THE LATE HARRY SHINE COMEDIAN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2896, 15 September 1909, Page 67

THE LATE HARRY SHINE COMEDIAN .

By Peter Pan-

"The death is anounced of Harry Shine actor." Such was the brief message flashed over the wires from Sydney on Sunday Harry Shine dead! Few actors could boast of more experience in the theatrical line than Harry Shine. The late lamented comedian began his professional career at the age of seven, when he was apprenticed to \\elby Cook's Circus, in which was included the famous Barry Troup. Then came a period of educational training at Manchester. When 14 years of ago Harry Shine threw in his lot with an organisation providing him with a variety of parts. Then followed two tours with Brother John in burlesque, while dramatic companies also had the benefit of his youthful enthusiasm. After a term of drama and vaudeville, interspersed with pantomime at Christmas time, Shine accepted an engagement to play the dame part in "Babes in the Wood" before he had reached the age of 20. Eventually his ser\ices were secured by J. C. Williamson, and he came out to Australia to play in "The Gondoliers," but when he arrived the opera had been produced, and for some time Shine had to 'walk round." The late comedian next appeared in "The English Rose," and among other engagements showed at various times with George Darrell, Grattan Riggs, Jennie Lee, Myra Kemble, and under Williamson and Musgrove's management in their Christmas production of '"The Forty Thieve 3." Indeed, it may be said of Shine that he has practically held engagements under eveiy management in Australia, including Geo. Riprnold and Geo. Coppin, and in addition he himself assumed the reins of management when with his co-partners, Gourlay arid Walton. he toured the comedy attraction, '"Skipped by the Light of the Moon." For many months Shine played in New Zealand under P. R. Dixs management. His last appearance in New Zealand was in 1908. when he plaj'ed ir: the '"Mother Goose" and "Humpty Dumpty" pantomimes. On the return of the latter company to Australia Mr Shine, who had been in indifferent health for some time, had to relin-

quish his engagement, and became an inmate of tho hospital. His brothers, John L. Shine and Wilfred E. Shine, are also well-known comedians. Wilfred Shine came to Australia with the "Morocco Bound" Company, and afterwards toured New Zealand with the late Robert Brough Co.