MISS ROSINA BUCKMAN.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 July 1922, Page 4

MISS ROSINA BUCKMAN.

RECEPTION AT NEW PLYMOUTH. OLD ASSOCIATIONS RECALLED. A reception was tendered to Miss Rosina Buckman and party, after their arrival in New Plymouth 'aet night, by the Victoria League, the Choral Society and Male Choir, in the league's rooms. At the station a fair -crowd had assembled to catch a glimpse of the famous prima donna, while at Inglewood a welcome was tendered by the Mayor, Mr. J. A. Sutherland. As Miss Buckman stepped from the carriage on the arrival of the mail train at New Plymouth she was presented with a bouquet and was warmly greeted by those assembled.

At the reception Miss Buckman w-as accompanied by Mr. Maurice D’Oisly, Miss Adelina Leon, Mr. Percy Kahn and Mr. C. J. Gravestoek, and was met at the door by the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson) and Mrs. Burgess (president of the Victoria League). The room was tastefully decorated -with flags and evergreens.

Archdeacon F. G. lEvans, who spoke on behalf of the president and members of the Victoria League, in a humorous speech, welcomed Miss Buckman to New Plymouth. He wished to say how very pleased they were to see her back in New Plymouth. There was an old adage that a prophet had no honor in her own country, but Miss Buckman was the exception—applause—because all through her career he was sure the citizens of New Plymouth had followed her with their best wishes and they rejoiced in her triumphs. She had shown tremendous industry in order to attain the position she occupied in musical circles to-day. The mountain had given her a cold reception, but it would be made up by th? warmth of the reception of tlie citizens. The archdeacon made reference to Miss Buckman’s father and mother, and concluded by extending at the same time a welcome to her celebrated husband. *

The Mayor also welcomed Miss Buckman on behalf of the citizens and also on behalf of the president of the Male Choir and the Choral Society, Dr. Walker, who was detained at the hospital. Unlike some other places in New Zealand, Mr. Wilson said, they could not claim New Plymouth as Miss Buckman’s birthplace, but they were not unmindful of the fact that her family -had resided here. The Mayor made eulogistic refer-

ence to the help Miss Buckman’s sisters had given in musical circles in New Plymouth, and also that rendered by Miss Buckman herself on her visits. Continuing. he said they had watched her career, because as a New Zealander she had added to their national pride.. (Applause.) They were delighted that Miss Buckman had come back at the height of her career to show them what a prima donna really was. Mr. Wilson then went on to refer to the lack of a suitable hall for concerts in New Plymouth, and said how pleased the citizens were that Miss Buckman had come in spite of that fact.

Mr. W. H. Robertshaw also extended a “Savage” welcome on behalf of the Savage Club and made reference to the Welcome that his club was preparing for -'Miss Buckman and party to-night. Miss Buckman, on rising to reply, was greeted with loud and continued applause, and, in a neat speech, expressed the pleasure she experienced in being there that night. It must be about 10 years since she had had her send-off here and she thought she had said that she would look forward to coming back to Kew Plymouth. She had wanted to go away to achieve something in the musical world and she thought she could say she had achieved something. And now she had come back to see them once more and to sing to them. She thanked them for the -hearty welcome. “I have also brought a husband with me.” concluded Miss Buckman, “and I really didn’t bargain for that at all.” (Applause.) Mr. Maurice D’Oisly was also greeted with applause, and in a humorous speech made reference to what he had heard of New Plymouth, not only from Miss Buckman, but from Mrs. Buckman, and said that as he had arrived in the dark he expected to see a. lot tomorrow. He was at one with Miss Buckman in desiring to come to New Plymouth. Mr. D’Oisly then introduced the other members of the concert party to the gathering. ■Supper was then handed round and a pleasant hour spent.