Melbourne Observer. 120530A. May 30, 2012. Part A. Pages 1-23, Pages 59-60

Melbourne

Observer

TOP VALUE

$2

95

76 PAGES

BETHENNY RETURNS TO TV Page 10

‘Melbourne’s weekly showbiz bible’ NEWS ★ SHOWBIZ ★ LIFESTYLE ★ TRAVEL ★ FEATURES ★ BARGAINS ★ SPORT

Melbourne

Observer OPENING NIGHT STATE EDITION Vol 44 No 1472 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969

Ph 1-800 231 311 Fx 1-800 231 312

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

10-MINUTE QUICKIES FEATURE

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

$2.95

including GST

DIANA TRASK CD OFFER Page 3

BARASSI CAST NAMED Page 5

VICTORIA PICTORIAL NOSTALGIA Page 15

Melbourne

Observer ISSN 1447 4611

■ The musical Annie opened in style last night (Tues.) at the Regent Theatre, with an after-party at The Long Room.

Pictured (from left) are Julie Goodwin, Caitlin Marks of Airport West as Annie, Sandy the dog as Buddy, Anthony Warlow, Nancye Hayes, Todd McKenney and Chloe Dallimore. The cast performed hit songs including It’s The Hard Knock Life, Easy Street and A New Deal For Christmas, which features radio broadcaster Alan Jones as US President Franklin D Roosevelt. The red carpet was out at the historic Collins St theatre for Melbourne celebrities invited to the big night. More photos on Page 61.

Photo: Jim Lee

VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012- Page 3

Breaking News

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

‘GALLERY OWNER IS DANGEROUS RACIST’ Observer - SUPREME COURT DEFAMATION CASE TOLD In This 76-Page Edition

How to succeed in business ...without really trying ■ Guildford Lane Gallery operator Robert Raymond Cripps is taking Supreme Court action over comments about him which he believes to be defamatory.

Cripps, of Redleg Museum Services Pty Ltd, is taking action against Demetrios Vakras and Lee-Anne Raymond, about the comments posted on a website.

The comments are said to have alleged that Cripps used economic duress, deliberately inhibited the ability of the pair to promote their exhibition at Guildford, and that he is a dangerous racist who has embraced discredited views of national socialism.

Vakras and Raymond are alleged to have commented that Cripps’ pattern of behaviour intimidating behaviour had left other artists too fearful to describe to the public their own negative experiences with Cripps.

He was accused of bullying, abuse and general mistreatment.

Turn To Page 9

Mark Richardson: From the heart ........... Page 4 Melbourne People: In the picture ........... Page 6 News: Nurse’s professional misconduct ... Page 9 Melb. Confidential: Jeneration X .......... Page 11 Di Rolle: TV latest, new acts in town ..... Page 10 Long Shots: The Editor’s column .......... Page 12 People Pix: Eltham Little Theatre ......... Page 13 Kevin Trask: Mickey Rooney profile ....... Page 14 Yvonne Lawrence: Feeding the chooks .. Page 15 Observer Readers Club: Birthdays ....... Page 16 Ted Ryan: Victorian racing latest .......... Page 71 Local Theatre Independent Theatre Movies, DVDs Radio Confidential

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

$2000 fine for nurse ■ Geelong West nurse Paul Elgas, who kicked a dementia patient in the head, deserves to lose his job and be financially crippled, Magistrate Ann McGarvie said.

Animal cruelty case ■ Rochester woman Anne Giles, facing animal cruelty charges, has been warned by Magistrate William Gibb that she cannot health problems to dodge legal action from the RSPCA. ■ Hoon Genuine Sanduah Kiriama, 21, now of Caroline Springs, has lost his licence for two years after driving at 195-kmh in a 60-kmh zone at Box Hill.

Special Reader Offer

Diana Trask - Oh Boy CD A newly released CD by one of Australia's popular singers $20 including post

● Tyler Hess (Finch) and Chris Handley (Bud Frump) in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.

Photo: Joanne Buckingham ■ Mountain District Musical Society pre- with musical direction by Glen Barnett and sents How To Succeed In Business Without Re- choreography by Felicity Bender.

Tickets: $35/$32/$30. ally Trying from June 15 – 23 at the Karralyka Bookings: www.trybooking.com/BGQV Theatre, Mines Rd., Ringwood. www.mdms.org.au The show is directed by Richard Perdriau, - Cheryl Threadgold

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 SIGNS THAT IT'S A BLOODY COLD DAY IN MELBOURNE 5. Swans in the Botanic Gardens are wearing Cygnets.

4. Chicken are queuing up to get on rotisseries.

3. Geese have human pimples.

2. Penguins are hitch-hiking to Noosa.

1. Flashers are describing themselves.

Diana was one of the first popular Australian singers to be successful in the USA but soon after many others followed: Helen Reddy, Olivia Newton-John and in recent times Keith Urban. Diana's success began on the Sing Along with Mitch TV Show from New York. Coming back to Australia she had a national hit TV show The Di Trask Show. A little later Diana moved to Nashville and a string of hit songs and albums in the country music field followed.

Simply send the form below. All orders will be dispatched within two working days of cheque/ money order clearance. Please PRINT CLEARLY your name/address/phone number, and mail with cheque or money order to Trask Enterprises.

The songs on the Diana Trask Oh Boy CD include 1. Oh Boy 2. One Day At A Time 3. I Believe in You 4. Country Bumpkin 5. Blanket On The Ground 6. With Pen in Hand 7. We Agree That We Must Be In Love Duet with Dave Owens 8. Never Gonna' Be Alright 9. Country Girl is Comin Home 10. Time - Duet with Dave Owens To: Trask Enterprises PO Box 200, Canterbury, Vic 3126 Yes! Please send me the CD Diana Trask Oh Boy. I enclose my Cheque/Money Order for $20.00 Name: .......................................................................................................

Address: .................................................................................................... ......................................................... Phone: ............................................ $20 including Postage or Diana Trask Oh Boy can be purchased from www.dianatrask.com

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

TOUCH OF AUSTRALIANA: PETER HILL ■ At a fundraising event in Melbourne, my winning 'Green A76' raffle ticket returned my family with an original and stunning Peter J Hill framed 'Australiana' painting of a draught horse that now proudly brightens our lounge room.

With a little Google research into Peter's artistic background, I discovered our painting had travelled from Mount Tamborine on the Gold Coast and was created by one of Australia's most talented self-taught artists, whose work predominately reflects his former life working as a stockman, shearer, station hand, fencer, buffalo and crocodile hunter.

From my Porch in Melbourne to Peter's Porch at PJ Art Gallery in Queensland which he runs with his wife Judy, I connected with Peter to thank him for our painting and learnt that Peter's masterpieces are home to corporate board rooms, private collections, hotels, clubs, private homes around the world and have been purchased by the Australian Government to be presented to visiting Heads of State.

Peter, I understand you have taken time out of your studio to speak with me, what are you currently painting?

I have two paintings on the go at the moment. One is a cattle branding scene with two working stockman in the Territory. The other is what I term an 'action' scene with a stockman chasing a runaway steer on his horse

with plenty of dust and gum trees.

You were born in Scone NSW in 1937, can you remember your first childhood memory when you 'artistically' connected withAustralia?

I can remember my grandfather having draught horses but I was mostly inspired as an artist when I first went to the Outback and saw the unique colours of the skies and dirt. The richness of the Outback was incredible.

You are a self-taught naturally talented artist, are there any other artists in your family?

Yes, I am self- taught but it is known in my ancestry that my maternal grandmother was an excellent pencil artist who excelled in portraits.

You have worked on the land from being a stockman, a shearer, to being a crocodile hunter. What was favourite job and why?

I enjoyed all my work because I was in the Outback and away from the city and from where I went to school in Merrilands. The open spaces, animals and the people I met were unbelievable and feature in many of my paintings.

The Australian Outback is obviously in your blood, when did you first pick up a paint brush and when did you turn pro?

I started painting when I was 19 years old. I was working on a station property north of Broken Hill namely Reola. The owner of the

GALLERY PORCH THOUGHTS property saw something in my sketches and went to town and bought me a 'how to paint book' and some brushes. I turned pro in the 70s.

The Outback must have been visually appealing as an inspiring artist; with vibrant colours, landscapes, shapes and movement, was there a defining image that you recall that you needed to capture on canvas?

There wasn't a specific image as such, I was amazed by all the everchanging colours of nature - the beautiful sunsets and the sun rises. I wanted to paint everything unique to our country such as our plant life and magnificent gum trees.

How do you achieve such a high degree of realism in your observations of your subjects and maintain respect and sensitivity for the Rural Countryside and the Australian Outback?

I paint subjects as I see them through my eyes making me a 'traditional artist' and not a 'contemporary modern artist'.

You can paint everything from trees, plants, animals, skies, dust, people and houses to such 'realistic' detail, what do you enjoy painting the most?

I enjoy painting horses the most, and over the years I have lost count as to how many I've painted on canvas. I used to live in Canberra and would often visit the War Museum and would sit for hours just studying the great War Horses on show.

How many hours a day do you dedicate to painting?

I spend about six hours a day painting and when I don't feel like it, I watch John Wayne movies. Judy conducts gallery tours, organises exhibitions and co-ordinates promotions and sales of my paintings.

I read there was a major theft with a car ram raid in 2006 smashing through the front of the gallery with your artwork stolen, believed to have been sold on the overseas black market. Have you considered it to be a compliment of your notoriety as a sought-after artist?

It was heartbreaking but we have learnt to live with the robbery. We did take it as a compliment as the thieves picked nine of my best paintings.

Are you planning an exhibition in Melbourne anytime soon?

We would love to have another ex-

● Kimberley Ringers

● Peter Hill

● Kimberley Smoko hibition in Melbourne and always Artist Arthur Streeton once wrote seeking assistance from galleries. of Powers' work: 'One is impressed We do most of our exhibitions for first by a tremendous display of colour charities such as Rotary Interna- and a dauntless feeling of optimism. tional and the Lions Club Interna- He displays remarkable knowledge tional. We have donated a feature and vigour in his paintings of animals.' painting valued at $3,000 to help raise What is your Porch Thought of funds for Melbourne's homeless for The Day? the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foun"It's a thousand times better to dation in conjunction with the Lady have common sense without educaMayoress' Committee's 'Heart of tion than to have education without Melbourne Ball' in October. common sense."

Who is your favourite artist and To view Peter's online gallery visit why? www.pjart.com.au The late Harold Septimus Power.

- Mark Richardson

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - Page 5

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Andy heads media night ■ SEN 1116 Morning Glory breakfast show host Andy Maher will lead discussion about sports media at a Prospect 360 seminar being organised in June by Greta Donaldson.

Three seminars will be held at the Nine Network studios at Docklands.

Di Rolle has more details on Page 15.

People Melbourne

Send news to editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

● Andy Maher

Sorry Day lunch at South Melb.

Fax: 1-800 231 312

The Voices

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

■ City of Port Phillip Cr Serge Thomann was at the Sorry Day Lunch at South Melbourne with Aunty Jacko and Sue Pennicui.

■ Melbourne entertainer Matt Hetherington performed with Delta Goodrem at the NRL State-of-Origin match at Etihad Stadium.

At Collingwood

‘Moonshadow’ opens ■ Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, is expected to attend the Media Call this morning (Wed.) at The Princess Theatre to preview his production, Moonshadow, which has its Wolrd Premiere tomorrow (Thu.) night.

A big opening night is planned, with an afterparty at the Sofitel.

There will be halal meals at the food stations, and a non-alcoholic cocktail will be on offer.

● Yusuf Islam

Michael and Verica

Howard Jones to tour ■ British singer-songwriter Howard Jones will perform at Billboard, Melbourne, on September 7. Di Rolle has more details on Page 15.

■ Marija Ivkovic was seen with Matthew Anderson at a function held at Rokeby Studios, Collingwood.

Photo: Sue Deenim

Lenny answers hard questions

■ Albert Park restaurateur Michael Popovic, of Mediterraneo Grill Restaurant, is pictured with Verica Bajic Manojlovic.

■ St Kilda footballer Lenny Hayes answers questions from Saints fan Diane ‘Dee Dee’ Dunleavy at the clun function which she hosted.

■ Can you guess the identity of this Melbourne celebrity? It is comedian Marty Fields pictured in the weeknd’s cold at the Melbourne Storm game.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - Page 7

p +61 7 5492 666 free ph 1800 068 798 e info@norfolks.com.au www.norfolks.com.au 32 Queen of Colonies Parade, Moffat Beach, Caloundra, Qld

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - Page 9

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Showbiz News

CAST NAMED FOR ‘BARASSI’ Briefs Instincts

‘Oliver’ staged by Babirra

■ Melbourne football legend Ron Barassi (pictured right) will be portrayed

by Steve Bastoni and Chris Asimos in the production of Barassi to be staged at the Athenaeum Theatre from September 20.

Matt Parkinson creates the role of coach and mentor Norm Smith, with Jane Clifton in the central role of narrator.

They are joined by Richard Sutherland, Amanda LaBonte, Glenn Maynard, Bartholomew Walsh and introducing former AFL footballer Russell Robertson.

● Isabella and Jade Kiddle PHOTO COURTESY GEELONG ADVERTISER

■ Point Lonsdale mother Jade Kiddle has urged parents to trust their instincts when it comes to their children's health, after a piece of plastic in her baby Isabella's lung went undetected for months, reports the Geelong Advertiser.

Rubbed out

● Meet some of the cast of Oliver! from Babirra Music Theatre’s show being presented on June 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 at 8.00pm and June 2, 3, 9, 10 at 2.00pm at the Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading.

