Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Monday 14 November 1927, page 15


Madame Frances Alda.

Does Not Seem to like Australia.

VANCOUVER. Nov. 12.

"Never again ; I'm through with Austra-lia," said Madame Frances Alda, the soprano, who returned to-day by the Aorangi from a tour of Australia and New Zealand. "What a place " she shouted, waving her arms. "The people are simply loathsome, tho hotels abominable, the theatres unendurable, and the railways in-sufferable. There is no heat in the coun-try. I didn't find a concert hall with a temperature higher than an icebox, and I was in a most decollete gown. I'd rather sing in this Customs shed. New Zealand is different. It is a lovely place with lovely people and a lovely climate. It will be retorted that New Zealand is my birthplace, but I left it when I was an infant, so it is not a question of local pride. I like New Zealand, but I loathe Australia."