Includes reference to
Beverley Nichols (q.v.) who 'came to Australia with Dame Nellie Melba in 1924. The object of his visit was to collate the material for the great singer's autobiography,
Melodies and Memories...Mr Beverley Nichols has impressed the English public that he is the authority on the art and life of Melba. He has, now the famous singer has passed away, written a novel,
Evensong. Knowing the psychology of the reading public, this young man must have known that the world in general would accept this as a picture of the singer. He knows how to "épater" his public. The temptation is too great, he plans, and waits his opportunity. The great singer passes - et voilà - it is ready, hot from the printing press - not to miss the market. All the characters in this book are fictitious!...But I am afraid the author knew full well he would reap the benefit of a success at the expense of his dead patron.' (content appears in topical column, 'This, That and Them' by London correspondent T. H. Cochran)