From back left, Nasia Delis, Christopher Henson, Noah Hoernel and Caelum Smith; middle from left are Rebecca Fitton, Jordie RaceColdrey (Oliver), Laura Bermingham, Mitchell Chapman, Erin Marie and Michael Syme; front left is Lawrence Dimatos, Elijah Hoernel, Declan Smith, Zoe Karabajakian, Anita Karabajakian, Emily Stevenson Oliver! is based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, Oliver Twist and is directed by Sue Salvato, Ryan Jacobs is musical director and choreographers are Cameron O’Reilly and Lisa-Maree David.

Bookings: 9262 6555 or www.babirra.org.au

● Top right: Ron Barassi Above: Chris Asimos Right: Steve Bastoni Melbourne

Observer

Court Roundsman

● From Page 3

NURSE’S ‘PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT’

■ A Bendigo massage therapy business has received obscene phone calls and a dramatic drop in bookings after being wrongly linked to an illegal brothel operating in the same street

Stay away ■ Ex-publican William Dunn has been ordered to stay 50m away from the St Andrews Hotel.

■ Victorian nurse Wendy Ann Buckland has been found to have engaged in ‘professional misconduct’ and ‘unprofessional conduct’.

There were two complaints against Ms Buckland, with one withdrawn, and the other partly withdrawn.

Ms Buckland agreed that she had failed to consult with a medical practitioner and/or transfer the patient to secondary and tertiary care when the patient presented with epilepsy with medication, and a seizufre in the past 12 months.

Ms Buckland agreed that she had failed to document her discussions with a patient regarding the birth plan.

Ms Buckland was accused of providing false information to the Ambulance Victoria Communications Centre when she called to request an ambulance for that patient.

Ms Buckland was siad to have falsely indicated to hospital staff members that she was not involved in the birth of the patient’s baby, and failed to supply patient notes.

Ms Buckland has been reprimanded by a hearing of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, overseen by Deputy President C Aird, and members S Anderson and M Archibald.

Ms Buckland’s work as a midwife has been restricted to the Portland District Hospital, or any other location aproved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board.

Ms Buckland’s registration as a

midwife and nurse has a special condition in that she must complete the Australian Nursing Federation’s Law and Ethics course within six months.

This is in addition to regular annual professional development requirements for nurses and midwives.

Ms Buckland is also required to undertake clinical midwifery counselling, conducted by a senior clinician.

The counselling has to include familiarity with consultation and referral guidelines, duties of confidentiality to patients, record keeping and docuemntation, ethical practice and decision making.

‘Racist’ allegation ■ Judge Bowman, Acting President of the Victorian Civil and Adminsitrative Tribunal, declined the application of Vakras and Raymond to have some matters heard at VCAT. The matter is to return to the Supreme Court.

The pair are seeking a $34,500 refund which relates to refund of costs associated with the exhibition staged at Guildford.

The pair supplied a lengthy 23page affadvit to support their application.

Vakras and Raymond allege that Cripps and Redleg began to make alterations to their exhibition, and refused to sell a publication which formed an integral part of the presentation.

Twelfth Night

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● From left, Joshua Wolter (Sir Andrew), Ben McMaster (Feste) and Brayden Germaine (Sir Toby) portray Drunken Revellers in Moreland Theatre Company’s production of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

The show is being presented until June 2 at 8.00pm under the direction of Sam Browne at the Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Cnr Sydney and Glenlyon Rds, Brunswick.

Tickets: $20 Full $15 Concession. Bookings and enquiries: 0426 577 346 or email bookings@moreland.org.au Photo: Steve Gagen

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

To

TV: Bethenny Ever After returns

Di

I love my job!

■ The girls from Foxtel advise me that Arena has one of my favourite shows returning.

Bethenny Season 3 every Tuesday from now on at 8.30pm The sale of Skinny Girl cocktails introduces some added luxuries into Bethenny Frankel's life: an incredible new apartment, trips to exotic locales, and a larger ● Bethenny Frankel staff are all part of the perks.

But that doesn't mean Frankel's sitting idle; the quick-witted New Yorker is still living life in the fast lane, juggling her many roles as wife, mother, and mogul in Bethenny Ever After.

As things increasingly shift in her world, Frankel will have to adjust to the realities of marriage, lawsuits, and life in the public eye.

Keeping her head above water is one of her fortes, but even with all the indulgences of the good life, this year may prove to be harder than anything she's experienced before.

I remember Bethenny from Housewives of New York and have followed her career ever since, I even have a bottle of one of her SkinnyGirl cocktails on ice in my fridge.

White Cranberry Cosmo – it’s refreshing with ice are the end of the day .. on a Friday!

For STANDBY FOR RIGHT ROYAL TIME

● Kelsey Grammer is about to star in a new series, Boss. See story (below, right)

Rugging up for winter ■ I like nothing better than rugging up in my big coats and scarves and putting layer upon layer and heading out into the elements these days ... except for when I caught a cold couple of weeks back.

A cold I don’t seem to be able to shake!

However, I am doing all the right things and sleeping and eating and drinking heaps of water and many cups of tea and staying warm.

There is so much going on at the moment, so many people doing things. I really enjoy keeping up with it all, between keeping informed about what Craig Thomson is up to and not up to, and news of Schapelle Corby being released it is an exciting time for news at the moment.

One of my favourite television progras which is right across what is going on is Paul Murray Live on Foxtel,9 pm Monday to Thursdays. It’s become must viewing in my house.

He tells it straight and has a great panel line up each night. Having mastered Twitter I am able to keep up to date with him.

I am enjoying Twittering and am so glad I finally got the hang of it.

Rugging up, getting the daily newspapers and a large café latte is a favourite part of my morning activity.

Then I hit my desk and off I go into the week. Catching up on mail I found some treasures I am going to share.

Prospect 360 seminars ■ Greta Donaldson Publicity has got together three media seminars in June for her Prospect 360 series suitable for people looking to get a foot-in-the-door of the media industry; as journalists, publicists, producers and presenters.

All three seminars will be held at the stateof-the-art Nine Network Studio, Docklands (where they film Kids’ WB and Footy Classified and of course The Footy Show).

June will be with us before we know where we are and I have circled the following on my calendar of events to attend: Key dates; week comencing June 4 (seminars June 6 and June 7) and June 11 (seminar June 14).

Prospect 360 sports media seminar: Do you know who the AFL’s first draft pick was last year? ● Turn To Page 15

■ I imagine a lot of champagne will be flowing in the coming months with the celebrations for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.

Sore heads will abound and sleepy heads too !

I am looking forward to waking up with Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson live on The Today Show on Channel Nine at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee when from Monday (June 4) at 5.30am.

Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating 60 years on the throne.

Today is giving viewers a front row seat at the grandest party of them all, with Karl and Lisa broadcasting live from the River Thames, overlooking Tower Bridge.

It is one of the most spectacular locations in London, bringing viewers all the pomp and splendour of the Diamond Jubilee.

I for one will be looking forward to watching the highlights of the Royal River Pageant and the starstudded Jubilee concert, as well as looking back at the life, style and achievements of the Queen.

Lisa told the Melbourne Observer: “Broadcasting from London for the Royal Wedding was one of the highlights of my career and now we get to do it all over again.

“The Jubilee promises to be just as spectacular and it really will be a treat to bring all the colour and pageantry to our viewers back home.”

There’s no way I will be missing this.

It will be a right royal time!

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

It’s ‘Wine O’Clock’

● The Queen

Kelsey is ‘Boss’ ■ It occurred to me that I am sure I must come across as someone who works and watches a lot of television. Well I do.

I adore television and have set times when I watch and am very fussy and selective about what I watch.

And with everything I do I am passionate about my tele viewing. One of the best shows I think over the years has been Frasier.

I have watched repeat after repeat and always enjoy the fun that Julliard-trained Kelsey Grammer’s character Dr Frasier Crane got up to during the 11-season comedy show.

Grammar collected four of his five Emmy Awards plus two Golden Globes playing Frasier.

I was therefore thrilled when received information from W Channel at Foxtel to tell me about Kelsey Grammer’s new show Boss. It starts July 4 on Channel W. it is the premiere of the season. Mayor Tom Kane (Grammer) sits like a spider at the centre of Chicago’s web of power, a web built on a covenant with the people.

They want to be led; they want disputes settled, jobs dispensed, and loyalties rewarded.

If he achieves all this through deception and immorality, so be it.

Yet, despite being the most effective mayor in recent history, a degenerative brain disorder is ripping everything away from him. He can’t trust his memory his closest allies or even himself.

The reviews have been excellent for this show.

■ “… Grammer shines just as steady and bright playing a corrupt city official as he did an arrogant radio therapist.”- Los Angeles Times.

■ “Grammer is in nearly every scene of Boss, and he’s superb in all of these… it’s a little The West Wing in a bloody street brawl, with a lot more swearing and nudity and minus the adoration for what politics can get at its aspirational best. Screw that, Boss says.”- The Hollywood Reporter I have circled my TV calendar already – from July 4, W Channel first season of Boss, Wednesdays at 8.30pm.

● Jason Donovan ■ Great to hear news that Jason Donovan is returning to Australia to judge I Will Survive.

He will join the I Will Survive judging panel (Network 10) to find the country’s next all round superstar.

Twelve outstanding contestants have been selected and they are ready to jump onto the Priscilla bus for the trip of a lifetime through Australia’s outback.

The most talented triple-threat performers, chosen from all walks of life, will perform at iconic locations as they recreate the journey made famous in the hit movie.

With a hugely successful career in London’s famous West End behind him, Jason has starred not only in the stage production of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert but in numerous box office smashes including Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dream-coat, The Rocky Horror Show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the UK tour of The Sound of Music as well as Jeff Wayne’s production of War of the Worlds, which he is returning to later this year.

Jason is currently a mentor alongside former Spice Girl Mel C in the UK television production to find the next theatre lead for Jesus Christ Superstar. This extensive and unparalleled experience make Jason the perfect fit for the I Will Survive judging panel.

■ I was interested to hear that wine is replacing beer o’clock at clubs.

It appears that the stereotype of a pot or a schooner being the drink of choice at clubs is becoming a thing of the past, with wine sales surpassing beer sales at more and more NSW clubs.

I wonder if that will be the case in Victorian pubs soon.

In fact, some clubs are tracking to increase wine sales by 60 per cent this financial year compared to the previous 12 months.

Clubs credit the boom in wine’s popularity to a range of initiatives such as wine dinners with winemakers, regional wine tasting nights and education for staff so they can provide confident advice on wines to members.

Clubs NSW CEO Anthony Ball said that clubs were always looking for ways to attract new members and provide them with the best possible experience.

“Once upon a time you’d be hard pressed to get more than the house white and the house red at a lot of clubs, he said.

“But now there’s definitely a growing demand from our members to have wine lists with lots of options, both in terms of price and wine varieties.

“In fact, wine is outselling beer at some clubs, such as the Sydney Rowing Club and Belmont 16 Footers. It’s also narrowing the lead beer sales have at others, like Wollongong Golf Club and Woodburn Evans RSL.” Mr Ball said that even with the growing interest in wine, a lot of the time people were unsure about trying new wine varieties or knowing what wine will go with what they’ve ordered for dinner.

“That’s why clubs are holding tasting nights with a winemaker for customers, and investing in educating their staff about wine so they can then help customers find the right wine for them,” he said.

“It’s no surprise that degustation nights with matching wines, like those at the Epping Club and Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL, are also becoming increasingly popular considering people can have five-star quality food at club prices.

“We’re even seeing clubs set up specialty wine bars, like those at Bankstown Sports, Dooleys Silverwater, Wests Leagues (Newcastle) and Moama Bowling Club, to cater for the increasing number of people who want to try new varieties and styles of wine.

“The local club will always be home to the cheapest beer in the suburb, but it looks like the glasses of Merlot and bottles of champagne aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.”

One of the reasons I find this of interest is that the RSL clubs are so popular in NSW and when I visit my mother up in northern NSW mid coast I speak a whole different language up there ordering a beer,. I never say schooners here and middies I know.

Some residents in NSW only have the RSL clubs to go to. So this information I found most interesting.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - Page 11

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

MELBOURNE LAWYER MAY NOT PRACTISE UNTIL APRIL 2017

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

Laughter bugs Derryn

■ Mark Spicehandler has been reprimanded for ‘professional misconduct’, working as a solicitor without a practising certificate.

Jonathan Smithers, Senior Member of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, ordered that Spicehandler not be granted a local practising certificate before April 2017.

VCAT heard that Spicehandler provided a false resumé in support of an application of employment at the Office of Public Prosecutions.

Spicehandler was admitted to practice in November 2004, and held an employee practising certificate until June 30, 2008.

■ Loud pre-recorded sound effects in Shaun Micallef ’s new ABC television program is bugging radio presenter Derryn Hinch.

“The over-loud canned laughter in Shaun Micallef’s first show almost got me Mad As Hell,” Hinch twittered about the 8pm Friday which debuted last week. ● Shaun Micallef

Spicehandler falsely represented that he was a ‘Solictor - Credit Management - Finance Negotiator’ at Kings Logistics. This fact was false. He had never been employed by Kings.

He falsely listed that he had done appearance work for Kings at VCAT, the Supreme Court and Federal Magistrates’ Court. “This was a complete fabrication,” Mr Smithers said.

Spicehandler omitted from his resumé that his employment as a junior litigation lawyer at Coopers Lawyers was terminated.

He also omitted to refer to previous employment at Norman Czarny & Associates, Elwood; Kenworthy Bruce Lawyers, Malvern; Dolgin Frost & Associates, Caulfield; and MSB Lawyers.

Journalist wins battle

Previous offence

■ CenITex has lost its bid to have Age reporter Melissa Fyfe disqualified from representing her newspaper at a Tribunal hearing over Freedom of Information requests.

