AN IMPORTANT THEATRICAL ASSERTION.

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 33, 2 November 1918, Page 9

AN IMPORTANT THEATRICAL ASSERTION.

Mr. Edward 'Branscombe, the wellknown Theatrical and Musical Entrepreneur! to whom Australia and New Zealand is indebted . for the visits of the Westminster Glee Singers, Sousa's Band, and the famous Russian Instrumentalists the Cherniavskis, tho Scarlet Troubadours, and the Dandies Costume Companies, writes of Clements Tonic thus :—

The Garden Theatre, Bayswater Road, Sydney, Australia. TO CLEMENTS TONIC, LTD. "As a consistent user of Clements Tonic for the past nine years I testify to its ■undoubted efficacy.

"The mental and nervous strain associated with all theatrical and musical touring work is an ever present source of trouble to thoso so engaged. I have been no exception. "The lours of Sousa's Band and The Westminster Glen Singers, tho latter alone extending over an uninterrupted period of two involved a constant demand on the nervous system. "This demand was always unfailingly met by a course of Clements Tonic, and (hero is no gainsaying the practical benefits I derived from its use. "If further testimony were- needed 1 could add that my.opinion is strongly substantiated by similar experiences on tho part of the many friends to whom I have recommended this excellent remedy. "(Signed) EDWARD BRANSCOMBE." Beyond question the medicine for tho Theatrical Profession, for thoso specially engaged in brain work, and who sutler from brain-fag, loss of slceo, nervousness,, and poor appetite. Clements ionic should bo a stand-by medicine for al theatrical pronV. All Chemists and Stores sell it.—Advt.

Machines of (lie Curliss type arc used in tho regular aerial post inaugurated in tho United States. They Mβ capable.of carrying from 3001b. toCOOlb. Postage.for the new service casts a shilling an ounce. Six machines m'e alerady in service, and as the public demand grows they will, lie rapidly -increased.

One of the abiding joys on the New Zealand sector of the Western front nro the "New Zealand Pierrots," who visit various points giving performances .of a revue entitled "Eyes Front," in threo parades and several sections. Names of many well-known performers in New Zealand may be recognised among those in the cast, who are only characterised by their surnames. The names 'figuring on the bill are: Pyge, Hiscocks (scenery), l'rouse, Hendricksen (music), Perkins, Fama, Pope, Jamieson, Konny, Cooper, Scobell, Exton, Proctor, Lawson,'Donaldson, Smith, and Hoare. The scenic artist is Mr. E. F. Hiscocks, formerly a clever sketch artist in Wellington, and Exton is Mr. Laslett Exton, the Wellington tenor. The final "wheeze" on the programme is "Take Me Back To Dear Old Egypt." The scene is the Templo of Isis, and the episode reads— "Everybody drifts on. A lot of people sing. Night falls, and the plot is found (which doesn't often happen in revue). Curtain stays down. Better get home while your lucks in!"

The saddest theatrical news of the week is tho reported death at Honolulu of Mr. Stephen iScaulon. one of the most impressive and finished actors who have visited the Dominion for some years past. Mr.- Scanlon was an Enclish actor of Irish extraction, who first appeared with J. C. Williamson companies during tho firm's brief period of activity in South Africa. His talent easily made a place for him in the regard of South African playgoers, who were just as impressed with his incisive style and senso of character as wo were. When the Williamson people introduced that propaganda play, "Damaged Goods," they selected Mr. Scanlon to come to Australia to play the doctor, a part that needed very delicate liandliim. '.Though. Brieux's play is not the class I personally like to see tainting the atmosphere of tho theatre—even if it be regarded as a lesson or sermon—we could all admire the skilful work of Mr. Scanlon. Ho came again with Mr. Cyril Maude, and in the George Birmingham comedy, "General John Regan," his characterisation of Thaddeus Gallagher, tho. tirebrand editor of the "Connaught Eagle," was very easily the star performance) of tho play. A death of a good actor is really a very sad loss to a community, for good actors are scarce,.

Years ago a man introduced to tho world a thin copper strip for protecting shoe tips, 'and received .£BOII,OOO in royaltics.