A New Zealander In Sydney Town

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 878, 23 January 1930, Page 7

A New Zealander In Sydney Town

THE SUN’S Sydney Correspondent SYDNEY, January 17. Real Estate Wins The opening of the recently-com-pleted St. James’s Building, which faces Elizabeth and Castlereagh Streets, and houses the tasteful St. James Theatre of the Fuller Brothers, was rather a hurried affair. This was necessary owing to the departure of Sir Benjamin for New Zealand, where engagements awaited him at Auckland and Christchurch. It was a very jolly affair. Time was when the Fullers considered placing a second theatre over St. James. Hoxvever, the real estate section of the firm’s activities which, incidentally, is the special concern of brother Johu, won the day. This building represents an investment of £750,000 in Sydney’s bustling, hustling heart. The Fullers regard it as an investment for their respective families. In these days of theatrical depression the value of these real estate interests can well be imagined. The brothers, as a matter of fact, who have big cinema interests in New Zealand, are now making a bold bid for an extensive grip over the latest field of profitable entertainment—the talkies. When Sir Ben Was a Steward Sir Benjamin Fuller made one of the best speeches I have heard for a very long time. It was by no means a laboured affair. Rather did he laugh with his audience, which included the chief civic commissioner. Mr. Garlick, and everyone of any particular note in the spheres, of the theatre and commerce in Sydney. The fact that Sir Benjamin arrived in Australia, in debt, to join his father occasioned a little surprise. He explained, however, that when he arrived in Sydney he had not paid for the steward’s uniform he was wearing. Notwithstanding, he obtained “a first-class discharge,” an honour which he considerbd he had hardly merited. Clergyman Friend of Miners Since his arrival from Auckland a few weeks ago, where he occupied the post of prison chaplain, the Rev. C. W. Chandler has achieved not a little notoriety because of his determined advocacy of the cause of the locked-out miners on the northern fields. Right was 011 their side, Mr. Chandler told them, and he advised them not to surrender At the same time he strongly deprecated force. Mr. Chandler’s attitude has caused something like a sensation in Anglican circles. Since his return to Sydney he has publicly stated that his political view's have led to “mild persecution.” Last week he established his new Sydney Mission, a venture that is. likely to meet with that measure of workingclass support which he expects. Former J.C.W. Dancer Dead Little Phyllis Amery, who since her childhood was a well-known dancer in many a J.C.W. production, died in Melbourne this week, aged 27. Phyllis leaves a small son. Her husband is Eric Edgeley White, a partner in the Clem Dawe-White family of entertainers, who are shortly entering the musical comedy world in conjunction with Williamsons. Roy Rene, better known perhaps as “Mo,” is seriously ill in Melbourne. He had to retire from the cast of “Clowns In Clover.” Gus Bluett Fined Gus Bluett, the well-known comedian, was fined £2O by an unsympathetic magistrate yesterday for not filling in his Victorian income-tax form. As he had already paid £7O in New South Wales, explained the counsel for Gus, he thought this also covered the Federal assessment. The excuse was not accepted, partly in view of the fact that Gus, who was at a rehearsal, did not attend in person. Mr. Theodore for London? Whether Mr. Theodore will accept the High Commissioner-ship in London or not is problematical. This will depend very largely upon developments. At the moment the Red faction of the Federal Labour Ministry is in the ascendancy. So long as there is a chance of Mr. Theodore removing the more moderate Mr. Scullin from the Prime Ministership, so long will the Treasurer remain in Australia. As a matter of fact it may be Mr. Scullin who will go to London. Australian Art Much indignation exists in art circles over the fact that this will be the only Dominion not represented at the Imperial Institute’s exhibition of 1930 in London. An invitation was issued to the Society of Artists to send an Australian collection. But the new Federal Government declined to follow the example of its predecessors and pay freight, packing and insurance charges. ERIC RAMSDEN.