Fyfe has been seeking to obtain documents relating ● Melissa Fyfe to complaints about contractors, corporate credit card statements and customer feedback.

CenITex has created various delays in providing the documents since September last year, beyond the 45-day limit.

A directions hearing is due to be held this Friday (June 1).

■ CenITex is the Centre for IT Excellence established by the Victorian Government.

Spicehandler also gave a false answer to a personal details form question: “Have you ever been charged or convicted of an offence?” He had been charged with using a carriage service to menace.

Mr Smithers said that providing false information on a job application “would reasonably be regarded as disgraceful and dishonourable by professional colleagues of good repute and competency”.

Spicehandler said his early work at Coopers and Norman Czarny was largely in the area of debt recovery, and that he was not given proper supervision. He said they were “nasty” places to work.

Practising without a practising certificate is an offence punishable by imprisonment for two years.

If Spicehandler applies for a practising certificate on or after April 2017, the Legal Services Board unsuccessfully sought that it should be accompanied by a treating doctor or pyschologist.

Jeneration X

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

● Jennifer Hansen ■ Entering the Eurovision fun is former Ten Network newsreader Jennifer Hansen, who has told her children that her Danish heritage entitles her to enter next year’s competition. Jen says her kids are terrfified.

“Mr Spicehandler’s conduct is completely inconsistent with the legal practitioner’s duty of honesty and candour,” Mr Smithers said.

“Mr Spicehandler showed very little insight into the nature of his wrongdoing or remorse. Indeed, his whole conduct is attended by an air of unreality and fantasy.”

Spicehandler had painted himself as a victim: “He does not understand that his breaches of trust undermine the very foundations of what is required to be a legal practitioner.

■ Mark Spicehandler unsuccessfully sought a nonpublication order in relation to the proceedings.

“It was clear from Mr Spicehandler’s submissions that the reason he sought this order was to avoid the embarrassment and odium to himself that would follow from publication of the outcome of this case, and the reasons for decision,” Mr Smithers said.

“Indeed, the circumstances of this particular case, involving blatant untruthfulness and attempt to avoid disclosure of Mr Spicehandler’s true activities, suggests it is even more important for the outcome and decision to be made publicly available.”

Fraudster

■ Kew accountant Daniel Campbell, 36, has been jailed for five years after cheating Toorak investor Garnet Neyland Smith of $1.2 million. Only $650,000 has been re-paid.

False representations

‘Unreality and fantasy’

Whispers

Stoush ● Michael McGarvie, Legal Services Commissioner, took action against Mark Spicehandler

Rumour Mill Hear It Here First

Legal claim dismissed ■ Peter Kooyoufas’s claim against lawyers Stephen Kourkoulis & Associates has been dismissed by VCAT. Koyoufas said there was discrepancy in Section 32 information about a sewerage connection on a poultry farm just out of Melbourne. The property was purchased for $530,000. There is no sewerage, and he cannot operate his planned boarding kennels.

VCAT found Koyoufas signed the contract before Kourkoulis was involved.

Rebel members challenge ■ There are rumours of a rebel group of members in a large Victorian community service group, attempting to challenge the authority of the State head office and leader.

The Rumour Mill hears that one branch, said to be meeting more than 100 kms from its regular location, on a different meeting date than usual, is seeking to exclude one of its long-standing members.

There is speculation that the rebel group is seeking such actions elsewhere in Victoria.

E-Mail: Editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au

■ The Australian (News Limited) reports that a Fairfax Media board member sent a letter of complaint about presenter Jason Morrison criticising the decision not to allow a board seat to investor Gina Rinehart. There is said to be fury that news of the letter has leaked.

Where?

● Bruce Mansfield ■ 3AW Nightline co-host Bruce Mansfield recalled last week that he used to drive his children from their Eaglemont home to the snow at Mt Donna Buang, near Warburton. The geographically-challenged Bruce said that travelled via Inverloch. It must have been a long day.

Late News ■ Channel 10 will now not use the name News Night for its new latenight show. The Nine Network owns the name.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 Melbourne

Observer

The Best Columnists

JUST MARRIED

Melbourne

People Mr Brian Ross Bowen

Freemasons on show

Our Doors are Open!

Freemasons to hold open ceremonies all around Victoria

PHOTO BY ASH LONG

● Jim and Regina Murphy

● Incoming Master Mick Alexander, current Master Graham Berry, Junior Warden Richard Mills If you ever wondered what Freemasons get up to behind close doors, you needn't wonder any longer, you can view some of the pomp and ceremony with your own eyes.

The installation of a master and investiture of his team is a ceremony surrounded in tradition and symbolism but is often clouded in mystery as it is usually closed to all nonFreemasons.

From time to time, masters opt to hold an open ceremony where non-Freemasons and members of the public can view the investiture of his offices.

For members of the public, witnessing such a traditional Freemasonry event such as the Investiture of the Officers of a Lodge is an eyeopening and special experience. Visitors can discover more about Freemasonry and have the opportunity to meet Freemasons Victoria Grand Master Bob Jones and his team.

Prior to the ceremony there will be a special guest speaker who will explain the evolution, symbolism and practices of Freemasonry. The Lodge, and indeed Freemasonry as a whole, has opened its doors wider than ever before.

The next opportunity to view this 170-yearold ceremony will take place on Saturday June 9.

For the first time in the Geelong area, Grand Master Bob Jones and the team will display a ceremony based on ancient Freemasonry practices.

The Geelong Lodge of Unity and Prudence opened in 1848 and is the second-oldest lodge in Victoria.

Mick Alexander, the Master-Elect or 'incoming' Master, believes that Free-masonry in Geelong is very active in supporting the local community through fundraisers, working bees, visiting the elderly and supporting worthy charities.

The lodge supports three local schools through Year 12 scholarships and regularly raises funds for local charities.

"I would urge anyone who is even just a little interested in knowing more about Freemasonry to attend the ceremony," says Mick.

"It's the perfect opportunity to separate fact from fiction. Forget Dan Brown and what you think you know about Freemasonry - come and get the truth."

After the ceremony all are invited to attend a banquet where there will be a sit down twocourse buffet plus drinks for $25.00 per person.

If you are interested in attending the open investiture in Geelong, please RSVP by Friday June 1 or to find out when an open investiture will take place in your area, please email: media@freemasonsvic.net.au

To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, or attend upcoming public events, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or 'Like' our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/freemasonsvic for the most up to date information.

■ Every best wish to veteran Melbourne show business journalist Jim Murphy and his wife Regina, following their wedding this month at St Bernadette’s Catholic Church, West Ivanhoe.

Broadcaster Philip Brady was best man, with the ceremony conducted by Fr Thang Vu. Jim is well known amongst Melbourne’s show business fraternity, having filed for publications including The Age, Green Guide, Listener In and Video Age.

Missing photographer

● Alan Hirons ■ Earlier this month, we published a report that Los Angeles-based film-maker Andrew Ehrich is making a documentary about newsmen who went missing in Vietnam.

We mentioned Melbourne Observer freelance photographer Alan Hirons who was captured by Cambodian forces in 1970, and is believed to have been killed in Vietnam.

Alan’s mother, Pauline, phoned our office.

She tells us that Alan’s photographic work in Melbourne included the collapse of the Westgate Bridge in October 1970.

Mrs Hirons, who lives in Melbourne’s

Long Shots

editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au

with Ash Long, Editor “For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”

eastern suburbs, says the US Government was helpful in supplying as much information as it could about her missing son.

“The Australian Government did nothing.”

Flynn of the Outback

yesterday (Tues.) on her annual Outback tour.

Her annual trips, always a sell-out amongst RFDS supporters, is an 11-day trip tracing some of the footsteps of founder, the Rev. John Flynn.

The trip includes meeting RFDS staff at Port Augusta and Broken Hill, a boat cruise on the Spencer Gulf, and a ride on the Pichi Richi Afghan Express.

All donations to the RFDS are gratefully received. Ph 9429 6344.

It’s Judith ● Annette Allison ■ Our good mate Annette Allison, Community Affairs Manager at the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Vic.), left

■ Judith Durham, of Seekers fame, will perform at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, on July 7.

I understand she will perform André, the song penned by Melbourne’s Frank Howson.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COURT REPORTS Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Melbourne Observer shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt or innocence should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.

● Brian Bowen ■ “Service above self” to family, business and community was remembered on Monday afternoon at a celebration for the life of Brian Ross Bowen, when friends gathered at Le Pine, El-tham.

Brian Bowen was born on August 20, 1928, and passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 24, at the age of 83.

Much of his professional life was as an engineer, rising to be head of Renault factory in Australia at West Heidelberg.

His community life included service to local schools, and he was a member of Rotary for 38 years, with the Heidelberg North (Rosanna) and Diamond Creek clubs.

Brian rose to the position of District Governor of District 9790 of Rotary International in 1988-89, which these days includes about 1850 members of 61 clubs across a major slice of Victoria and southern New South Wales.

Brian, and wife Betty, became personal friends to many of these Rotarians and their families.

Their fund-raising and community service work was focused upon projects such as Rotary Foundation, Polio Plus, Group Study Exchange, Peace Forum, Youth Exchange, Youth Leadership, and the National Science Summer School.

Brian was a recipient of Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship award, with sapphires, and the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service.

Brian Bowen’s greatest joy was his family, and their homes at Rosanna, Hurstbridge ,Wattle Glen and Diamond Creek. He is survived by wife Betty; daughters Karen, Jill, Anne and Joy; sons-inlaw Warren, Garth and Bruno; and grandchildren Kirk, Sophie, Dylan, Ingrid, Mitchell, Matthew, Cameron, Renate, Broderick, Karl and Natalie.

- Ash Long

Observer Treasury Thought For The Week

■ When men catch up, they have a bit of fun by insulting each other but they don't really mean it. When women catch up, they compliment each other. But they don't really mean it either.

Observer Curmudgeon

■ A rose by any other name would mean that you’re ignorant about flowers.

Text For The Week

■ “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”

- Proverbs 1:5

Free reader ads are available in the Melbourne Trader section of the ‘Melbourne Observer’

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - Page 13

Melbourne People

10-Minute Quickies Eltham Little Theatre Photos: Malcolm Threadgold Report on Page 61

● Judge Emily O'Loughlin with David Snowden

● Jean Russell with director Susan Rundle

● Gabby Llewelyn-Salter with Kristen Field

● Wendy Dunn with Nerina Jones

● Judges Cheryl Threadgold and Damien Millar

● Simon and Terry Marston

● Beth Klein with director Bob Bramble

● Cameron Horsfield with Andrea Cole

● Brett Hyland with Kylie Rackham

● Tony Costa with Phil Holmes

● Harry Paternoster with Cerise de Gelder

● Cr Helen Coleman with Paula Armstrong

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012

■ When I was a youngster I watched the Mickey Rooney films and I wanted to grow up to be just like him.

I loved the Andy Hardy series and enjoyed seeing Andy have a ‘Man to Man’ talk about his adolescent problems with his father Judge Hardy, played by Lewis Stone.

I wondered if Andy would ever find ‘true love’ in those wonderful MGM films.

Ninian Joe Yule Jnr was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1920, his parents Joe Snr and Nellie were in vaudeville and Joe Jnr began performing as part of their act when he was only 17 months old.

When his parents separated in 1924, Nellie and Joe Jnr moved to Hollywood, California.

The story goes that Nellie saw a newspaper advertisement for a child actor and took Joe Jnr to the audition.

He landed a role in a short silent film titled Not To Be Trusted where he played a midget. This led to a series of 78 short comedy films where Joe Jnr played the ongoing character of Mickey McGuire.

He was signed to MGM studios in 1934 and became ‘Mickey Rooney’.

Mickey appeared in small roles for several years before playing ‘Puck’ in A Midsummer Night's Dream which won him acclaim.

He starred in several major films before being cast in A Family Affair which was the first of the

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whatever Happened To ...

Mickey Rooney

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM Andy Hardy series. Mickey was teamed with Judy Garland for a series of popular musicals at MGM which included Thoroughbreds Don't Cry, Strike Up The Band, Babes In Arms, Babes On Broadway and Girl Crazy.

Mickey served in the military for several years during the Second World War. He received many awards including a Bronze Star for his work in entertaining troops in combat zones.

His next major film in 1948 was Words And Music where he played lyricist Lorenz Hart.

During the 1950s Mickey continued his film career and also starred in many television shows.

His two major film appearances in the 1960s were his controversial role in Breakfast At

● Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland Tiffany's where he played a Japanese character and his outstanding comedy role in It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

In 1981 he won a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award for his portrayal of a mentally challenged man in the telemovie Bill.

Mickey has visited Australia on many occasions for concerts and television appearances.

He was special guest at the 1988 Logies television awards.

Mickey had great success on Broadway in the stage musical Sugar Babies playing opposite Ann Miller.

I went to see Mickey Rooney in concert at the Melbourne Town Hall and it was great to see him ‘in the flesh’.

I had been unable to get a radio interview so I joined a group of media people at the stage door.

Mickey opened the door slightly and said " I'd like to thank you all for coming" but as we all lurched forward with cameras and microphones Mickey had second thoughts and closed the door, never to be seen again.

He has been married eight times (his first wife in 1942 was Ava Gardiner) and has been a father to nine children.

Mickey has been married to his present wife Jan Rooney for 34 years.

I have been told that Mickey can be difficult to work with but the fact remains that he has been loved by millions for many years.

He is unstoppable and has made four new films in 2012 at the age of 92.

His career in show business spans 86 years he is the only actor in history to appear in at least one film in 10 consecutive decades.

In 1991 Mickey's autobiography Life's Too Short was released. He still speaks very fondly about his memories of Judy Garland.

I have always been a fan of his work and if, at some time in the future, there is a film made about the life of Mickey Rooney - it certainly won't be dull.

- Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & Phil- Sundays at 8.20 pm on 3AW. That's Entertainment 96.5FM Sundays at 12 Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet. To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow prompts.

PRAISE FOR BESS PRICE, FACE OF COMPASSION

■ When I first moved to Alice Springs more than 20 years ago, I was amazed and dismayed at the plight of Aboriginal women and children.

And equally amazed that this wasn't talked about, or even acknowledged. I soon learned that whitefellas didn't openly discuss any topic which may be critical or demeaning about any Aboriginal person - "racist" was instantly levelled by a few of the loud left, who refused to see any wrong being perpetrated. So we just shut up.

But at every turn, this wrong was in our faces. Most Aboriginal women around Alice either bore scars from previous beatings, or had current wounds swathed in dirty bandages.

Daily, Aboriginal women would enter my shop to sell dot paintings, and I'd see the husbands outside demanding the cash, and heading off to the bottle shop.

Then the kids.

From our whitefella perspective, cute and adorable with big innocent eyes, but often hungry, usually never washed with unkempt hair and clad in raggedy clothes, with the inevitable ‘candlesticks’ from their nose. And some roaming the streets late at night.

A heart-rending spectacle.

■ Then, slowly, a public voice of hope began to be heard, resonating across Australia.

It came from Bess Price, culminating recently with her face of compassion beaming forth from the cover of the Weekend Australian Magazine cover.

I've only met her a few times, but have a ‘skin name’, Jungala, as the result of a family tie.

Bess is a Walpiri, born at Yuendumu, west of Alice, the recent location of highly publicised family feuding.

She and her husband Dave, a whitefella, now live in Alice, and she has increasingly become a fervent advocate for Aboriginal women and children, having herself experienced firsthand the privations of neglect and abuse of both as they grow up in Central Australia.

Then, of course, all this came to a head with the Little Children Are Sacred report by Rex Wilde,

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au telling of the worst aspect of the then current Aboriginal culture - the insidious practice of child sexual abuse by their elders.

I knew this was rife in Coober Pedy, but didn't know its extent elsewhere.

Then came the Intervention.

And Bess's outspoken support. And the improvement of the plight of the women and children - food on the table, purchased by happy mothers in the supermarket. I'd never seen this before.

And safe children.

■ And yet there are the voices of those with, as Bess puts it, a "Disneyland attitude" to the purity and wonder of all Aboriginal culture, who choose to ignore any disturbing realities on the ground, no matter how horrific. "Culture above all" seems to be their catchcry: "How dare we interfere!"

They've obviously never been into a town camp in Alice Springs, with the squalour and degradation and the aroma of "once-werehouses" and their occupants.

There is often perpetual drunkenness and violence - 20 or so people crowded in, with grog flowing all day, and attendant fighting and squabbling and yelling.

If a child from such a household ever went to school, which would be a rarity, how could he or she cope with any homework, or even be fed and nurtured properly?

Faced with this daily and nightly spectacle, no wonder so many children roam the streets at night, hungry and destructive.

And no wonder they grow up to be illiterate and bitter and angry and damaging and damaged, wallowing in hopelessness. How can the aforementioned "culture claimants" ignore all this?

So Bess sees all this, and fights for a light at the end of their tunnel; for education, for personal self-esteem, a sense of purpose and fulfilment and responsibility and achievement.

It's not as though it's an impossible dream - some have made it.

Bess has.

■ I think that it's generally accepted that Australia's Aboriginal people have decided that they'd rather move into the 21st Century than remain nomadic.

All those I've ever observed have happily adopted the trappings of Western society - clothes, automobiles, and, unfortunately, alcohol and junk food.

But the achievement of these goals requires one important phenomenon - a work ethic. Handouts haven't worked!

One instance of this is now in progress at the Rock.

The Indigenous Employment Program is successfully underway out there, with 125 employees.

That's the positive news. Unfortunately only 20 of these are from nearby communities, and only 41 from the whole Territory.

The Resort is trying to encourage locals to join their workforce, and, according to Managing Director, Koos Klein, are “chasing up people on a daily basis, always making open-ended offers”.

With Bess's activities, local Aboriginal children will begin to grow up with a sense of encouragement, of belonging, of being wanted and cared about, and being healthy and

‘A sense of purpose and fulfilment and responsibility and achievement’ ambitious. Before this comes a full stomach, a happy peaceful environment, nurture, and education.

And safety.

Thanks Bess.

■ Camels again! Since I hungrily devoured my first Camel Burger on my first visit to Alice 35 years ago, I've been an advocate of this culinary delight!

Although such steaks are on offer at various local restaurants, I've always opted for a Camel Mignon at Krafty's Overlanders' Steakhouse - the equal of any fillet steak I've ever had.

But there a couple of million of them roaming around the Centre.

They don't do much for the environment - my friend Cella was

on a camel safari a couple of years ago and told me that they constantly and voraciously devoured anything and everything.

I have often spied herds of them, particularly just north of Erldunda, but lone bulls crop up anywhere.

There is now another move to eradicate this feral problem.

Apart from the firm which has a $19m contract to eradicate 350,000 of them over the next four years, an abatoir in Peterborough, SA, is now processing them.

And there are fresh calls for a similar set-up in the Centre, for about 50,000 a year.

And now on the table are discussions with Middle Eastern about Halal killing methods, with some local animal activists not too happy.

The camels won't be delighted either!

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

From The Outer

Melbourne

Observer

kojak@ mmnet.com.au

With John Pasquarelli

■ When an election is called, Labor's shredding machines will be in overdrive - God knows what has been going on behind the partitioned walls of government departments.

An Abbott Government will face an entrenched bureaucracy well versed in keeping their ministers in the mushroom club “keep them in the dark and feed them bullshit!”

I have seen past coalition ministers led by the nose and fed volumes of mind-numbing crap in the guise of briefings. DFAT will be a huge stumbling block particularly in places like PNG. It is no accident that our High Commission in Port Moresby is known as 'Fort Shit Scared' with its staff behind razor wire receiving 'danger money' and pretty ordinary people being paid huge salaries to dole out our aid monies.

Abbott ministers must spend as much time as possible in their departments, burning the midnight oil or resign and hopefully there will be plenty of good people on the backbench to step up if required.

Restoring Australia's fortunes and future is going to be a hard job with no place for those who suffer from the 'I'm so important' syndrome. As for the backbench it will have plenty to do keeping in touch with ordinary Australians.

- John Pasquarelli: kojak@mmnet.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - Page 15

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

News Briefs

TIME TO FEED THE CHOOKS

‘Dump’

■ Pie In The Sky is one television series that gives peter and me enormous pleasure. Not because of the plots, because it doesn’t take too many neurons to follow the story to its conclusion, but because of Henry Crabb who is the part-time policeman and part-time chef who owns the Pie In The Sky restaurant situated in a charming little English village.

Henry is no fool. In fact he always gets his man and by the cleverest means.

He’s a gentle giant who simply adores cooking, his wife Margaret, and his few chooks, which supply him with eggs for the restaurant.

When Peter and I see Henry sitting in the very comfortable coop, which he commissioned, telling his chooks about his day it always brings a feeling of déjà vu.

You see Peter and I both spent our young years in the country and feeding the chooks was a major part of our daily chores.

Yvonne’s Column

Cruel torture ■ I’ve seen birds that pecked out all their feathers and were so thin and weak they could hardly stand.

It’s such cruel torture.

I can never understand the argument that free-range eggs are more expensive to produce. But obviously it must be more cost effective for producers to erect those brutal and merciless multi-storey rows of wire cages.

No-one has ever explained it to me.

I buy my free-range eggs at Aldi for the cost of barn eggs at the two big supermarkets.

I just don’t think people care or they choose not to think about the horrific factory conditions that go into producing cheaper eggs. If they did, they wouldn’t be able to eat them.

But now, good old Tasmania, has decided to take the lead in animal welfare by moving to ban caged egg production.

My job was to collect eggs ■ The hen house on our property was by today’s standard a Poultry McMansion.

The chooks only went into their house at night. Then they were locked up to keep them safe from predators, such as Brer Fox and other nighttime marauders.

My job was to let them out in the morning to allow them to spend their day roaming the paddocks foraging for worms or whatever morsels chooks find to eat after all that intense scratching, but not before I fed them a bucket of breakfast, consisting of bran and pollard mixed with hot water and a few kitchen scraps which we saved for them in a special container.

Sometime during the day they went back to their straw lined egg boxes and produced lovely big brown eggs. It was my job to collect the eggs.

This was the part that I hated because if they were still on the nest they became very aggressive and would try and peck you. Ingrates!

King of the coop ■ Lording over these well-fed birds was a magnificent red rooster with a dreadful temper. Get too close and he would rush at you, needless to say I always had a stick for protection to shoo him away.

I could never understand how these very Victorian looking gals put up with him, but he was always welcome to walk with them as they roamed the paddocks.

There never appeared to be any domestic violence in this hen house. He was a splendid example of the male chook: bright eyes, standing tall, brilliant shiny iridescent feathers and a magnificent bright crimson serrated comb on his head.

He knew he was king of the coop and kept an eye out for anything or anyone who interrupted his harem’s daily fossick in the grass.

Collecting eggs and feeding the chooks became just a memory when I was sent to boarding school in Melbourne.

Melbourne

Observer

“Keep laying you lot or it’s curtains”! They become pet food.

Eggs from contented hens

with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

I can’t recall too many eggs on the menu, which the nuns produced. Come to think of it I can’t remember ever feeling full.

I loved the soft boiled brown egg which mum served in my own special eggcup. I loved to dip thin slices of toast into the runny yellowy yolk. Mum called them soldiers, and it always followed hot porridge at home.

Mum’s cooking to rescue ■ You never really appreciate your home or Mum’s cooking until you are sent away to board in an educational institution.

But I was very popular when Mum’s parcel of homemade goodies arrived every few weeks. And what a wonderful excuse for a midnight feast, but we’d get that long black licorice strap around the legs if the night nun caught us. But I suppose the fear of getting caught added to the excitement.

Having grown up with free-range eggs I never thought about barn or cage eggs. In fact it wasn’t until I became involved in animal welfare that I became aware that not all eggs were like those I had growing up at home.

I was shown photographs of dreadful examples of horrific cruelty. It was almost soul destroying to see birds cooped up with barely enough space for the poor things to lay their eggs.

I joined my voice to those who insisted on free-range eggs.

Those poor birds never even had the pleasure of a noisy gossip or fossick with their mates, or to admire the eggs, which they produced.

■ It doesn’t say much for our mainland politicians when the smallest state considers it important to stop the cruelty to these poor hens.

I think it’s time that we told our elected representatives to heed our strong words and put a stop to this barbaric cruelty.

Henry Crabb would be so thrilled at the ban in Tasmania.

The joy of watching Henry nurse one of his hens and talk to it is quite delightful. He also plays them classical music on a CD machine, which he tells his long-suffering wife that it makes for greater and better egg production.

‘Quality eggs from contented hens’!

I don’t know that I’d go that far, but over the years I’d forgotten how I detested those chook house chores.

In fact, I wouldn’t mind a couple of chooks to scratch and bustle about in the garden to get rid of those pesky grubs and insects.

Update on Moosh ■ Before I go I must tell you that Moosh is over the flu, but is still expecting round the clock nursing.

I love Moosh as much as Henry Crabb loves his chooks.

Try and catch the program if you can. There are no four-letter words, no violence, and the plot will keep you interested until the end.

Keep in mind, only buy free-range eggs if you can.

- Yvonne Contact: Melbourne Observer, P.O. Box 1278, Research, 3095

● Darren Pearce ■ Knox Councillor Darren Pearce has apologised unreservedly for calling Boronia Mall a run-dwon dump’.

Clean-up ■ Vandal Matthew King, 24, of Caulfield South, has been ordered to pay $3751 compensation after being caught ‘tagging’ a railway mural at Glen Huntly. Police tracked King after finding a paint can with his fingerprints.

To Court ■ Youths alleged to have behaved like gangsters in a number of holdups, including two at Sexyland outlets at Braeside and Keysborough, have been ordered to face trial in the County, Magistrates’ and Children’s Court.

The group is believed to have been responsible for about 20 holdups in Melbourne’s southeast, some of them violent.

Di Rolle’s Column

● From Page 10 ■ What about the Wallabies starting full-back?

Is a Test more than just an exam to you? Like the idea of hanging out with Michael Clark, Novak Djokovic and Chris Judd?

Then you might have what it takes to be a sports journalist or commentator and this is one exclusive that you cannot miss.

The 2012 Prospect 360 Sports Media Seminar to be held on Wednesday June 6, from 6.00pm for a 6.30pm star.

There’s only one thing more competitive than competitive sports and that’s the cut-throat world of sports journalism.

Now young people with an eye for sports and a nose for news can get tips on scoring a sports media job direct from working journalists and media professionals.

Join Samantha Lane, The Age, Olympic reporter; the Herald Sun’s sports reporter Jay Clark; Nine News sports reporter / presenter Clint Stanaway; one of Australia’s most highly regarded and awarded sports writers, The Age Senior sports writer Greg Baum; and Andy Maher, breakfast presenter on SEN 1116’s Morning Glory program who will act as moderator on the night.

Tickets are $65, plus students under the age of 18 years can be accompanied by an adult at no extra charge. See www.prospect360.com.au or call 9682 9666. ★★★ Prospect 360 News media seminar: Got a nose for news? Can you tell your Obama from your Osama? Know the current global meltdown has nothing to do with climate change and everything to do with cold hard cash?

Then you may be on the right track for a career as a hard-hitting news reporter and this is one exclusive you cannot miss – it’s the 2012 Prospect 360 News Media Seminar to be held on Thursday June 7, 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start to 9pm at the Nine Network Studio, Docklands.

