E-text prepared by Neville Allen, Malcolm Farmer,
and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
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PUNCH,
OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.
VOLUME 93
SEPTEMBER 24, 1887.
RECORD OF THE SESSION—422.
Akers-Douglas }
Colonel Walrond } Dead Heat.
Baron Henry De Worms }
SALUBRITIES ABROAD.
Royat Improved.—I have said Royat ought to be rebuilt. The GrandHotel is of a sort of Doll's House order of architecture, splendidfront, no depth to speak of, and built on so steep an ascent that it ishoisted up at the back like a lady's skirt by a dress-improver. Beausite all the same, and magnificent view.
Last year the Hotel Continental formed part of a group of hotels—whichseemed to have been the result of some violent volcanic eruption, whenthe mountain threw up several hotels, and left them there anyhow—is atpresent separated from the Splendide and its other former companions byan impromptu wall, and from all its front windows it commands varied,beautiful, and, on the Clermont-Ferrand side, extensive views. It has apleasant garden, a most enjoyable terrace, and it only wants to be inthe hands of a firmly fixed and intelligent management to make it quitethe best hotel in Royat. "Personally recommended," that is, as managedunder the direction of M. Hall this year.
The service at the Etablissement de Bains is about as good as it canbe. There are, however, no bains de luxe. A few of these would attractthose "whom" as the appeals to the charitable used to have it,"Providence has blessed with affluence."
"La Compagnie Brocard," which manages Royat's bathing arrangements andundertakes a portion of the mild yet (to my mind as a serious bather)sufficient amusements, is not, unfortunately for the public, in accordwith M. Samie, the spirited Proprietor of an opposition Casino, wherethere is a small theatre, in its way a perfect gem. Here all the "Stars"of any magnitude make their appearance on visiting Royat. As a "Baigneurde Royat" puts it, in a local journal, the Compagnie Brocard cannotconsider their stuffy little room ("le petit étouffoir") wheretheatrical performances are given as a real theatre. It is a pity thatM. Samie and La Compagnie Brocard cannot, like the "birds in theirlittle nests," agree. But as to Theatres and spectacles, my rule atRoyat, or at any other Water-cure place, would be this:—
"Any baigneur found out of his hotel or lodgings after 10'15, p.m.,shall be arrested, conducted back to his hotel, his number taken, andfor the second offence he shall be fined. The fine to go to such objectsas the Direction shall determine."
In short there should be introduced here the English University systemof Proctors and bull-dogs.
Another Rule.—No theatrical entertainment should last more than twohours with entr'actes of seven minutes each. The ventilation of thesalle de spectacle should be assured.
If a company wanted to play a piece in four Acts, they must stop heretwo days; and, if they couldn't do that, then they must begin theirperfor