THE GALLANT FRENCHMAN

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1732, 24 April 1913, Page 2

THE GALLANT FRENCHMAN

M. Napoleon 13offard, who managed tho representation of Bernard Shaw's "Getting Married" at tho Melbourne Repertory Theatro performance at tho Athenaeum Hall, had rather a trying experience recently, according to Melbourne advice. The story goes that after tho crowded audience had been seated, and half of tlio first act was over, two officers of the Board. oF'Health saw him, and the following interview took place:— Office!': In tho vice-regal party tho chairs of tho Governor-General and tlio one of Lady Denraan are too near each other, 'l'liey must be moved, to leavo a passage about C feet. M. Bolfard: But I cannot touiovo his Excellency or her Ladyship. Officer: Ton must.' The chair of Lady Denman is on the passage, and she must ba moved.

M. Boil'ard: But would you that I tako the risk to nsk her Excellency to ■move? I, a. poor Frenchman, asking tho representative of his Majesty . the King of England in Australia to have her consort removed from wliero she is '■ ,No.

Officer: You will have to do so,'or you will bo reported and fined It may cost vou Jit to XT). That is all.

M. Bollard: In that case, sir, I will have to go to gaol, as my firm do not pay tho fine of its representative. They take risks, find as 1 do not possess a fiver in the bank, I nni ready to Uako the punishment, but I will not remove her .Ladyship. Olficer: Who is the usher in charge of that portion of the house? 'M. Boffard: This young man. Officer: Youug man, during the interval remove her Ladyship. M. Boffard (out of patience): Stop. If this ridiculous tiling has to he done it nust bo done by me. I will s:e de-cahip duHng tho interval about it. Officer: See that it is done. So M. Napoleon Bollard went in the interval ana interviewed Sir Walter Barttelot, and explained matters to him and Lady Denman, and the seat ivns removed.