Join panel members John Gwinner, Chief of Staff, Nine News Melbourne; Claire Sutherland, Editor, mX newspaper, Melbourne; Jason Whittaker, Editor of Crikey; and seminar moderator Alicia Loxley, weekend newsreader, Nine News Melbourne.

The discussions between panel members will provide an invaluable insight into the dimensions of a newsroom and its journalists in the frontline shaping and creating stories of the day.

Tickets are $65, plus students under the age of

18 years can be accompanied by an adult at no extra charge. See www.prospect360.com.au or call 9682 9666. ★★★ Career Crossroads … have you got what it takes to be a producer?

Are you a ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’?

Do you crave challenges from dawn to dusk beyond nine to five? Do you want to work alongside dignitaries, celebrities, rock stars and sporting ?

And find yourself in the fast lane with people who make and break news or create prime time television that breaks ratings year-on-year?

If the answer is yes, then book a ticket to this seminar now. Hear from three of Australia’s best producers Jay Mueller, Hot Breakfast with Eddie McGuire, Triple M; Justin Smith, Mornings with Neil Mitchell, 3AW; and Julian Cress, Executive Producer of The Block, along with moderator Matt Mitchell, Senior Lecturer Journalism, Monash University (and former Melbourne Editor of the Today Show, Nine Network) have to say on Thursday June 14, from 6pm for a 6.30pm start at the Nine Network Studio, Docklands.

Tickets are $65, plus students under the age of 18 years can be accompanied by an adult at no

extra charge. See www.prospect360.com.au or call 9682 9666.

Howard Jones tours

■ Celebrated British singer-songwriter Howard Jones, was a regular chart-topper in the mid-1980s with his brand of SynthPop. He is touring Australia in September performing his first two albums: Human's Lib and Dream Into Action - two classic albums that defined a generation, performed live and in full, for the first time.

His show will feature the songs recreated using modern and classic synthesisers. The hits included will be New Song, What Is Love?, Pearl In The Shell, HideAnd Seek, Like To Get To Know You Well, Things Can Only Get Better, Look Mama, Life In One Day, No One Is To Blame, and many others.

I remember Howard Jones and he can be seen in Melbourne on Friday September 7 at Billboard, Melbourne.

Bookings: Ticketek 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au - Di Rolle

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Observer Readers’ Club 100 Years Ago The Euroa Advertiser Friday, May 31, 1912 THE FUTURE OF CONCRETE There is no question but that concrete is getting to the front, and what a few men are doing to-day will be the common practice a few years hence.

Some substitute for wood must be found, and reinforced concrete seems to fill the bill. Getting ready to use concrete as a rule costs more than getting ready to use wood, but having done this some times the actual cost of the material and labor will in certain work be less.

But, whether it is or not, there are lots of cases where concrete is so much better that the cost should not be considered.

In modern concrete sanitary cow sheds, where thorough washing is absolutely necessary, and where simply by. cleanliness they have reduced the bacteria in milk from a million in a drop to a hundred in a teaspoonful, wood is out of the question.

Such sanitary cohditions would be impossible with wooden floors, partitions, beams and feeding-boxes. In pig pens also concrete has been used with great success.

There are a number of farms where almost everything is constructed of concrete, but while this is interesting it is carrying the idea to an extreme.

The average farmer is not interested in spending unlimited time aigd money simply to determine its possibilities; he is willing to take the other fellow's word for that.

But what every farmer should do is to.carefully consider just what value it will be to him and when it will pay him to use it.

A careful consideration of this question, taking into account durability, cleanliness, the cost of labor, and 'attractive appearance, will often. result in deiding in favor of concrete where heretofore one has been accustomed to build of wood as a matter of course.

Melbourne Photo Flashback

Join in our chat IN PRINT: Read the Melbourne Observer every week.

Buy at your newsagent, or by mail subscription.

FACEBOOK: Follow our updates, and post your own coments at www.facebook.com/ Melbourne Observer Group TWITTER: Follow our updates, and post your own Tweets at www.twitter.com/ MelbourneObs

BY POST: Mail contributions to Observer Readers’ Club PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095

● Heidelberg, 1890. It appears to be Barkly Place (Burgundy St.), looking east.

Ancient Wisdom

Reader Recipes

■ “We all live under the same sky, but we don’t all have the same horizon.”

Word Of The Week ■ Assoil (verb) - to absolve or pronounce not guilty.

Trivia Challenge ■ In what year was Star Wars released? (a) 1975, (b) 1977, or (c) 1982?

Answer: (b) 1977.

THe Way We Were

Your Stars with Christina La Cross Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20) The planets are making many of the signs disagreeable. You'd be best not to rise to any bait laid before you. Standing tall today gives you the confidence to take your career to the next level.

Taurus (Apr 21 - May 21) Stop looking to the past for the answers you need. It is only by looking to the future that you will ever find the truth you are seeking. You know this deep down, don't you?

Gemini (May 22 - June 21) Impress new faces with your personality, instead of saying what you think they want to hear. It's sure to find you far more supporters, as I'm sure you'll agree if you think about it.

Cancer (June 22 - July 23) This is a good day for your career as you should at long last find out not only where superiors see your career heading, but also how appreciated you are for your recent efforts.

Leo (July 24 - Aug 23) Someone you have not seen in a long time is back on your mind for a very important and relevant reason. You're re-opening an important chapter, but this time you're armed with experience and wisdom.

Virgo (Aug 24 - Sept 23) Flirtations take a turn for the serious and you could well end up finding yourself willing to commit to things you would normally run a mile from. Don't worry; this is actually a compatible union.

Libra (Sept 24 - Oct 23) Make sure you get a second opinion on all contracts you receive at this time; you may not be seeing things from the most straightforward of views. Paying to go the professional route will pay off.

Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Someone you didn't think you'd get on with in your career proves how flexible you can be when you keep an open mind with offers that come after 4pm. Jupiter brings messages in dreams.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 21) Don't let rumours, gossip and hearsay ruin what should be a happy time now for you. It's time to start enjoying what should be a really fun time of the year. Romance waits if you do.

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Someone that you were hoping to see has not been avoiding you on purpose. Please do not jump to conclusions but work on the rest of the week rather than overanalysing.

Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 19) You may not have got on with a certain person as you wanted, but what you will have learned is that you're allowed to be different people. You both just need to live and let live.

Pisces (Feb 20 - March 20) The dreamy mood that has influenced you of late is finally starting to lift and you should be able to see clearly the opportunities that lie before you. Venus puts the flavour back into romance.

● Warming winter broth Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 5 minutes Ingredients (serves 2) 500ml (2 cups) water, or reduced-salt vegetable or chicken stock 1 tbs dried nettle leaves 2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger 1/4-1/2 tsp thinly sliced fresh red chilli 4 sprigs fresh thyme 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced 1/4 tsp ground turmeric 1/4 tsp sesame oil Salt (optional) Method Combine water or stock, nettle leaves, ginger, chilli, thyme, garlic, turmeric and oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low. Cook, covered, for 3 minutes or until aromatic. Set aside for 5 minutes to infuse. Taste and season with salt.

Strain into a glass to serve.

Deja Vu

Birthdays/Celebrations ■ Wednesday, May 30. The late Stan Rofe, radio legend, was born in 1933; he died aged 69 in 2003.

■ Thursday, May 31. Happy birthday to Peter of Epping (1938). Portland-born radio man Ross Wilson, now at Mount Isa, is 57 today.

■ Friday, June 1. Writer Colleen McCullough, now at Norfolk Island, is 75. Footy statistician Col Hutchinson was born in Maryborough in 1944 (68). Jason Donovan was born in Malvern in 1968 (44).

■ Saturday, June 2. Birthday greetings to Observer reader Toni Gianarelli. Golfer Stewart Ginn was born in Melbourne, 63 years ago (1949). TV host Yumi Stynes is 37.

■ Sunday, June 3. Happy 93rd birthday to Observer reader Joy of East Ivanhoe. TV host Tracy Grimshaw was born in the Diamond Valley in 1960 (52).

■ Monday, June 4. Radio man ‘Baby’ John Burgess is 69; he was born in 1943. TV and radio broadcaster Mike Williamson is 84.

Singer Kasey Chambers was born in Mount Gambier in 1977 (35).

■ Tuesday, June 5. Melbourne-born musician John Montesante celebrates a birthday today. Actor Martin Vaughan was born in Brisbane in 1931 (81). Jockey Roy Higgins was born in Koondrook in 1938 (74).

Cheerios

■ Suzanne of Docklands sends a cheerio and a round of applause to her JPs: John Parker and J P Bolton.

■ Happy 90th birthday to Joan Purcell of Yea.

■ Right now I’m having amnesia and deja vu at the same time. I think I’ve forgotten this before.

Quote Of The Week ■ “Wear a smile and have friends, wear a scowl and have wrinkles. What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other?”

- George Eliot

Just A Thought Or Two ■ You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

■ Compromise is an agreement where both parties get what neither of them want.

Bumper Stcker ■ Spotted at Mentone: “Is there a time limit on fortune cookie predictions?”

■ Cheerio to Rachelle Unreich, pictured with Suzanne Carbone, at Rokeby Studios, Collingwood.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - Page 17

Observer Classic Books

r

e rv S se U N Ob N IO BO CT SE

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Pride and Prejudice

could not make Jane or herself amends for moments of such painful confusion.

“The first wish of my heart,” said she to herself, “is never more to be in company with either of them. Their society can afford no pleasure that will atone for such wretchedness as this! Let me never see either one or the other again!”

Yet the misery, for which years of happiness were to offer no compensation, received soon afterwards material relief, from observing how much the beauty of her sister re-kindled the admiration of her former lover. When first he came in, he had spoken to her but little; but every five minutes seemed to be giving her more of his attention. He found her as handsome as she had been last year; as good natured, and as unaffected, though not quite so chatty. Jane was anxious that no difference should be perceived in her at all, and was really persuaded that she talked as much as ever. But her mind was so busily engaged, that she did not always know when she was silent.

When the gentlemen rose to go away, Mrs. Bennet was mindful of her intended civility, and they were invited and engaged to dine at Longbourn in a few days time.

“You are quite a visit in my debt, Mr. Bingley,” she added, “for when you went to town last winter, you promised to take a family dinner with us, as soon as you returned. I have not forgot, you see; and I assure you, I was very much disappointed that you did not come back and keep your engagement.”

Bingley looked a little silly at this reflection, and said something of his concern at having been prevented by business. They then went away.

Mrs. Bennet had been strongly inclined to ask them to stay and dine there that day; but, though she always kept a very good table, she did not think anything less than two courses could be good enough for a man on whom she had such anxious designs, or satisfy the appetite and pride of one who had ten thousand a year.

CHAPTER 53 - continued

“I begin to be sorry that he comes at all,” said Jane to her sister. “It would be nothing; I could see him with perfect indifference, but I can hardly bear to hear it thus perpetually talked of. My mother means well; but she does not know, no one can know, how much I suffer from what she says. Happy shall I be, when his stay at Netherfield is over!”

“I wish I could say anything to comfort you,” replied Elizabeth; “but it is wholly out of my power.

You must feel it; and the usual satisfaction of preaching patience to a sufferer is denied me, because you have always so much.”

Mr. Bingley arrived. Mrs. Bennet, through the assistance of servants, contrived to have the earliest tidings of it, that the period of anxiety and fretfulness on her side might be as long as it could.

She counted the days that must intervene before their invitation could be sent; hopeless of seeing him before. But on the third morning after his arrival in Hertfordshire, she saw him, from her dressing-room window, enter the paddock and ride towards the house.

Her daughters were eagerly called to partake of her joy. Jane resolutely kept her place at the table; but Elizabeth, to satisfy her mother, went to the window — she looked — she saw Mr. Darcy with him, and sat down again by her sister.

“There is a gentleman with him, mamma,” said Kitty; “who can it be?”

“Some acquaintance or other, my dear, I suppose; I am sure I do not know.”

“La!” replied Kitty, “it looks just like that man that used to be with him before. Mr. what’s-hisname. That tall, proud man.”

“Good gracious! Mr. Darcy! — and so it does, I vow. Well, any friend of Mr. Bingley’s will always be welcome here, to be sure; but else I must say that I hate the very sight of him.”

Jane looked at Elizabeth with surprise and concern. She knew but little of their meeting in Derbyshire, and therefore felt for the awkwardness which must attend her sister, in seeing him almost for the first time after receiving his explanatory letter. Both sisters were uncomfortable enough. Each felt for the other, and of course for themselves; and their mother talked on, of her dislike of Mr. Darcy, and her resolution to be civil to him only as Mr. Bingley’s friend, without being heard by either of them. But Elizabeth had sources of uneasiness which could not be suspected by Jane, to whom she had never yet had courage to shew Mrs. Gardiner’s letter, or to relate her own change of sentiment towards him. To Jane, he could be only a man whose proposals she had refused, and whose merit she had undervalued; but to her own more extensive information, he was the person to whom the whole family were indebted for the first of benefits, and whom she regarded herself with an interest, if not quite so tender, at least as reasonable and just as what Jane felt for Bingley. Her astonishment at his coming — at his coming to Netherfield, to Longbourn, and voluntarily seeking her again, was almost equal to what she had known on first witnessing his altered behaviour in Derbyshire.

The colour which had been driven from her face, returned for half a minute with an additional glow, and a smile of delight added lustre to her eyes, as she thought for that space of time that his affection and wishes must still be unshaken. But she would not be secure.

“Let me first see how he behaves,” said she; “it will then be early enough for expectation.”

