Page:Notable South Australians.djvu/186

 to South Australia, where he practises his profession in spite of the dramatic taste which has resulted in some theatrical successes, and which has earned him the confidence of the editor of the leading London theatrical journal, whose correspondent he is. His contributions to dramatic literature in Adelaide include "Pinbehind," which was produced at the Academy, "My Uncle's Wife," in which Bland Holt acted at the Royal; an adaptation of the "Field of the Cloth of Gold" played at the same theatre; the "Debutante," and a Pantomime which came out at the Academy. This last was a great feat, for the order was given on one Friday, and the rehearsal took place on the next. On the following Friday the Pantomime was exhibited, and alas! on the fourth Friday the Academy was in ashes, and the Pantomime extinguished. And now we have brought down to date a very active, diversified and romantic career, which before its close may attain to the brilliancy which it has narrowly missed.

Spencer John Skipper S the eldest son of the late J. M. Skipper, and a native of Adelaide. He was educated for the law, but his literary instincts led him towards journalism, and some satirical verses from his pen, which appeared in that trenchant paper Pasquin, having attracted the attention of the witty editor (the late E. R. Mitford), Mr. Skipper became a constant contributor to it. Subsequently he secured a position on the literary staff of the Register, where he is now well known as a versatile writer. Very enthusiastic in manly sports, he has interested himself greatly in yachting, cycling, and rifle-shooting, and to his exertions, in conjunction with the late Captain Gray, the Rifle Volunteer Force mainly owes its existence. He has always been a strong supporter of the defence movement in the colony.