MISS HATTIE SHEPPARDE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 397, 7 October 1874, Page 6

MISS HATTIE SHEPPARDE.

[By Telegraph.] (From the Metbourne Age.) j Hokitika, October 3. It is with d«?rp regret that we have to announcd the death of Mrs Hattie Hallam, better known as Miss Hattie Shepparde, who died this day (22nd inst.) at the residence of her mother, at Carftou, of puerperal fever. anting onfc of her recent aceouehmenfc. Mrs Hallara had only been a very -hort time in the Colony with hr husband, to whom she was married less than twelve months ago, and who is now professionally engaged in New Zealand. Miss Sbepparde was born in Tasmania, and paid a sho^t visit to California, alth<nish her professional career was entirely confined to the Australian Colonies. After receiving an excellent educatum, family arrangements made it necessary for her to earn her own livelihood, and when still only a child she made her first appearance at Adelaide, in the burlesque of " Atalanta." Her debut was made at Castlemain in Victoria ; and in 1861, at Melbourne, at the Princess Theatre, under Mr George Pawcetb Bowe, she appeared as Agnes in 'David Copperfteld," with the manager as Mr Micawber. The next ten years she played in nearly all tbe theatres in Australia, making gradual progress till 1871, when she returned to Melbourne, and made her first snecess as Juno in " Orphee and Enters" at the Princess ; but it was after the burning of the Theatre Koyal that she first shewed the great strides during her 10 years noviciate towards becoming a leading favorite and from that date to her departure for New Zealand, a few months ago, she improved gradually but steadily, until, for grace, elegance, and finish, she might have challenged for comparison any actress on the English stage. Her career was a remarkable instance of success, merit, and industry. Her melancholy death is not only mourned by the general public, amongst whom Miss Shepparde was admired for her artistic excellence, but she will leave a void in the large circle of friends by whom, as M|rs Hallam, she was beloved for her domestic virtues, her gentleness, and her amiability.