"GOOD=BYE!"

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1102, 15 April 1911, Page 10

"GOOD=BYE!"

FAREWELL TO MR. HUGH J. WARD. ENTHUSIASM AT THE OPERA HOUSE. What Mr. Hugh J. Ward lias done for Wellington needs no re-telling. Heroafter a monument will arise to his memory in tho Children's Hospital, which will always keep bis name fresh and green in the hearts of the citizens of Wellington. On Thursday evening he appeared for tho last time before the local public as a player. It was a brilliant performance that went like a rocket, and maintained a high tono throughout, every member of the company, and in particular Mr. Ward and his charming confrere. Miss Grace I'iilotta, exhibiting the highest comedy spirits in "A Bachelor's Honeymoon" and "The Scarecrow." Henceforth Mr A\ard becomes a more sedato man of affairs as a partner in tho biggest theatrical firm operating in Australia — J. C. Williamson, Ltd. Tho "Firm's" gain will in a measure be, tho public's loss, in that an admirable exponent of light comedy passes to the comparative obscurity of headquarters, and only the work of his directing hands in the companies that will visit Nw Zealand under the Williamson banner will preserve theconnection between playgoers and tho departing player. At the conclusion of the performance on Thursday evening, tho Opera House vibrated with applause, which merged into a storm of cheers, and after the curtain had been raised and lowered four times, Mr. Ward came forward amidst a fresh outburst, and said that ho wished to express his thanks, both on behalf of himself and the members of his company, for the remarkable manner in which they had been treated during their visit to the city. Ho begged to assure them sincerely that there was no spot he more regretted leaving than Wellington. (Applause.) The interest tho people had all taken in his develop' niont from an actor to a manager was all tho greater, perhaps, because of a moct remarkable incident, which had enabled him to look into their hearts. It was a grand sight! l''or the grea* send-off that night and the lino reception which had been accorded him at the Town Hall lie could not express tho extent of his gratitude. If he attempted to do to, lit would bo •» hit overwhelmed. As to the future, lie was going to do his very best and endeavour to earn the regard and appreciation whiqli had been given to his present company, tho members of which were as a body also saying "good-bye." (Applause.) There was a lady who was also saying "goodbye"—(applause)—oho whose sterling character and charming personality were appreciated everywhere, and who said she was not coming back. Miss Palotta had spent the greater part of her career in Australasia, and thero would yet be a time when she would come back to charm with her manifold talents. She was too fine all artist to stay away. (Laughter and applause.) Ho did not want Wellington to forget him—ho would not forget them. They would sec if things could not bo done now aiid again. No one knew what the hospital would require in the future. (Applause.) It was with real feeling that ho would say "Au revoir!" Ho would not say "Good-bye"—that was like taking a look at his remains. ' It was really only "Good-night"—he did not want to sav "Good-bye 1"

Miss Palotta, who was visibly affected by tlio ovation accorded her, said that for all tlio kindness shown to her in Wellington she could not thank tlio people enough. She was eo sorry— Good-bye I •■■■'■' ' •'

It was the breaking-point with;i i-ho charming actress, and the signal for more cheers and applause.

So ended a memorable theatrical night.

After the • cuvlain fell, Mr. Ward entertained a few- of his most intimate friends at supper. The company left for the south Inst evening, carrying with them the best wishes of tho Wellington public.