Sia —Criticism to bo of value must be based on facts. The statement which appeared in your issue of the astli re "Maritana" respecting the arduous task of the prompior Is incorrect, because I employ no prompter iv mv theatre, aud thero was absolutely no prompting. Second statemei.tlsequallymcorrect. 1 havo under engagement to me not •• seven or eight cl or ster ," but ao-to wit, 10 ladies audio gentle, men-all of whom sang in the chorus on the n ght iv question. 'J here is no harpist iv llunedin obtnumble. 2nd for one song in one opera it is impossible that I all my principal artists aro eihcient and highly salaried Trusting that, as a matter of justice to mys U and my company, you will »^ «*» your valuable journal, aud obhge-Your obedient 3ervnllt' MAltTis SIMONSKK. TO THK KDITOK,

Sill -I bpg to state that the assertion contained In your issue Sl this niorning re the performancei of ••Maritana" ou Saturday eyeimig-via., lhe prompter's part was not the least arduous is en tirely incorrect, as there was no prompting ut all during the evening.- 1 have, So., Ton Pollam>, Stage Manager of Simonseii's upera Company. lii connection with these letters a few words of explanation may seem necessary. With ro gard to the question of prompting, our reporter adheres to his statement, and is supported in it by several gentlemen whe were present at the representation of "Maritana." Whether Mr Simonsen employs a prompter or not, there certainly was prompting ou Saturday night, and it was audiblo in the dress circle. The remarks in our report with respect to tho numerical strength of the company were written without any thought that thoy would be literally accepted. There certainly were more than seven or eight in tho chorus, but some of the choristers were undoubtedly "dummies, and the singing strength did uot greatly exceed the estimate that was made by our reporter It is straugo that Mr Simonsen does uot see that the statement to which he takes exception, regard ing the advisability of having a harp accompani ment for " The harp in the air," was not made iv a fault-finding spirit, but waa intended as a suggestion. As to the efficiency of Mr Simon- Ben's company, the public aro the best judges. 