She sat intently at work, striving to be composed, and without daring to lift up her eyes, till anxious curiosity carried them to the face of her sister as the servant was approaching the door. Jane looked a little paler than usual, but more sedate than Elizabeth had expected. On the gentlemen’s appearing, her colour increased; yet she received them with tolerable ease, and with a propriety of behaviour equally free from any symptom of resentment or any unnecessary complaisance.

Elizabeth said as little to either as civility would allow, and sat down again to her work, with an eagerness which it did not often command. She had ventured only one glance at Darcy. He looked serious, as usual; and, she thought, more as he had been used to look in Hertfordshire, than as she had seen him at Pemberley. But, perhaps he

CHAPTER 54 ● Jane Austen could not in her mother’s presence be what he was before her uncle and aunt. It was a painful, but not an improbable, conjecture.

Bingley, she had likewise seen for an instant, and in that short period saw him looking both pleased and embarrassed. He was received by Mrs. Bennet with a degree of civility which made her two daughters ashamed, especially when contrasted with the cold and ceremonious politeness of her curtsey and address to his friend.

Elizabeth, particularly, who knew that her mother owed to the latter the preservation of her favourite daughter from irremediable infamy, was hurt and distressed to a most painful degree by a distinction so ill applied.

Darcy, after inquiring of her how Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner did, a question which she could not answer without confusion, said scarcely anything.

He was not seated by her; perhaps that was the reason of his silence; but it had not been so in Derbyshire. There he had talked to her friends, when he could not to herself. But now several minutes elapsed without bringing the sound of his voice; and when occasionally, unable to resist the impulse of curiosity, she raised he eyes to his face, she as often found him looking at Jane as at herself, and frequently on no object but the ground.

More thoughtfulness and less anxiety to please, than when they last met, were plainly expressed.

She was disappointed, and angry with herself for being so.

“Could I expect it to be otherwise!” said she. “Yet why did he come?”

She was in no humour for conversation with anyone but himself; and to him she had hardly courage to speak.

She inquired after his sister, but could do no more.

“It is a long time, Mr. Bingley, since you went away,” said Mrs. Bennet.

He readily agreed to it.

“I began to be afraid you would never come back again. People DID say you meant to quit the place entirely at Michaelmas; but, however, I hope it is not true. A great many changes have happened in the neighbourhood, since you went away. Miss

Lucas is married and settled. And one of my own daughters. I suppose you have heard of it; indeed, you must have seen it in the papers. It was in The Times and The Courier, I know; though it was not put in as it ought to be. It was only said, ‘Lately, George Wickham, Esq. to Miss Lydia Bennet,’ without there being a syllable said of her father, or the place where she lived, or anything. It was my brother Gardiner’s drawing up too, and I wonder how he came to make such an awkward business of it. Did you see it?”

Bingley replied that he did, and made his congratulations. Elizabeth dared not lift up her eyes.

How Mr. Darcy looked, therefore, she could not tell.

“It is a delightful thing, to be sure, to have a daughter well married,” continued her mother, “but at the same time, Mr. Bingley, it is very hard to have her taken such a way from me. They are gone down to Newcastle, a place quite northward, it seems, and there they are to stay I do not know how long. His regiment is there; for I suppose you have heard of his leaving the —— shire, and of his being gone into the regulars. Thank Heaven! he has SOME friends, though perhaps not so many as he deserves.”

Elizabeth, who knew this to be levelled at Mr. Darcy, was in such misery of shame, that she could hardly keep her seat. It drew from her, however, the exertion of speaking, which nothing else had so effectually done before; and she asked Bingley whether he meant to make any stay in the country at present. A few weeks, he believed.

“When you have killed all your own birds, Mr. Bingley,” said her mother, “I beg you will come here, and shoot as many as you please on Mr. Bennet’s manor. I am sure he will be vastly happy to oblige you, and will save all the best of the covies for you.”

Elizabeth’s misery increased, at such unnecessary, such officious attention! Were the same fair prospect to arise at present as had flattered them a year ago, every thing, she was persuaded, would be hastening to the same vexatious conclusion.

At that instant, she felt that years of happiness

As soon as they were gone, Elizabeth walked out to recover her spirits; or in other words, to dwell without interruption on those subjects that must deaden them more. Mr. Darcy’s behaviour astonished and vexed her.

“Why, if he came only to be silent, grave, and indifferent,” said she, “did he come at all?”

She could settle it in no way that gave her pleasure.

“He could be still amiable, still pleasing, to my uncle and aunt, when he was in town; and why not to me? If he fears me, why come hither? If he no longer cares for me, why silent? Teasing, teasing, man! I will think no more about him.”

Her resolution was for a short time involuntarily kept by the approach of her sister, who joined her with a cheerful look, which showed her better satisfied with their visitors, than Elizabeth.

“Now,” said she, “that this first meeting is over, I feel perfectly easy. I know my own strength, and I shall never be embarrassed again by his coming. I am glad he dines here on Tuesday. It will then be publicly seen that, on both sides, we meet only as common and indifferent acquaintance.”

“Yes, very indifferent indeed,” said Elizabeth, laughingly. “Oh, Jane, take care.”

“My dear Lizzy, you cannot think me so weak, as to be in danger now?”

“I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever.”

They did not see the gentlemen again till Tuesday; and Mrs. Bennet, in the meanwhile, was giving way to all the happy schemes, which the good humour and common politeness of Bingley, in half an hour’s visit, had revived.

On Tuesday there was a large party assembled at Longbourn; and the two who were most anxiously expected, to the credit of their punctuality as sportsmen, were in very good time.

Continued on Page 18

Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012

From Page 17 When they repaired to the dining-room, Elizabeth eagerly watched to see whether Bingley would take the place, which, in all their former parties, had belonged to him, by her sister. Her prudent mother, occupied by the same ideas, forbore to invite him to sit by herself. On entering the room, he seemed to hesitate; but Jane happened to look round, and happened to smile: it was decided. He placed himself by her.

Elizabeth, with a triumphant sensation, looked towards his friend. He bore it with noble indifference, and she would have imagined that Bingley had received his sanction to be happy, had she not seen his eyes likewise turned towards Mr. Darcy, with an expression of half-laughing alarm.

His behaviour to her sister was such, during dinner time, as showed an admiration of her, which, though more guarded than formerly, persuaded Elizabeth, that if left wholly to himself, Jane’s happiness, and his own, would be speedily secured. Though she dared not depend upon the consequence, she yet received pleasure from observing his behaviour. It gave her all the animation that her spirits could boast; for she was in no cheerful humour. Mr. Darcy was almost as far from her as the table could divide them.

He was on one side of her mother. She knew how little such a situation would give pleasure to either, or make either appear to advantage. She was not near enough to hear any of their discourse, but she could see how seldom they spoke to each other, and how formal and cold was their manner whenever they did. Her mother’s ungraciousness, made the sense of what they owed him more painful to Elizabeth’s mind; and she would, at times, have given anything to be privileged to tell him that his kindness was neither unknown nor unfelt by the whole of the family.

She was in hopes that the evening would afford some opportunity of bringing them together; that the whole of the visit would not pass away without enabling them to enter into something more of conversation than the mere ceremonious salutation attending his entrance. Anxious and uneasy, the period which passed in the drawingroom, before the gentlemen came, was wearisome and dull to a degree that almost made her uncivil. She looked forward to their entrance as the point on which all her chance of pleasure for the evening must depend.

“If he does not come to me, THEN,” said she, “I shall give him up for ever.”

The gentlemen came; and she thought he looked as if he would have answered her hopes; but, alas! the ladies had crowded round the table, where Miss Bennet was making tea, and Elizabeth pouring out the coffee, in so close a confederacy that there was not a single vacancy near her which would admit of a chair. And on the gentlemen’s approaching, one of the girls moved closer to her than ever, and said, in a whisper: “The men shan’t come and part us, I am determined. We want none of them; do we?”

Darcy had walked away to another part of the room. She followed him with her eyes, envied everyone to whom he spoke, had scarcely patience enough to help anybody to coffee; and then was enraged against herself for being so silly!

“A man who has once been refused! How could I ever be foolish enough to expect a renewal of his love? Is there one among the sex, who would not protest against such a weakness as a second proposal to the same woman? There is no indignity so abhorrent to their feelings!”

She was a little revived, however, by his bringing back his coffee cup himself; and she seized the opportunity of saying: “Is your sister at Pemberley still?”

“Yes, she will remain there till Christmas.”

“And quite alone? Have all her friends left her?”

“Mrs. Annesley is with her. The others have been gone on to Scarborough, these three weeks.”

She could think of nothing more to say; but if he wished to converse with her, he might have better success. He stood by her, however, for some minutes, in silence; and, at last, on the young lady’s whispering to

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Classic Books Elizabeth again, he walked away.

When the tea-things were removed, and the card-tables placed, the ladies all rose, and Elizabeth was then hoping to be soon joined by him, when all her views were overthrown by seeing him fall a victim to her mother’s rapacity for whist players, and in a few moments after seated with the rest of the party. She now lost every expectation of pleasure. They were confined for the evening at different tables, and she had nothing to hope, but that his eyes were so often turned towards her side of the room, as to make him play as unsuccessfully as herself.

Mrs. Bennet had designed to keep the two Netherfield gentlemen to supper; but their carriage was unluckily ordered before any of the others, and she had no opportunity of detaining them.

“Well girls,” said she, as soon as they were left to themselves, “What say you to the day? I think every thing has passed off uncommonly well, I assure you. The dinner was as well dressed as any I ever saw. The venison was roasted to a turn — and everybody said they never saw so fat a haunch.

The soup was fifty times better than what we had at the Lucases’ last week; and even Mr. Darcy acknowledged, that the partridges were remarkably well done; and I suppose he has two or three French cooks at least. And, my dear Jane, I never saw you look in greater beauty. Mrs. Long said so too, for I asked her whether you did not.

And what do you think she said besides?

‘Ah! Mrs. Bennet, we shall have her at Netherfield at last.’ She did indeed. I do think Mrs. Long is as good a creature as ever lived — and her nieces are very pretty behaved girls, and not at all handsome: I like them prodigiously.”

Mrs. Bennet, in short, was in very great spirits; she had seen enough of Bingley’s behaviour to Jane, to be convinced that she would get him at last; and her expectations of advantage to her family, when in a happy humour, were so far beyond reason, that she was quite disappointed at not seeing him there again the next day, to make his proposals.

“It has been a very agreeable day,” said Miss Bennet to Elizabeth. “The party seemed so well selected, so suitable one with the other. I hope we may often meet again.”

Elizabeth smiled.

“Lizzy, you must not do so. You must not suspect me. It mortifies me. I assure you that I have now learnt to enjoy his conversation as an agreeable and sensible young man, without having a wish beyond it. I am perfectly satisfied, from what his manners now are, that he never had any design of engaging my affection. It is only that he is blessed with greater sweetness of address, and a stronger desire of generally pleasing, than any other man.”

“You are very cruel,” said her sister, “you will not let me smile, and are provoking me to it every moment.”

“How hard it is in some cases to be believed!”

“And how impossible in others!”

“But why should you wish to persuade me that I feel more than I acknowledge?”

“That is a question which I hardly know how to answer. We all love to instruct, though we can teach only what is not worth knowing. Forgive me; and if you persist in indifference, do not make me your confidante.”

CHAPTER 55 A few days after this visit, Mr. Bingley called again, and alone. His friend had left him that morning for London, but was to return home in ten days time. He sat with them above an hour, and was in remarkably good spirits. Mrs. Bennet invited him to dine with them; but, with many expressions of concern, he confessed himself engaged elsewhere.

“Next time you call,” said she, “I hope we shall be more lucky.”

He should be particularly happy at any time, etc. etc.; and if she would give him leave, would take an early opportunity of waiting on them.

“Can you come to-morrow?”

Yes, he had no engagement at all for to-

morrow; and her invitation was accepted with alacrity.

He came, and in such very good time that the ladies were none of them dressed. In ran Mrs. Bennet to her daughter’s room, in her dressing gown, and with her hair half finished, crying out: “My dear Jane, make haste and hurry down.

He is come — Mr. Bingley is come. He is, indeed. Make haste, make haste. Here, Sarah, come to Miss Bennet this moment, and help her on with her gown. Never mind Miss Lizzy’s hair.”

“We will be down as soon as we can,” said Jane; “but I dare say Kitty is forwarder than either of us, for she went up stairs half an hour ago.”

“Oh! hang Kitty! what has she to do with it? Come be quick, be quick! Where is your sash, my dear?”

But when her mother was gone, Jane would not be prevailed on to go down without one of her sisters.

The same anxiety to get them by themselves was visible again in the evening. After tea, Mr. Bennet retired to the library, as was his custom, and Mary went up stairs to her instrument. Two obstacles of the five being thus removed, Mrs. Bennet sat looking and winking at Elizabeth and Catherine for a considerable time, without making any impression on them. Elizabeth would not observe her; and when at last Kitty did, she very innocently said, “What is the matter mamma? What do you keep winking at me for? What am I to do?”

“Nothing child, nothing. I did not wink at you.” She then sat still five minutes longer; but unable to waste such a precious occasion, she suddenly got up, and saying to Kitty, “Come here, my love, I want to speak to you,” took her out of the room. Jane instantly gave a look at Elizabeth which spoke her distress at such premeditation, and her entreaty that SHE would not give in to it.

In a few minutes, Mrs. Bennet half-opened the door and called out: “Lizzy, my dear, I want to speak with you.”

Elizabeth was forced to go.

“We may as well leave them by themselves you know;” said her mother, as soon as she was in the hall. “Kitty and I are going upstairs to sit in my dressing-room.”

Elizabeth made no attempt to reason with her mother, but remained quietly in the hall, till she and Kitty were out of sight, then returned into the drawing-room.

