Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 - 1954), Sunday 28 July 1940, page 3


REAL-LIFE 'DAD' HAS SEEN PIONEER DAYS

(By a Staff Reporter)

ALTHOUGH he's not an Australian by birth, Bert Bailey-Dad as ht ** ii known thronghont die Commonwealth-is the epitome of everytJûng Australian.

I met him at his Perth hotel daring the week and spent an enjoyable hour listening to this famous 70-year-old bewhiskered veteran of the stage and screen discuss a variety of subjects, serious and humorous.

Dad waa born in Auckland, New Zealand and came to this country when he was six months of age.

"Apart from a couple of trips over-seas, Tve lived my life in this great and glorious country," he said. "And in that time I've travelled hundreds of thousands of miles by Cobb and Co's, stage coach, on horse back, on camel, in trains, In cars, on motor

cycles and óyeles In the-five mainland

8 tates, and 1 know nearly «very town

and hamlet.

"I've seen Australia ravaged by draught, fire and flood. I've seen and lived with the pioneers of this, country, and I'm proud te think that I am regarded as being a true-tolife representation of Dad - the man on the land," he declared.

Varied Experiences

Bert Bailey has been on the Aus-tralian stage since he was a lad of 15.

He's played aa a juvenile In travel-ling shows that have had to put on their acts in the lounge-room of a country pub, In shearing sheds, hav

sheds and all manner and shape of

halls.

Then, with his gradual climb up the ladder of stage success, he has appeared with such top-notchers aa Barry Lupina Robert Inman. Harry Diver, G. P. Carey, Ethel Marlowe s nd

Lillian Tree.

After he first played Oed in 1912 -«nd was an immediate eu cc*»«he has toured the world with the "On Our Selection" troupe.

And In the 28 years he bas played Dad on stage and screen, Fred Mac-Donald has always appeared with Mm

aa Dave.

Recalling his Western Au«; ra I ian experiences over the years. Mr. Bafl**y said that he has appeared in Uti* State on a number of occasions.

"J was on the 'Fields before the water scheme wa« work] no." he .aid. They were great days. I got a real kick out of entertaining tho«« hard-woking end hsrd'living dry

blowers."

In 1904 be came to Penh with tb« first pantomimo company to be seen here -and three years later went on an extensive tour through the Kiata

Bert Bailey was last la Perth la 1930 when he had "The Patsy" com-pany. In a 28 -weeks* season through-out the Commonwealth that year be travelled Over 18,000 mlle«, and played at 110 towns and attlee between Bris-bane and Perth.

Dad Balley, who ls accompanied br his daughter, will leisurely make hts way back to his home In Sydney after the conclusion of his personal ap-pearances on the Theatre Royal stage in conjunction with bis latest Aim. "Dad Rudd. M.P.*

I Mr. Bert Bailey-or Dad as he ls better-known -has delighted * I Perth people during the week. Some of the many he has made happy < I are the kiddies at the Children's Hospital whom he visited on wed- ! i nesday. Here he is seen with two colorful patients and ene of the J I nurses. ;