PATTI IN TRISCO.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1256, 17 May 1884, Page 2

PATTI IN TRISCO.

Referring to Patti’s visit to ’Frisco, “ Silver Pen ” writes The great Opera House newly decorated for this auspicious occasion, was crowded from end to end, the corridors —where nothing could be seen, only the voice? heard—full also. The prices wore 1.1, 16s, 12s, and Bs, for standing room ; but ere she sang the excitement had become a panic; people paid L 4 for a place in the line, and then failed to get a scat; others paid LlO for a single seat,- and had to stand. The day orevious to the sale of tickets a crowd of people were seen at nigh fall, armed with camp-stools, bottles of whisky, and lunchbaskets, who took their stand opposite the box office. Tfya line inepea ed, and verged off into another street, tyhile aeveral of these lines had drawn themselves out before morning, most of the men being he speculators ; but, so adverse are the ways of the human race, that in the morning those who, by standing all night, thought they were right in front of the box offi:e found themselves yards behind when day dawned. Even then there were scarcely any tickets to be had, the plan being evidently to sail the tickets by other means ; so that when, after selling perhaps one hundred tickets, the office was suddenly closed, the rage of the multitude knew no bounds. HfThey I say the management, being at an expense of L2,4Q0 per night, could do nothing else but tell outs’de, as the prices asked would have left them losers. It is a shamefurpro<;eeding, aqd ruinous to the character of Oolqnel Mapleson, who, however careij for nothing but gating his money. Tickets are now selling /or LlO a seat, and the boxes, announced for sale at H2, ate sub rpsa, bringing L6O each ; so that few bat the rich hare a chan«e of hearing the singing-bird/ I closed my gossip a - * hour before the opera; and now let mo tall you of the great event. At four o’clock yesterday the crowd began to gather round the Opera Hous >, and at seven the carriages began to muster in force. It was terrific.

The ladies in full , dress were torn to pieces, and many had to go home in ion-, ' sequence. Women were lifted through the crowd, and the mob surged with each vehement impetuosity that the ticket* holders were pushed _ , through - without even present ini their tickets. The police were there in force, but no power could quell the, excitement or prevent the rush. People bolding tickets at an cnormoua price were compelled to ge away, there being no room in the corridors, whfehnre numerous. Nearly three thousand; people were packed like sardines, in defiance of the Fire Ordinance Law, which only permits two thousand two hundred to enter the Opera House. The Child of Police and Oolonel Mapleson, the manager, had a hot dispute, resulting in a thmt to sail upon the Colonel for breaking the law. Meanwhile the people strove forftheir seats, many finding that bo|UB tiokets had be 3n issued at enormous prices, the conpons not being the same number ap the original Thus many were left to stand coupons in hand. When at last the boose was seated the effect was sublime. The “ rank and fashion,” as the papers’ have it, were in force—the rich storekeepers and Jews having no rank at all, between you and me. Nevertheless, with their velvet and diamonds, they make a fine show before the footlights, for the 1 four tiers were crammed full, and as many thousands stood oat In the rain, helpless and Beatless. When Patti appeared, the audience rose, and the wildest excitement prevailed. The ladies waved their handkerchiefs, eta, and the shout went up like thunder. To describe the diva’s singing is impossible. Imagine a bird ■ trilling and warbling in ecstasy, aud you i hear Patti, the divinest singer on earth ■ to.-dsy._