AN OLD-TIME ACTOR

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 83, 9 April 1931, Page 13

AN OLD-TIME ACTOR

A paragraph in .the Christehurch "Press" concerning inquiries about the family of Mr. Clarence Holt, the actor-manager, who was in Dunedin in the 'sixties, being made by Mrs. Edward Cressey, of Blaketown, Greymouth, who is a grand-daughter of Clarence Holt, has brought a reply from Mr. P. Selig. Mrs. Cressoy was particularly interested in locating Mr. and Mrs. Bland Holt. "Mr. and Mrs. Bland Holt," states Mr. Selig, "have for some years been living at Kew, Melbourne, while in winter they stay with Miss Lucy Cooper (daughter of the famous comedian) at her seaside residence at Sorrento. Three years ago I had the pleasure of spending an evening with them. Bland Holt was a great worker, and he was known for the meticulous care he devoted to every little detail of the scenery of his productions. Melodrama in those days was very popular. Up till comparatively recently Mr. Holt owned one of the principal .theatres in Melbourne, which was bought by the Williamson organisation. For many years' he has regularly sent to his friends in New Zealand unique calendars of his own design and composition, and these have been most original in character. My latest advices are that both Mr. and Mrs. Holt are enjoying good health."