One of Famous Partners.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 20 November 1914, Page 4

One of Famous Partners.

Sir William Sclienk Gilbert; known throughout the world as the famous author of the "Bah Ballads" and of the librettos of the marvellous series of musical comedies produced in collaboration with Sir Arthur Sullivan, was born on November 38, 183(5. ITc 'was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in ISG-1, and joined the Northern Circuit ; but as his first client, a fat Frenchman, paid him with two kisses—one on each cheek—and his second, a lady, threw one of her boots at him, little wonder, then, that he forsook the Bar for journalism, and entered the office of "Fun," in which paper appeared the wonderfully whimsical "Bab Ballads." Then began the famous partnership with Sir Arthur Sullivan, and so popular did their productions become that the Savoy Theatre was built specially for Gilbert and Sullivan operas. One of the j good purposes served by the part- ■ nership was the highly beneficial effect it had in elevating the manners of the operatic stage. Sir William met his death in a tragic and heroic manner on May 29, 1911, while bathing in the private lake in the grounds of his residence. Two ladies were bathing at the same time, and one of them, Miss Preece, who could only swim a little, got into difficulties. Sir William swam towards her, but just as the ?virl placed her hand on Ins shoulder he collapsed and sank. 1 ?,iiss Preece managed to struggle , to the shore, and with her compan- I ion, Miss Emery, screamed for help. Two employees rushed to the lake, entered a boat, and, with the aid of a pole, raised the body. Artificial respiration was tried at once, but it was of no avail.