The late Gilbert J. Smith, whose death
at Nyngan the previous day was briefly
mentioned in the last issue of the "Sunday
Times," was a well-known figure in the
Australian theatrical world. In 1883 he
started in Brisbane as a theatrical wig-
maker, and soon after he became lessee of
the local Gaiety Theatre, which he success-
fully conducted for some time. Later on
he established a theatrical costume business
known as "Noah's Ark" in the same city.
In 1891 he opened in Sydney, and remained
here up till the time of his death, with the
exception of occasional tours which he took
with different companies. While lessee of
the Gaiety Theatre in Castlereagh-street,
Mrs. Keightley appeared under his manage-
ment in "Bailed Up," a piece which had
been specially written for her. The de-
ceased made his will a couple of hours be-
fore his death, leaving his business to Miss
Lily Smith and Miss Harrie Courtney, his
manager (Lieut. Stephen J. Byrne) and Mr.
R. F. Brentnall being appointed the trustees.
The remains were interred at Nyngan with
Masonic honors, the local band and that of
Eroni Brothers' circus heading the funeral
procession. A monument will be placed
over the grave by the local Masons. For-
tunately the deceased left ample provision
for his mother, wife, and family.
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