OBITUARY

Evening Star, Issue 22560, 30 January 1937, Page 14

OBITUARY

MR W. FARQUHAR YOUNG FORMER LEADING SINGER AND ELOCUTIONIST Particularly well remembered by an earlier generation of Dunedin and also well known throughout New Zealand as a leading bass singer and elocutionist, Mr William Farquhar Young died yesterday at Christchurch, Gifted with an exceptionally fine voice, considered equal to the best in the world in his time, he was known throughout the Dominion for his performances in Scottish and Irish concerts, and especially, in his younger days, for his artistic performances in Gilbert and Sullivan opera and classical concerts. Until recently he sang and spoke over the air. Though possessing one of the finest bass voices of his time, he refused many offers to join opera companies and go abroad. For many years he was in the Post and Telegraph service, and was the first president of the Post and Telegraph Officers’ Association, being mainly responsible for the establishment of a superannuation scheme for officers of the department. Born of a Scottish pioneer family in Otago, Mr Young joined the service of the Post and Telegraph Department, in time became a telegraphist, and

afterwards acted as relieving postmaster in’ several districts. He was widely known for his work for the rank. and file of the Post and Telegraph service, and took a leading part in the establishment of the Post and Telegraph Officers’ Association, of which lie was the first president. He was principally responsible for the institution of the superannuation scheme for servants of the department, and fought for many other privileges for them, fie retired from the service before the end of his period to devote his whole time to singing and elocutionary work. From his youth he was_ gifted with an exceptionally fine .voice, and he received a good training under Signor Seychne, an artist of great repute. Up to 17 years of age Mr Young’s life was passed in ah atmosphere of. drama and opera, and he enjoyed the friendship of, and derived instruction in elocution from, such men as John L. Hall, John Musgrove, and many others, including Mr William Hoskins, acknowledged as one of the best exponents of Shakespeare. Mr Young’s first appearance on the stage was with Mr Hoskins in ‘ Formosa,’ and he subsequently played numerous small parts as a lad in opera and drama. While he was still only; 16 or 17 years of age he was made a member of the Dunedin Savage Club, being admitted at that early age because members wished to have the privilege of hearing him more often. ■ After his mother’s death' he went abroad and studied in England and on the Continent for several years. About 1885 Mr Young made his adult appearance _as the sergeant of police in the ‘ Pirates of Penzance. His rendering of the part was a brilliant success, and he afterwards made most successful appearances in a succession of operas, including ‘ Les Cloches de Corneville, II Barbiere de Seville,’ and subsequently in almost every production' of Messrs Gilbert and Sullivan; He sang at classical and national concerts of all kinds throughout New Zealand, 'at the Melbourne Liedertafel concerts, and at various other Australian centres, and in every instance his musical abilities were oreatly appreciated. He was the guest of the Union Steam Ship Company in 17 of their excursion trips to the West Coast Sounds and South Sea Islands, and his talent invariably added to the pleasure of the excursions. He was a member of the Dunedin Liedertafel, and for over 10 years sang in St. Paul s Choir under the leadership of Mr A. J. Towsey. Contemporary singers of Mr Young were .Messrs William Densem, James Jago, H. B. Smith, H. Stockwell, and Philip Newbury (who achieved fame abroad), all splendid vocalists, who appeared on the local concert and operatic platform. 1 ■ ; , The many accomplishments and qualities of the • deceased won him a very”large circle of friends thrqughout New Zealand, and his passing will be greatlv deplored. As a member of the Scottish race he was one of the staunchest upholders of its traditions. He travelled up and down the Dominion, giving his services at Scottish and Irish concerts, and rapidly became well known and extremely popular. In his later years he made a study of the Gaelic language, and, with his natural facility for learning, became fairly proficient in it. He also became extremely interested in Maori, and very quickly was able to speak it, becoming .an authority on the language later in life. Nearly 30 years ago he moved from Dunedin to Christchurch, where he joined the Savage Club, and continued his singing and elocutionary work. For a number of years be was a teacher of elocution at St. Andrew’s College, and on his retirement from that position remarkable tributes were paid to his work there. He taught elocution privately, aud many members of the legal profession and public speakers owe much to his wise tuition. On a number of occasions ho acted as elocutionary judge at. the annual festivals'of the Dunedin Competitions Society. An enthusiastic sportsman, he was fond of boxing and rowing in his youth, taking a prominent part in both sports in Dunedin. For some years he was a member of the North End Boating Club. Ho continued bis interest in sport until his death, and snoke frequently on sporting subjects from Station 3YA. Mr Young was twice married, his first wife, who predeceased him, being Miss J. M'Laren, of Dunedin. There were two children of the first marriage, Mr Claude Young and Mrs A, H. Lawren-

and there are six grandchildren. Deceased leaves a widow, formerly Mis# Mildred Wrighton, of London, who wa» herself well known on the stage in he*| time. There am twp brothers w £jh>B|te