WELCOME TO MR. H. R ROBERTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 170, 17 July 1908, Page 3

WELCOME TO MR. H. R ROBERTS.

A "welcome home," typically New Zealand, and accompanied by the heartiness characteristic of a New Zealand greeting, was accorded to Mr. H. R_ Roberts, the well-known New Zealand actor, at His Majesty's Theatre last evening, by the "Auckland boys." A crowded house was drawn for the occasion, and flags of welcome with other bunting and decorations were thrown across the circle and gallery fronts. Immediately on Mr. Roberts' appearance in the role of William Peyton, "the Prince Chap," a thunder of applause burst from all parts of the house, the artists being wholly unable to proceed for a minute or two. Following on this a number of Maoris— members ol tne Young Maori Party—■ tendered to Mr. Roberts a native welcome, the the greeting being evidently appreciated to the full by the recipient. After the second act, Mr. Alex Smith mounted the stage, and, in a brief address, welcomed Mr. Roberts back to Auckland on behalf of bis old Auckland friends. The speaker remarked that j all Aucklandere were proud of the achievements of Mr. Roberts, who, although not a native of this city, had spent so many years here. Mr. Smith also read a letter from the Mayor (Mr. A. M. Myers), who had been unable to attend owing to the City Council meeting, conveying warm congratulations on Mr. Roberts' successes, and best wishes for his future career. On behalf of Mr. A. Kohn, Mr. Smith then presented Mr. Roberts with a fine Maori tiki. Mr. Roberts, who, in responding, was enthusiastically received, replied that he could not give full effect in speech to his feelings at the moment, but, in thanking the audience, he could say that he had never in his professional career felt such applause as he had that evening. On the final fall of the curtain, Mr. Roberts was repeatedly recalled, the audience singing "He's a Jolly Good Fellow." After the performance, Mr. Roberts was entertained at a social and supper by a number of hie Auckland friends. Mr. J. F. Montague presided, and an excellent musical programme was contributed to by the Unique ljuartet (Messrs. A. Rowe, A. Fogerty, G. Pclham, and J. Lonergan) ,W. George, A. Smith, T. Leadhajn and H. Hawkins.