MR ALLAN WILKIE FAREWELLED.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17170, 13 June 1921, Page 6

MR ALLAN WILKIE FAREWELLED.

PRESENTATION AT THEATRE ROYAL. Mr Allan Wilkie and the members of his Shakespearean company wore accorded. a very cordial farewell .at the Theatre Itoval <sn Saturday night, when presentations were made to Miss Huuter-Watts and Mr Allan Willue by th.ci Mayor (Di{ Thacker, M.l'.), and Professor J. B. (Jondliffe. On behalf of the citizens of Christchurdh, Dr. Thacker asked Mr "Wilkie to accept an illuminated address, bearing the words, 'To Allan Wilkio, in recognition of liia art, and in gratitude for tho revival of interest in Shakespearean drama winch he lias created iu our city," and signed by a number of repremitativo citizens, including his Lordship Bishop Julius and his Worship the Mayor. J>r. Thacker expressed tho esteem which tho-members of the company had earned by their portrayals of the immortal works of cur greatest poet. 'o;n b'.'hair of the Workers' Educational Association, Professor Condliffo presented Miss Hunter-AVatts with Symond's "Elizabethan Drama," and Mr AVilkie with tho "Variorum on 'Tho Mcrtihant of Venice,' " and in doing'ko conveyed tho appreciation of the students of the AV.E.A. and their thanks for tho courtesy extended to them in the matter of conceesions. Mr Allan in reply, said that ho folt it quite impassible to express his thanks for the honour tlhe people of Ciiristchureh had done him He had been an actor for 20 years, and for twothuds of that time ho had been an actor-manager, but.Uhat moment was P roudes t career. He realised that the tribute paid was not only to his company and himself, but also to Shakespeare. He hoped to return to Christchurch in about a year's time, would include in bis repertoire King John," "Midsummer Night's Dream," "Romeo and Juliet," "Tho Taming of the Shew," and others. He would treasure with the tendercst thoughts his memories of their beautiful city and the hospitality of its citizens, and, in tho words of the great poet, iho could "no other answer make but thanks and thanks and ever thanks."