OBITUARY.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIII, Issue 128, 31 May 1907, Page 5

OBITUARY.

MR. GEORGE LEITCH. [riIEE3 ASSOCIATION.] (Received May 31. 9.4 a.m.) LONDON, 30fch May. Tho death is anuounced of Mr George Leitch, actor. Mr. George Loiteh was a well-known comedian, and line toured this colony on several occasions He v. ill ho long remembered ir Australia, fnr he was the original Petit Pkrrc in "Paul Jones,"' to the BouilUibaisß of Mr. Geo. Snazolle, and these tv. o were tho .success of the piece. Miss Nellie Stewart and 1 j\liss Marion Burton played Paul Jones on alternate nights. In conjunction with the Messrs. MacMahon, Mr. Leitch toured this colony, playing "HaTbour Lights," and on another occasion Wellington had the> novelty of having two companies playing the one play, "For the Term ol Hip Natural Life," at the some time, the MacMahon-Lnitch Company were playing tho drama in the Opera House, and Wyburd's Dramatic Company were playing in tho Theatre Royal another version of Marcus Clark's book. Yet another time, Mr. Leitch played ' Tho Librarian," which was ;said to bo a copy of "Thp Privnte Secretary," made familiar by Mt. Frank Thornton, but of which Mr. Leitch claimed tho authorship. A New Zealand drama was staged here by Mr. Leitch, "Tho Land uf the Moa, but it was not a. success, though elaborate scenery was painted foT tho production, including a representation of the eruption of TaTawora and the destruction cf the Pink and Whito Terraces. Mr. Leitch was a fino comedian, and his Dsn'l Jaikes in "The Silver King" was a memorable performance. He retired from ths stago some years ago. It was his company that reopened tho piosent Opera, House in 1886 after its destruction by iiic.