Untitled

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 156, 3 July 1937, Page 45 (Supplement)

Sir James Barrie, originator of Peter Pan, beloved of children all over the world, hat, like Peter Pan, left this earth for the Neverland. There, with the lost boys — Curly, Nibs, Tottles and scores of other gay and stout hearts which he has created — he will await the great spring cleaning.

Have you read "Peter Pan and Wendy"? Those who have not read the book "Peter Pan and Wendy" may not understand What is written above; but there are countless thousands who will love and cherish the thought, for Barrie, like the Peter Pan he created, is immortal. Yet this man, who knew so much of fairies, was the most human of all living beings. Children were always his love, and because he understood them so completely he was able to turn his gifted pen to stories which will ever delight the young mind. When, eleven years ago, the present writer assumed the pen name of Peter Pan and gathered around him • staff who used the pseudonyms of Wendy, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and the Croc., something of the spirit of that wonderful story transmitted itself to us; we feel that it largely directed the nature of our Activities and Set our feet oft a trail which must bring happiness into the lives of others, For was not such the guiding factor m the life of the author? We have been encouraged in our work too by the knowledge that he to whom came great fame made his start upon the lowest rung of the ladder of journalism. Steadily he climbed, determination being the sinew to the muscle of ability. And when success came his way he remembered the trials of his early days and extended the hand of practical friendship to many a struggling writer almost discouraged in his battle with adversity. Then came a time when, with laurels won, success his and fame a life partner, stark tragedy came upon him. The hand which had expressed on paper thoughts of a master, was to write no more. A blow that would have crushed another, for Barrie was then well advanced in years. The next book he wrote was the product of his left hand, and the author expressed his joy at the achievement by presenting the previous manuscript— the last product of hit right hand—to a charitable fund. An income of £2000 to £4000 per year, the sales of ''Peter Pan," brings relief to suffering children. These things are monuments to the greatness of the man. To-day, he who was our guide and inspiration, has passed to the Neverland. We who remain rededicate ourselves to the work we have undertaken, and pray that the spirit of his work will ever remain as our guide. This page to-day we solemnly dedicate to the friend "of all those who believe in fairies"—Sif James M. Barrie.