SIR JAMES BARRIE DEAD

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 June 1937, Page 12

SIR JAMES BARRIE DEAD

“PETER PAN’’ AT BEDSIDE.

[BY CABLE —PBESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] LONDON, June 19. Sir James Barrie died peacefully aftei - several hours of- unconsciousness. The original of his famous character, “Peter Pan,” was at his bedeside. It is recalled that Sir James Barrie 35 years ago was walking in Kensington Gardens when he saw Peter Davies playing with his three brothers. They became his friends and inspired him to create the boy who would not grov U Sir James Barrie later adopted the brothers, of whom only Peter and Nicholas are alive. OUTLINE OF CAREER

Sir J. M. Barrie, novelist and playwright, was born at Kirriemuir (“Thrums”). 77 years ago. He made journalism a half-way house to literature; his stories and novels —notably' "A Window in Thrums,” "The Little Minister,” “Sentimental Tommy.” and its sequel—have taken rank among the finest examples of the Scotch genius in fiction; achieved immense success in the drama, especially with “The Admirable Crichton,” “Peter Pan,” “What Every Woman Knows,” “The Twelve-Pound Look.” Put "Peter Pan” into a story, 1911. Created baronet. June. 1913. Two plays. “The Adored One” and “The Will,” were produced in September, 1913. A short play. "Dor Tag,” was given at the Coliseum in December. 1914; and two others “Rosy Rapture,” and "The New World.” were produced March, 1915, with moderate success. "A Kiss tor Cinderella" was given in 1916, and "Dear Brutus” in 1917. Prefaced a • novel by Leonard Merrick: published litis own plays in book form, 1919. [Lord Rector of St. Andrews. 19191922. A fantasy on the Russian dancers was produced, "March, 1920, and was revived in August. 1926. “Mary Rose” made a success, April, 1920. On New Year’s Day, 1922, received the Order of Merit. He delivered a notable rectorial address at St. Andrews. May, 1922. Received the Freedom of Dumfries, Dec., 1924. Elected President of Incorporated Society of Authors, March, 1928. Assigned till rights in “Peter Pan” to the Children’s Hospital of Edinburgh, July, 1929. Elected Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh. lie wrote two plays during recent years, but neither was very successful.