OBITUARY

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1931, Page 6

OBITUARY

DAME MELBA. WORLD WIDE TRIBUTES. (Australian Press Association.) SYDNEY, February 23. Dame Nellie Melba is dead. HER LAST HOURS. SYDNEY, February 23. Dame Nellie Melba passed away at five o’clock this afternoon at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital. By libr death Australia loses her most prominent representative daughter and the world loses a singer who followed Adelina Patti as the reigning operatic soprano of her generation and her century in Europe. The golden, voice which inspired the world—the picturesque personality that charmed thousands—have passed beyond. Her passing was as courageous and fine as her public life. Her condition last night was extremely low. Towards morning, the dying diva, who previously had refused to see a Minister, niurmered gently : “C!ct me a clergyman!” Canon Lea, of Bt. Mark’s Dardling Point, was summoned, and lie stayed some time praying with her. By 10' a.m., to-day she was beyond speech. Her pulse became more feeble, and she waved farewell. Outside the quiet room was John Lcmmone, the flautist, who has,, been her faithful friend and manager for nearly fifty years. He waited patieuty for the end. Dame Melba’s father, David Mitchell, a dogged old North-Country Scotsman, came to Australia in 1857. He was a poor man but be died a millionaire in 1916 at. the age of 87 ycaiw.

Dame Melba, otherwise, Nellie Mitchell, was born on May 19th, 1861 at Victoria. She came of musical parents. She married Captain Charles Armstrong, the son of an Irish Baronet, (Mi- Audrey Armstrong Ist Battalion King’s Company) in the year 1882. The union proved unhappy. There was a long separation and finally a, divorce. There was one son George Armstrong. In her early teens, Dame Melba, studied at the organ, harmony and composition. She was taught singing by Madame Lucy Cambers, a local celebrity, who had sung in the opera in Italy. Later she studied in Melbourne under Signor Cecchi, the Italian tenor. She made her debut at the Melbourne Town Hall in the year 1877. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, February 24. Madame Melba’s body will be trained to Melbourne t-o-morrow for interment at Lilydale Cemetery. The Diva’s early life was spent at Coombe Cottage, Lilydale, a picturesque resort twenty miles from the City. There will be a service at Scott’s •Church, Collins Street, Melbourne, and the burial will take place on Thursday. Among numerous messages of condolence received to-night by relatives were cables from the King and Queen, and Viscount Novar, a former Gov-ernor-General of Australia. Tho Governor, Sir Philip Game, expressed his deepest sympathy with Australia’s loss of such a gifted daughter. He said the Empire and world would mourn the death of a distinguished personage. Tributes were also received from the Prime Minister, Premier, and many prominents in the musical world.

MELBA, Dame Nellie, G.8.E., a famous soprano and operatic singer of the day. She takes her name from her native city, Melbourne; Co vent Garden saw her debut in 1888. Celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of her appearance at Govent Garden in May, 1913. Her father died in 1916. Was made D.B.E. in 1918 for her work on behalf of war charities. Returned to England, March, 1919 and re-appeared in opera. Her singing was heard at sea., 1,000 miles by “wireless,” in 1920 After a year’s holiday in Australia, returned to England and sang in opera during 1923. 1 Published her life story in 1925. Appeared for the last occasion in opera on June 8, 1926. and held a farewell concert in the Albert Hall, in the same month. Received G.B:E., June, 1927. TRIBUTE TO MELBA. (Received this dnv at 9.46 a.mA LONDON, February 23Musieans unite in paving a tribute to Dame Melba, expressing their p'ofoundest sorrow. Peter Dawson says—“ Melba always uplifted one marvellously. She was most helpful to young singers, always ready to encourage and sympthise. Sir Landon Ronald describes her as “one of my oldest friends, wlm helped my career greatly as an artist. None could approach her, she was simply supreme.”