Mrs Alice Gower Burns, the wellknown and popular soprano, is a daughter of E. H. M. Gower, C.E., who was for many years in the service of the Japanese Government. She received her musical training under distinguished musicians in Italy and England—namely, Herr Kreuser, Theo. Goebbels, Melchior, Vela, and others. Mrs Burns' voice is a very pure and flexible soprano, and her reputation in the East was that of a most talented singer. Since her arrival in New Zealand she has been admired and honoured as a vocalist of the first order. At the reception concert, in Christchurch, to the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, her singing was highly appreciated, and she was favoured with a special introduction by command of the Duchess, who warmly expressed her appreciation of her singing. On the occasion of the opening of the Christchurch Exhibition, at the Canterbury Jubilee, Mrs Burns was soprano soloist. She has taken a prominent part in oratorio, and has sung in concert with Madame Belle Cole. Chevalier de Konski, Jean Gerardy, and others. For many years she rendered valuable assistance to the Christchurch Musical Union, and she was the first lady vocalist to sing at a full choral service at the Christchurch Cathedral, by special request of Bishop Julius, at the commemoration service page 235 for the Queen's death. Her generous assistance to charities of all descriptions is well known.