IRVING'S FAREWELL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 220, 15 March 1912, Page 8

IRVING'S FAREWELL.

ENTHUSIASTIC SCENE. _ I By Telegraph—Press Association. 1 Christckurcli, March 13. | The conclusion of Mr. H. B. Irving s !New Zealand tour in Christchurch tonight was marked, by scenes of extraordinary enthusiasm. The season closed with "The Bells," and when the drama ! ended Mr. Irving was called before the curtain and greeted with .prolonged applause and cheering. In a most happily-worded little speech he said he could not say how sorry he was that that was his last night, and his last night in New Zealand. He eould assure those present that liis tour through New Zealand would be one of the happiest and proudest recollections of his theatrical life. He had no words in which to express his gratitude for the splendid welcome given him in the , Dominion, and if he tried to express it he was sure his words would fail him. He could only thank the New Zealand people with all his heart, and could assure them he would never forget them. He hoped also that he would not be altogether forgotten. (Loud applause.) After all, the actor could only live in the hearts and memories of those who had stjen him, and if he, his wife, and his company should live, at any rate for a time in the hearts and memories of the people 'of New Zealand they would be more than happy and proud. He thanked them with all his heart. It was a long way to come from England, but it was worth coming a much longer distance to meet with such a welcome, and he hoped it would be his g- 00 d fortune and his privilege in the future to come back. (Loud applause.) A large crowd assembled outside the theatre, and Mr. Trying was heartily cheered as he Ipft. ° The companv will leave for the north to-morrow nisrht, en route for Svdnoy. and after playing a, farewell season of two weeks there, will return to England.