HANS, THE BOATMAN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1893, 14 July 1888, Page 3

HANS, THE BOATMAN.

Mr Charges Arnold, of •'Hans, the Boatman " Company, which plays here on vVednead»y and Thursday next, is the son of an officer m the Swiss Legion, who fought under tie British flag m tbo Crimean war, and was rewarded by the English Government with a large tract of land m Canada. In tho American Civil War he entered active service, taking charge of a battalion, who m a severe coi.fl ct was nearly all left dead on the field. Young Arnold, when a lad, often showed as an amateur actor, and at one of his performances a manager of one of the American theatres was present and offered the boy an engagement at twelve dollars per week. F.om this time, sixteen years ago, he has earned his living by the stage; While he was playing w.th Minnie Palmer's "My Sweetheart " Company, he made his first appearance In England m tbe well-known oharaoter of Tony. Ho remained for three years with Miss Palmer ; but finding that Angle- American drtmas were so mnch enjoyed by audiences, the thought struck him *hat he would have a ploy written to display his chief characteristics. Mr Clay M, Green, who was the author of several successful plays, was commissioned to write an original drams. Hence, " Hans the Boatman." HU love for domb animals and affection for children were the reasons why a St Bernard dog and a host of " kiddies " were put In the play. The training of the chiidrer, and of his splendid dog, Nord, were the most delightful occupation and onjoyment of hit stage career.