TOPICS OF THE TIME.

Hastings Standard, Issue 51, 25 June 1896, Page 2

TOPICS OF THE TIME.

The annals of the stage can show no more successful career than that of Sir Augustus Harris, whose death is announced from London to-day. No one could begrudge him the success ho attained by his own marvellous energy and business enterprise. He. was bom in Paris in March, 1852, during the time his father was managing the Italian opera in that city. His first experience in stage-management was gained at the Covent Garden. As a young man he entered the London branch of the great Paris Hanking House of Erlanger, afterwards transferring himself to an American firm. After spending some time in the French capital, young Harris decided to return to the theatrical profession, and become a member of Larry Sullivan's company. After a season with Colonel Mapleson he successfully produced three pantomimes at the Crystal Palace, during which time he made his ilrhut on the London stage as Harry Greenlanes in Pink Dominoes. In 1K79, only six yenr.s from the time when Mr Harris had abandoned the pursuits of commerce to return once more to his lirst love, the stage, he became the lessee and manager of Drury Lane; Theatre. In collaboration with Henry Petitt he wrote a drama which won much fame, "The World." This was followed by an even greater success in " Youth." The latter is mentioned as the most successful drama of modern times, its run everywhere being phenomenal. These two plays established the well-earned reputation of Mr Harris as one of the finest dramatic authors and stage managers of his time. " Human Nature " and " A Run of Luck " were also huge successes. Under his orders, at Drury Lane and the other theatres, have been thousands of subordinates, and his management of such an army won him fame. Mr Harris was always most lavish of the mounting of everything he took in hand, and it cost him £15,000 to stage " The Forty Thieves." The highest praise that can be rendered him is to say that many plays lie has produced have been marked by a high moral purpose, which made the boards of Drury Lane a great public educator. It was no doubt this fact that earned for Mr Harris his knighthood. His liberality was known throughout the world, and many kindly acts are accredited to him. He always paid princely salaries, and even the lowest subordinates were always well provided for. He was an ornament to the stage, and theatre-goers throughout the English-speaking world will regret to learn of his demise at a comparatively early age.