brothers Avolo, Delevine, Beattie, and Tom Tinsley. The diners included Messrs F. O'Malley, Burgess, Percy Delevine, Bell, Charles Avolo, White, Edward Avolo, Walter Bellonini, Dore, W. Downes, W. Longford, Gus Garrick, the Collenos, Beattie, C.

Chapman, Tom Tinsley, Reed, E. Warner, A. Voyce, Dan O'Malley, J. H. Milburn, F.

Marchant, H. Dawson, R. Taylor, P. Seymour, W. Boisset, A.

Wylie, Norris, C. Andrews, O'Gust, and others..