Mrs. Bennet’s schemes for this day were ineffectual. Bingley was every thing that was charming, except the professed lover of her daughter. His ease and cheerfulness rendered him a most agreeable addition to their evening party; and he bore with the ill-judged officiousness of the mother, and heard all her silly remarks with a forbearance and command of countenance particularly grateful to the daughter.

He scarcely needed an invitation to stay supper; and before he went away, an engagement was formed, chiefly through his own and Mrs. Bennet’s means, for his coming next morning to shoot with her husband.

After this day, Jane said no more of her indifference. Not a word passed between the sisters concerning Bingley; but Elizabeth went to bed in the happy belief that all must speedily be concluded, unless Mr. Darcy returned within the stated time. Seriously, however, she felt tolerably persuaded that all this must have taken place with that gentleman’s concurrence.

Bingley was punctual to his appointment; and he and Mr. Bennet spent the morning together, as had been agreed on. The latter was much more agreeable than his companion expected. There was nothing of presumption or folly in Bingley that could provoke his ridicule, or disgust him into silence; and he was more communicative, and less eccentric, than the other had ever seen him. Bingley of course returned with him to dinner; and in the evening Mrs. Bennet’s invention was again at work to get every body away from him and her daughter.

Elizabeth, who had a letter to write, went into the breakfast room for that purpose soon after tea; for as the others were all going to sit down to cards, she could not be wanted to counteract her mother’s schemes.

But on returning to the drawing-room, when

her letter was finished, she saw, to her infinite surprise, there was reason to fear that her mother had been too ingenious for her.

On opening the door, she perceived her sister and Bingley standing together over the hearth, as if engaged in earnest conversation; and had this led to no suspicion, the faces of both, as they hastily turned round and moved away from each other, would have told it all. Their situation was awkward enough; but HER’S she thought was still worse. Not a syllable was uttered by either; and Elizabeth was on the point of going away again, when Bingley, who as well as the other had sat down, suddenly rose, and whispering a few words to her sister, ran out of the room.

Jane could have no reserves from Elizabeth, where confidence would give pleasure; and instantly embracing her, acknowledged, with the liveliest emotion, that she was the happiest creature in the world. “’Tis too much!” she added, “by far too much. I do not deserve it. Oh! why is not everybody as happy?”

Elizabeth’s congratulations were given with a sincerity, a warmth, a delight, which words could but poorly express. Every sentence of kindness was a fresh source of happiness to Jane. But she would not allow herself to stay with her sister, or say half that remained to be said for the present.

“I must go instantly to my mother;” she cried. “I would not on any account trifle with her affectionate solicitude; or allow her to hear it from anyone but myself. He is gone to my father already. Oh! Lizzy, to know that what I have to relate will give such pleasure to all my dear family! how shall I bear so much happiness!”

She then hastened away to her mother, who had purposely broken up the card party, and was sitting up stairs with Kitty.

Elizabeth, who was left by herself, now smiled at the rapidity and ease with which an affair was finally settled, that had given them so many previous months of suspense and vexation.

“And this,” said she, “is the end of all his friend’s anxious circumspection! of all his sister’s falsehood and contrivance! the happiest, wisest, most reasonable end!”

In a few minutes she was joined by Bingley, whose conference with her father had been short and to the purpose.

“Where is your sister?” said he hastily, as he opened the door.

“With my mother up stairs. She will be down in a moment, I dare say.”

He then shut the door, and, coming up to her, claimed the good wishes and affection of a sister. Elizabeth honestly and heartily expressed her delight in the prospect of their relationship. They shook hands with great cordiality; and then, till her sister came down, she had to listen to all he had to say of his own happiness, and of Jane’s perfections; and in spite of his being a lover, Elizabeth really believed all his expectations of felicity to be rationally founded, because they had for basis the excellent understanding, and super-excellent disposition of Jane, and a general similarity of feeling and taste between her and himself.

It was an evening of no common delight to them all; the satisfaction of Miss Bennet’s mind gave a glow of such sweet animation to her face, as made her look handsomer than ever. Kitty simpered and smiled, and hoped her turn was coming soon. Mrs. Bennet could not give her consent or speak her approbation in terms warm enough to satisfy her feelings, though she talked to Bingley of nothing else for half an hour; and when Mr. Bennet joined them at supper, his voice and manner plainly showed how really happy he was.

Not a word, however, passed his lips in allusion to it, till their visitor took his leave for the night; but as soon as he was gone, he turned to his daughter, and said: “Jane, I congratulate you. You will be a very happy woman.”

Jane went to him instantly, kissed him, and thanked him for his goodness.

“You are a good girl;” he replied, “and I have great pleasure in thinking you will be so happily settled. I have not a doubt of your doing very well together.

- Continued on Page 59

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - Page 19

Melbourne Seniors News

W: www.goldcarelifestylevillage.com.au Goldcare Pakenham Lifestyle Village www.goldcare.net.au Add: 100 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham 3810

Page 20 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Seniors News

Twins Parks Village Boutique Retirement Living in Preston

Cnr Davis St & Tyler St, Preston 3072 Telephone: 8470 9888 or 0425 881 424 (Philip) E-Mail: tpacc@bigpond.net.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - Page 21

Melbourne People

Rokeby Studios Clebrations Collingwood Photos: Sue Deenim

● Rachelle Unreich and Nikki Hall

● Freda Rossidis, Stasia Raft and Natasha Stipanov

● Marija Ivkovic with Suzanne Carbone

● Melanie Jade Peberdy and Rachelle Unreich

Motoring

Page 22 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - Page 23

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

From Page 18 Your tempers are by no means unlike. You are each of you so complying, that nothing will ever be resolved on; so easy, that every servant will cheat you; and so generous, that you will always exceed your income.”

“I hope not so. Imprudence or thoughtlessness in money matters would be unpardonable in me.”

“Exceed their income! My dear Mr. Bennet,” cried his wife, “what are you talking of? Why, he has four or five thousand a year, and very likely more.” Then addressing her daughter, “Oh! my dear, dear Jane, I am so happy! I am sure I shan’t get a wink of sleep all night. I knew how it would be. I always said it must be so, at last. I was sure you could not be so beautiful for nothing! I remember, as soon as ever I saw him, when he first came into Hertfordshire last year, I thought how likely it was that you should come together. Oh! he is the handsomest young man that ever was seen!”

Wickham, Lydia, were all forgotten. Jane was beyond competition her favourite child.

At that moment, she cared for no other. Her younger sisters soon began to make interest with her for objects of happiness which she might in future be able to dispense.

Mary petitioned for the use of the library at Netherfield; and Kitty begged very hard for a few balls there every winter.

Bingley, from this time, was of course a daily visitor at Longbourn; coming frequently before breakfast, and always remaining till after supper; unless when some barbarous neighbour, who could not be enough detested, had given him an invitation to dinner which he thought himself obliged to accept.

Elizabeth had now but little time for conversation with her sister; for while he was present, Jane had no attention to bestow on anyone else; but she found herself considerably useful to both of them in those hours of separation that must sometimes occur.

In the absence of Jane, he always attached himself to Elizabeth, for the pleasure of talking of her; and when Bingley was gone, Jane constantly sought the same means of relief.

“He has made me so happy,” said she, one evening, “by telling me that he was totally ignorant of my being in town last spring! I had not believed it possible.”

“I suspected as much,” replied Elizabeth.

“But how did he account for it?”

“It must have been his sister’s doing. They were certainly no friends to his acquaintance with me, which I cannot wonder at, since he might have chosen so much more advantageously in many respects. But when they see, as I trust they will, that their brother is happy with me, they will learn to be contented, and we shall be on good terms again; though we can never be what we once were to each other.”

“That is the most unforgiving speech,” said Elizabeth, “that I ever heard you utter. Good girl! It would vex me, indeed, to see you again the dupe of Miss Bingley’s pretended regard.”

“Would you believe it, Lizzy, that when he went to town last November, he really loved me, and nothing but a persuasion of MY being indifferent would have prevented his coming down again!”

“He made a little mistake to be sure; but it is to the credit of his modesty.”

This naturally introduced a panegyric from Jane on his diffidence, and the little value he put on his own good qualities. Elizabeth was pleased to find that he had not betrayed the interference of his friend; for, though Jane had the most generous and forgiving heart in the world, she knew it was a circumstance which must prejudice her against him.

“I am certainly the most fortunate creature that ever existed!” cried Jane. “Oh! Lizzy, why am I thus singled from my family, and blessed above them all! If I could but see YOU as happy! If there WERE but such another man for you!”

“If you were to give me forty such men, I never could be so happy as you. Till I have your disposition, your goodness, I never can have your happiness. No, no, let me shift for myself; and, perhaps, if I have very good

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - Page 59

Observer Classic Books luck, I may meet with another Mr. Collins in time.”

The situation of affairs in the Longbourn family could not be long a secret. Mrs. Bennet was privileged to whisper it to Mrs. Phillips, and she ventured, without any permission, to do the same by all her neighbours in Meryton.

The Bennets were speedily pronounced to be the luckiest family in the world, though only a few weeks before, when Lydia had first run away, they had been generally proved to be marked out for misfortune.

CHAPTER 56 One morning, about a week after Bingley’s engagement with Jane had been formed, as he and the females of the family were sitting together in the dining-room, their attention was suddenly drawn to the window, by the sound of a carriage; and they perceived a chaise and four driving up the lawn.

It was too early in the morning for visitors, and besides, the equipage did not answer to that of any of their neighbours. The horses were post; and neither the carriage, nor the livery of the servant who preceded it, were familiar to them. As it was certain, however, that somebody was coming, Bingley instantly prevailed on Miss Bennet to avoid the confinement of such an intrusion, and walk away with him into the shrubbery.

They both set off, and the conjectures of the remaining three continued, though with little satisfaction, till the door was thrown open and their visitor entered. It was Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

They were of course all intending to be surprised; but their astonishment was beyond their expectation; and on the part of Mrs. Bennet and Kitty, though she was perfectly unknown to them, even inferior to what Elizabeth felt.

She entered the room with an air more than usually ungracious, made no other reply to Elizabeth’s salutation than a slight inclination of the head, and sat down without saying a word. Elizabeth had mentioned her name to her mother on her ladyship’s entrance, though no request of introduction had been made.

Mrs. Bennet, all amazement, though flattered by having a guest of such high importance, received her with the utmost politeness. After sitting for a moment in silence, she said very stiffly to Elizabeth, “I hope you are well, Miss Bennet. That lady, I suppose, is your mother.”

Elizabeth replied very concisely that she was.

“And THAT I suppose is one of your sisters.”

“Yes, madam,” said Mrs. Bennet, delighted to speak to a Lady Catherine. “She is my youngest girl but one. My youngest of all is lately married, and my eldest is somewhere about the grounds, walking with a young man who, I believe, will soon become a part of the family.”

“You have a very small park here,” returned Lady Catherine after a short silence.

“It is nothing in comparison of Rosings, my lady, I dare say; but I assure you it is much larger than Sir William Lucas’s.”

“This must be a most inconvenient sitting room for the evening, in summer; the windows are full west.”

Mrs. Bennet assured her that they never sat there after dinner, and then added: “May I take the liberty of asking your ladyship whether you left Mr. and Mrs. Collins well.”

“Yes, very well. I saw them the night before last.”

Elizabeth now expected that she would produce a letter for her from Charlotte, as it seemed the only probable motive for her calling. But no letter appeared, and she was completely puzzled.

Mrs. Bennet, with great civility, begged her ladyship to take some refreshment; but Lady Catherine very resolutely, and not very politely, declined eating anything; and then, rising up, said to Elizabeth, “Miss Bennet, there seemed to be a prettyish kind of a little wilderness on one side of your lawn. I should be glad to take a turn in it, if you will favour me with your company.”

“Go, my dear,” cried her mother, “and show her ladyship about the different walks. I think she will be pleased with the hermitage.”

Elizabeth obeyed, and running into her own room for her parasol, attended her noble guest downstairs. As they passed through the hall, Lady Catherine opened the doors into the dining-parlour and drawing-room, and pronouncing them, after a short survey, to be decent looking rooms, walked on.

Her carriage remained at the door, and Elizabeth saw that her waiting-woman was in it. They proceeded in silence along the gravel walk that led to the copse; Elizabeth was determined to make no effort for conversation with a woman who was now more than usually insolent and disagreeable.

“How could I ever think her like her nephew?” said she, as she looked in her face.

As soon as they entered the copse, Lady Catherine began in the following manner:— “You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to understand the reason of my journey hither.

Your own heart, your own conscience, must tell you why I come.”

Elizabeth looked with unaffected astonishment.

“Indeed, you are mistaken, Madam. I have not been at all able to account for the honour of seeing you here.”

“Miss Bennet,” replied her ladyship, in an angry tone, “you ought to know, that I am not to be trifled with. But however insincere YOU may choose to be, you shall not find ME so. My character has ever been celebrated for its sincerity and frankness, and in a cause of such moment as this, I shall certainly not depart from it. A report of a most alarming nature reached me two days ago. I was told that not only your sister was on the point of being most advantageously married, but that you, that Miss Elizabeth Bennet, would, in all likelihood, be soon afterwards united to my nephew, my own nephew, Mr. Darcy. Though I KNOW it must be a scandalous falsehood, though I would not injure him so much as to suppose the truth of it possible, I instantly resolved on setting off for this place, that I might make my sentiments known to you.”

“If you believed it impossible to be true,” said Elizabeth, colouring with astonishment and disdain, “I wonder you took the trouble of coming so far. What could your ladyship propose by it?”

“At once to insist upon having such a report universally contradicted.”

“Your coming to Longbourn, to see me and my family,” said Elizabeth coolly, “will be rather a confirmation of it; if, indeed, such a report is in existence.”

“If! Do you then pretend to be ignorant of it? Has it not been industriously circulated by yourselves? Do you not know that such a report is spread abroad?”

