"SIR J. M. BARRIE.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19801, 28 May 1926, Page 15

"SIR J. M. BARRIE.”

MODERN ASSOCIATION MEETING. “The Novels and Plays of Sir J. M. Barrie” was the subject for study at the meeting of the Modern Association held in the University last night. Mr A. H. Grinling presided. Mrs H. Ramsay, who dealt with Barrie’s novels, said he was influenced by Thomas Carlyle A publisher offered to accept Barrie’s first work if it were accompanied by the payment of .£IOO, which, of course, was as -good os a refusal. In 1883 he secured a position as a leader writer on the Nottingham Journal, and in 1885 went to London after contributing articles to several London papers. His first published work was “Better Dead,” which appeared in 1867. His first novel, “When a Man is Single, was published in 1888. He was not at his best in novels, but found his proper medium when ihe entered into drama and fantasy. Barrie was elusive if studied closely. In his private life he was known as “The Hermit." Barrio’s humour and his delight in fantasy were his genius, his “power to be a boy again at will,” and they were the qualities which endeared him to the young of all ages. Miss J. MacLeod, who dealt with Barrie’s plays, said his novels had fallen into neglect, but his plays were recognised as a striking contribution to modern drama. Has early dramtic ventures had shown but little promise’ but through the dramatised version of “The Little Minister” he made his name known on both sides of the Atlantic. “Peter Pan” was first presented in 190-1. It dealt with the thrilling adventures of a boy who would not grow up. The audience was wafted into fairyland—into the imaginary world of children. Year by year “Peter Pan” delighted thousands of London Chi'dren. It included dazzling splendours of imagination. Barrie produced several pleasing war plays. One of the finest features of his plays was that in them he dealt with the fundamentals and the aspects of human nature that the centuries could not change. Readings were contributed by Misses J. Campbell, I. Duff, and W. W. Smith, and Mr A. K. Dreaver.

The speakers and readers were accorded a vote of thanks.