A Catastrophe Prevented.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 136, 14 May 1885, Page 3

A Catastrophe Prevented.

The la-*t scene of La Traviatu at tlie Grand Oj>eva House, represented the death-be«l of " Violet ta," the room being furnished as an ordinary bedrunni, with an open n»eplae»« upon th<» right, m which the tire was represented by a candle burning hehiml si piece of red cloth. The extended scene allowed the candle to burn low and tumble over against the cloth which Hashed up like a tinder. AH m the room were engaged with the heroine, who whs stru^srling with death, Iml the nurse saw the danger and quietly endeavored to iear the burning cloth away, but tlie fire had CHunhl the woodwork •>! iho scenery. Tho^floctor looked around aud left his patient to assist the maid The flames mounted higher. He flung a Urge cushion upon them without effect. Tho attention of the audience wa* riveted upon the fire, ami many itr the immense audience stood up. A geuejul ytampfideiuiptiiuled. Shouts of " Fiie !" " Keep your seats 1 " an-*. ♦'Don't rush!" respounded on all «ides. The dang '- Violetu" looked around and like lightning sprang up, suatr.hed a large Hannel blanket from the couch and m three seconds the leaping flames were subdued, and she sioml before the audience with a smiling face and tile remain.-* of the burned and blackened Mankef m her hand. For a luoment the demoralized throng 1 stooil broatMess, arid then » roar of enthusiastic applause .swelled forth like a tornado, which continued long after M iss Al»bott had appeared befm « the curuiin and bowed- her. acknow ledgements. * Tha audience was. •heated out of their death scene, bur m its stead one of the coolest, pluckiest pieces of work done on the stage. Tl\e Grand Opera House never had and never can have a more uari'Vj^r escape from a disastrous deathdeaiinu stampede..