“I never heard that it was.”

“And can you likewise declare, that there is no foundation for it?”

“I do not pretend to possess equal frankness with your ladyship. You may ask questions which I shall not choose to answer.”

“This is not to be borne. Miss Bennet, I insist on being satisfied. Has he, has my nephew, made you an offer of marriage?”

“Your ladyship has declared it to be impossible.”

“It ought to be so; it must be so, while he retains the use of his reason. But your arts and allurements may, in a moment of infatuation, have made him forget what he owes to himself and to all his family. You may have drawn him in.”

“If I have, I shall be the last person to confess it.”

“Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I have not been accustomed to such language as this. I am almost the nearest relation he has in the world, and am entitled to know all his dearest concerns.”

“But you are not entitled to know mine; nor will such behaviour as this, ever induce me to be explicit.”

“Let me be rightly understood. This match, to which you have the presumption to aspire, can never take place. No, never. Mr. Darcy is engaged to my daughter. Now what have you to say?”

“Only this; that if he is so, you can have no

reason to suppose he will make an offer to me.”

Lady Catherine hesitated for a moment, and then replied: “The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. From their infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the favourite wish of HIS mother, as well as of her’s. While in their cradles, we planned the union: and now, at the moment when the wishes of both sisters would be accomplished in their marriage, to be prevented by a young woman of inferior birth, of no importance in the world, and wholly unallied to the family! Do you pay no regard to the wishes of his friends? To his tacit engagement with Miss de Bourgh? Are you lost to every feeling of propriety and delicacy? Have you not heard me say that from his earliest hours he was destined for his cousin?”

“Yes, and I had heard it before. But what is that to me? If there is no other objection to my marrying your nephew, I shall certainly not be kept from it by knowing that his mother and aunt wished him to marry Miss de Bourgh. You both did as much as you could in planning the marriage. Its completion depended on others. If Mr. Darcy is neither by honour nor inclination confined to his cousin, why is not he to make another choice? And if I am that choice, why may not I accept him?”

“Because honour, decorum, prudence, nay, interest, forbid it. Yes, Miss Bennet, interest; for do not expect to be noticed by his family or friends, if you wilfully act against the inclinations of all. You will be censured, slighted, and despised, by everyone connected with him. Your alliance will be a disgrace; your name will never even be mentioned by any of us.”

“These are heavy misfortunes,” replied Elizabeth. “But the wife of Mr. Darcy must have such extraordinary sources of happiness necessarily attached to her situation, that she could, upon the whole, have no cause to repine.”

“Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am ashamed of you! Is this your gratitude for my attentions to you last spring? Is nothing due to me on that score? Let us sit down. You are to understand, Miss Bennet, that I came here with the determined resolution of carrying my purpose; nor will I be dissuaded from it. I have not been used to submit to any person’s whims. I have not been in the habit of brooking disappointment.”

“THAT will make your ladyship’s situation at present more pitiable; but it will have no effect on me.”

“I will not be interrupted. Hear me in silence. My daughter and my nephew are formed for each other. They are descended, on the maternal side, from the same noble line; and, on the father’s, from respectable, honourable, and ancient — though untitled — families. Their fortune on both sides is splendid. They are destined for each other by the voice of every member of their respective houses; and what is to divide them?

The upstart pretensions of a young woman without family, connections, or fortune. Is this to be endured! But it must not, shall not be. If you were sensible of your own good, you would not wish to quit the sphere in which you have been brought up.”

“In marrying your nephew, I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman’s daughter; so far we are equal.”

“True. You ARE a gentleman’s daughter. But who was your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition.”

“Whatever my connections may be,” said Elizabeth, “if your nephew does not object to them, they can be nothing to YOU.” “Tell me once for all, are you engaged to him?”

Though Elizabeth would not, for the mere purpose of obliging Lady Catherine, have answered this question, she could not but say, after a moment’s deliberation: “I am not.”

Lady Catherine seemed pleased.

“And will you promise me, never to enter into such an engagement?”

“I will make no promise of the kind.”

- Continued on Page 60

Page 60 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Classic Books

From Page 59 “Miss Bennet I am shocked and astonished.

I expected to find a more reasonable young woman. But do not deceive yourself into a belief that I will ever recede. I shall not go away till you have given me the assurance I require.”

“And I certainly NEVER shall give it. I am not to be intimidated into anything so wholly unreasonable. Your ladyship wants Mr. Darcy to marry your daughter; but would my giving you the wished-for promise make their marriage at all more probable? Supposing him to be attached to me, would my refusing to accept his hand make him wish to bestow it on his cousin? Allow me to say, Lady Catherine, that the arguments with which you have supported this extraordinary application have been as frivolous as the application was ill-judged.

You have widely mistaken my character, if you think I can be worked on by such persuasions as these. How far your nephew might approve of your interference in his affairs, I cannot tell; but you have certainly no right to concern yourself in mine. I must beg, therefore, to be importuned no farther on the subject.”

“Not so hasty, if you please. I have by no means done. To all the objections I have already urged, I have still another to add. I am no stranger to the particulars of your youngest sister’s infamous elopement. I know it all; that the young man’s marrying her was a patched-up business, at the expence of your father and uncles. And is such a girl to be my nephew’s sister? Is her husband, is the son of his late father’s steward, to be his brother? Heaven and earth!

— of what are you thinking? Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?”

“You can now have nothing further to say,” she resentfully answered. “You have insulted me in every possible method. I must beg to return to the house.”

And she rose as she spoke. Lady Catherine rose also, and they turned back. Her ladyship was highly incensed.

“You have no regard, then, for the honour and credit of my nephew! Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not consider that a connec-

tion with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?”

“Lady Catherine, I have nothing further to say. You know my sentiments.”

“You are then resolved to have him?”

“I have said no such thing. I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to YOU, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.”

“It is well. You refuse, then, to oblige me.

You refuse to obey the claims of duty, honour, and gratitude. You are determined to ruin him in the opinion of all his friends, and make him the contempt of the world.”

“Neither duty, nor honour, nor gratitude,” replied Elizabeth, “have any possible claim on me, in the present instance. No principle of either would be violated by my marriage with Mr. Darcy. And with regard to the resentment of his family, or the indignation of the world, if the former WERE excited by his marrying me, it would not give me one moment’s concern — and the world in general would have too much sense to join in the scorn.”

“And this is your real opinion! This is your final resolve! Very well. I shall now know how to act. Do not imagine, Miss Bennet, that your ambition will ever be gratified. I came to try you. I hoped to find you reasonable; but, depend upon it, I will carry my point.”

In this manner Lady Catherine talked on, till they were at the door of the carriage, when, turning hastily round, she added, “I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. I send no compliments to your mother. You deserve no such attention. I am most seriously displeased.”

Elizabeth made no answer; and without attempting to persuade her ladyship to return into the house, walked quietly into it herself. She heard the carriage drive away as she proceeded up stairs. Her mother impatiently met her at the door of the dressingroom, to ask why Lady Catherine would not come in again and rest herself.

“She did not choose it,” said her daughter, “she would go.”

“She is a very fine-looking woman! and her

Melbourne

ObserverLooking for a

Professional to run the show? ★ Compere/Host ★ Auctioneer ★ Promotions ★ A-Grade Journalist ★ Voice-Over Commercials ★ Race Caller All Sports, Race Nights ★ TV, Radio, Press ★ Respected Member of the Media

Ted Ryan Phone 9876 1652 Mobile: 0412 682 927 E-Mail: tedryan@australiaonline.net.au ted.ryan@optusnet.com.au

calling here was prodigiously civil! for she only came, I suppose, to tell us the Collinses were well. She is on her road somewhere, I dare say, and so, passing through Meryton, thought she might as well call on you. I suppose she had nothing particular to say to you, Lizzy?”

Elizabeth was forced to give into a little falsehood here; for to acknowledge the substance of their conversation was impossible.

CHAPTER 57 The discomposure of spirits which this extraordinary visit threw Elizabeth into, could not be easily overcome; nor could she, for many hours, learn to think of it less than incessantly. Lady Catherine, it appeared, had actually taken the trouble of this journey from Rosings, for the sole purpose of breaking off her supposed engagement with Mr. Darcy. It was a rational scheme, to be sure! but from what the report of their engagement could originate, Elizabeth was at a loss to imagine; till she recollected that HIS being the intimate friend of Bingley, and HER being the sister of Jane, was enough, at a time when the expectation of one wedding made everybody eager for another, to supply the idea. She had not herself forgotten to feel that the marriage of her sister must bring them more frequently together. And her neighbours at Lucas Lodge, therefore (for through their communication with the Collinses, the report, she concluded, had reached lady Catherine), had only set that down as almost certain and immediate, which she had looked forward to as possible at some future time.

In revolving Lady Catherine’s expressions, however, she could not help feeling some uneasiness as to the possible consequence of her persisting in this interference. From what she had said of her resolution to prevent their marriage, it occurred to Elizabeth that she must meditate an application to her nephew; and how HE might take a similar representation of the evils attached to a connection with her, she dared not pronounce. She knew not the exact degree of his affection for his aunt, or his dependence on her judgment, but it was natural to suppose that he thought much higher of her ladyship than SHE could do; and it was cer-

tain that, in enumerating the miseries of a marriage with ONE, whose immediate connections were so unequal to his own, his aunt would address him on his weakest side.

With his notions of dignity, he would probably feel that the arguments, which to Elizabeth had appeared weak and ridiculous, contained much good sense and solid reasoning.

If he had been wavering before as to what he should do, which had often seemed likely, the advice and entreaty of so near a relation might settle every doubt, and determine him at once to be as happy as dignity unblemished could make him. In that case he would return no more. Lady Catherine might see him in her way through town; and his engagement to Bingley of coming again to Netherfield must give way.

“If, therefore, an excuse for not keeping his promise should come to his friend within a few days,” she added, “I shall know how to understand it. I shall then give over every expectation, every wish of his constancy.

If he is satisfied with only regretting me, when he might have obtained my affections and hand, I shall soon cease to regret him at all.”

The surprise of the rest of the family, on hearing who their visitor had been, was very great; but they obligingly satisfied it, with the same kind of supposition which had appeased Mrs. Bennet’s curiosity; and Elizabeth was spared from much teasing on the subject.

The next morning, as she was going downstairs, she was met by her father, who came out of his library with a letter in his hand.

“Lizzy,” said he, “I was going to look for you; come into my room.”

She followed him thither; and her curiosity to know what he had to tell her was heightened by the supposition of its being in some manner connected with the letter he held.

It suddenly struck her that it might be from Lady Catherine; and she anticipated with dismay all the consequent explanations.

She followed her father to the fire place, and they both sat down. He then said, “I have received a letter this morning that has astonished me exceedingly. As it principally concerns yourself, you ought to know its contents.

To Be Continued Next Week

Observer Crossword Solution No 24 DR E AME R S S U P E L A OA F R ME A T I E S T P R E O N Z S I R E M B A DGE R R N A I L U H E E D S S AMA T E UR R R E A H B A N A N A A NDR E A S C RO A I R U E S C R EWB A L L B A E A R N A C I D QU I V E R E D A T O U L S C R R E X C I T E D P L A L A L ONC E T T H I S E R P E N T T L E E R I E O P HR A S E E D I N E N D I A L M GR E T E L W OP A Y X ME D A L R K COM P R I C E L N I C E R V S N M I N Y I E L D S V A SW I M S HON S HU N R E I R E E AG L E N H Y B R I D S MOC L N SO Y A A U S C E P T R E I MP S E M N A K EMB I N S CR I B E E E N L I DO L S I D E S T E P S ME N V R O E A V I A T OR B N I O D P E D A N T A L GE R I A R S A V R CR A S H V C E A S E S W OV E N X MA CH R A ME D I A T OR OU T R C A D S E P RUD SWE E T E N S

E R A A C O RO N D S E B E A RG N E Y Y E S GH A E D C E L I P L S I NO GN E K S I E D E E D T R E N T O ND I R S D P A I E N

MA M H E R B I C E A A N S T E E NU D M DU R M B U R D E A D M A I G E P D S Y T C H I I N G S MU O T H H E N R A M E E L C E S E S

N S H I N BON E H E NCHME A S A I E R T E A R A S P ROC L A I M WR E A K I N A I S E K T E R I N W D R D E I T I E S N A L L S E L A NG N O H AGU E U N T URG I NG D P R E C E D T E NN A D L E A D T O K L E A ME L B A M OB L I GE AMS U P E M S I E S R T A UD I O OB S CUR E S DG I NG T URN E N A R E EMP I R E SQU I RR E OR S E O N S U F L P T A S T I E S T E P I T OM I G H R HORN E B OGU L B R A VO C A DGE R N E T A N MOD EM R A I OD E L A T H E R P R A NC R Y U L E E T A K E F E H E R E S R E A D M RO T A R I O U O D H A R EM B N A B RU P T L Y T I T A L D S P L I L I GH T B I S T L E A UN T S OS C A R H I R A N E L I MA H E E A S T L E A S H N R E AGA R T I C C EGGE D F C E DGE A L A RM A S S E R T S R P D MOW S C E G K E ROS E N E I N A N E L I B E D N M D N L L R E GEM I N I EG Y P T I A DD L E R C A N S U E N L O A V A S T A S P A R AGU I E V E S D T N B M S N E P A DR E D D A B B L E GORGE U R A B B I S L L W A D A P T S A CH A I N E I NOR S E AGR E E N S E ME A ND E R E D I GE S A D L E R D M I C E N V S I N J UR I E S OP I N I ON K I R T L E S U E E K S A S S E S S E D P E E R L E S

N I G H T E S T E L L E R S E Y O Y O S N S A Y I N G S S D T E S T S