SOME PERSONAL SKETCHES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1291, 26 November 1896, Page 32

SOME PERSONAL SKETCHES.

THE MEN WHO HAVR PROMOTED THE EXHIBITION.

AND MADE IT A SUCCESS

Of those who have worked hard to make the Exhibition a success, probably none have done more towards that end than tho honest, hard-headed, business-like

PRESIDENT OF THE EXECUTIVE, Mr Samuel Brown, whoso career has been one of self-reliance, and in every way worthy of the man. He arrived in Otasro as a lad in 1862, and, finding 1 things in a bad state, determined to proceed to Invercarerill. The shipping- facilities between Dunedin and Invercargill in those days were indifferent; in reply to a question on the subject a whipping agent told Brown he might get to Invercargill in a week or a month, or perhaps not at all. As he wanted to make sure about getting there, however, he determined to make one of a party to "swag it" overland. They k b wagged it" accordingly, a distance of 140

miles, without roads or tracks, rivers and creeks unbridged, and as they were snowed up and short of tucker at times, the trip was a memorable one. Mr Brown commenced business! as a contractor in Invercargill, and during the two years he remained there he saw the place grow from a bush and swamp wilderness to a decent town, where ground rent was as high as .£6 per foot, and then relapse to such a condition that owners could not give away their buildings. In those happy-go-lucky days ladies' walking boots were indiarabber boots reaching to the knee. Mr Brown came to Wellington in IS6I, and has lived here since. A year or two after his arrival in Wellington, he married Miss Emily a daughter of one of the early settlers. During the thirty-two years he has lived in Wellington, Mr Brown has carried out many large and varied contracts in both the North and bouth Islands, such as the construction of railways fo»- the Government, the Wellington-ManawatU Company, and the Midland Railway Company • roads, bridges, telegraph lines, gasworks, tramways, public and private buildings. He was a member of the Harbour Board for three years, a City Councillor for six years, and Mayor for two years. While he was in the Council his engineering knowledge was of great service during the period that the waterworks and reclamation construction were proceeding. The pipe track at the Hutt river wa3 built from his sketch plan at a cost of under ,£SOOO after it was shown that the original design would cost nearly £ 12,000. He suggested a scheme by which the Council could make the reclamation without a loan, tret a new street for nothing, and clear £15,000. The Council followed his lead, and Victoria street was made, and the profit came to within a small fraction of what he had stated. The most important matters with which Mr Brown's name was identified during the two years he was Mayor were the electric light and the Destructor, both successful works. When, after careful enquiry, the Destructor proposal was decided on and the site fix>>d, Mr Brown'saction was mo-it strongly opposed by nearly the whole Council and residents near the spot, but time has proved that in this as in other matters he understood what he was talking about. Now people wonder how they would do without what they called "Sam Brown's hobby." While Mayor, Mr Brown turned his attention to the question of the conversion of municipal loans. He consulted experienced bankers and also Sir Julius Vogel, but saw that no conversion scheme could be carried out with advantage. He endeavoured during his term as Mayor to have a by-law passed providing that each dwelling should have a certain amount of air-space about it, this to apply more particularly to the poorer class of dwellings which are gradually increasing in number, and are being crowded together under conditions which are likely to interfere seriously with public health. The lato Sir Harry Atkinson considered this so important a matter in the health of the city that he offered to give facilities for a Bill on the subject. However, when Mr Brown's term as Mayor expired, the matter dropped. For some time Mr Brown has carried on business as a coal merchant. Two of his sons are at sea—one as engineer in the service of the Union Steamship Company and another in the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's service. He is the president for the second year ot the Wellington Provincial Industrial Association, under Avhose auspices the Exhibition has been organised. THE VICE-PRESIDENT. Mr W. H. Millward, vice-president of the Exhibition Committee and chairman of the Ladies' Committee who are judging the Home Industries, was born in Liverpool in 1861. The first years of his life were spent at private schools, and he finished his education at the Chatham Institute, after which he entered a merchant's office, where he remained for some years. In 1879 he came to the Colony and took up his abodo in Wellington, receiving an appointment on the staff of the Bank of New Zealand. After leaving the bank Mr Millward went into business on his own account, and ultimately joined the Gear Meat Company as accountant to the firm. He then filled the post of secretary, and finally that of general manager, which position he now holds. Mr Millward married Miss Gray, a daughter of Mr W. Gray, late secretary of the Postal Department. He is a member of the committee of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and several other public bodies. He has always taken a keen interest in all matters concerning the welfare of the city, and is regarded as one of the best and most popular of Wellington's citizens.

THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE. Mr Thomas George Macarthy, another member of the Executive, has been honourably known in business circles in New Zealand for many years. He has been a resident of Wellington since 1877, in which year he purchased a large brewery business here. Mr Macarthy, who was born in London in 1833, came out to Australia when only a young jnao, and landed in Otajro when the goldfields v/oro opened in th;rt district. He was thence attracted to the West Coast by the news of the ricti uisooveries in that part of the Colony, lie was fortunate in mining investments there, and a brewery business which he established at Charleston was also very successful. As already stated, he came to Wellington in 1577, and his business here he has developed considerably of late years. Mr Macarthy is justly respected for his shrewdness and business enterprise and integrity. He is on the directorates of many successful public companies, and is chairman of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company. When the Government came to the rescue of the Bank of New Zealand, and thus prevented disaster to the Colony, Mr T. G. Macarthy was appointed one of the newdirectors, and has since that time been almost wholly occupied with the affairs of the bank. He was one of the witnesses in the banking enquiry conducted during last session of Parliament. He is chairman of one of the most important committees of the Exhibition, that dealing with finance, and it was in great measure owing to Mr Macarthy's own personal pfforts that the financial success of the Exhibition was assured. Mr William Gill, chairman of the Music Committee, is manager in Wellington for the Alliance Insurance Company. Mr Gill was born in Dudley, England, and, learning the iron trade in all its branches, he became a successful iron manufacturer in the North of England, in the Cleveland district. Having come as Commissioner to Australia to take evidence in a lawsuit between the South Australian Government and a manufacturing company in England, Mr Gill visited New Zealand in 1879, and was so impressed with the re- , sources and the promise of this lanu that he j resolved to settle in the Colony. He joined j the South British Insurance Company at their head office in Auckland in 1887, but was | appointed to important positions intneaemce

of the company in South Africa. He returned to New Zealand in 3890, and took the position of manager in Wellington of the Union Insurance Company, and remained manager^of tbe Alliance Company on the incorporator of the two offices. Mr Gill is personally very popular. As one of St. Peter's parish, he has been for some time a member of the Anglican Diocesan Synod, and of the General Synod. He is connected with the Pacific Lodge of Freemasons. Mr Gill has taken great interest in musical matters, and as chairman of the Music Committee has rendered great service for the Exhibition. Mr J. B Harcourt, head of the firm of Harcourt and Co., has been for some years a prominent figure in commercial circles in Wellington. He was born in Leamington, Warwickshire, but came to the colonies when very young. After spending about ten years in Australia, where he obtained an excellent commercial training, he eame to Wellington in 1806. For seven years he was manager fdr Messrs A. P. Stuart and Co., importers and warehousemen,- and afterwards became a partner with Mr Stuart, until, in 1879, he became sole proprietor, and established the now well-known firm of Harconrt and Co. The business of importers, &c, was carried on by the firm till the year 1888, when Mr Harcourt commenced his present business. Haroouct and Co. is the name of one of the best-known firms of p.uctioneers and land, estate and financial agents in the city. Mr Harcourt has taken an active interest in public affairs in Wellington for many years. He was one of those who promoted the first Harbour Board in this city, and has been president of the Chamber of Commerce, and for a long term a member of the City Council. He was one of the Executive of the Wellington Exhibition in 1885. Ho is chairman of the Printing Committee of the present Exhibition.

Mr James Smith, chairman of the Space Committee, is the well-known proprietor of Te Aro House, a leading drapery establishment of Wellington. Mr Smith, who was born in Scotland, had to begin the battle of life at an early age. He had the advantage of experience in various longestablished drapery houses at Home, and has had an excellent business training. Ho purchased Te Aro House in 1866, and under his direction the business has become one of the most prominent in Wellington. Mr Smith is.a director of the Wellington - Manawatu Railway Company. For many years he has been a member of the New Zealand board of directors of the National Mutual Life Association. Mr E. E. Bannister, chairman of the Sports Committee, is a native of Wellington. He was born in this city in 1855, and educated at private schools. After an apprenticeship in the New Zealand Times office, he became publisher, and held that position for two years. He joined the commercial staff of the Evening Post in 1875, and for some time has been practically manager of the commercial department. Mr Bannister is well known as a breeder and exhibitor of poultry, and has carried off scores of prizes at colonial shows. He has done a great deal to make the cycling track the success itjis. Mr A. S. Biss, treasurer to the Exhibition, was born in Nelson in 1364 and educated at Bishop Suter's school, finishing his educational training at Nelson College. Mr Biss came to Wellington, and was employed at E. W. Mills and Co.'s in 1876. In 1878 he joined the staff of Messrs W. G. Turnbull and Co.'s employees, and after some years' connection with the firm, he entered into partnership with Mr Badham as accountants in 1893, the firm taking the name of Badham and Biss. Mr Biss is well known in rowing circles, and has occupied almost every position in the Star Boating Club, of which he is a member, excepting - that of captain. Mr Biss has not, however, confined himself to rowing ; ho has acted as secretary of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association, and played in the Athletic Football Club's senior team. He has also taken a great interest in all Volunteer movements, and has acted for some time as a lieutenant of the Wellington Naval Artilleiy. Mr Biss accompanied the New Zealand rowing crew in their recent and memorable trip to Sydney, and acted as New Zealand delegate at the conference of rowing men held then. Mr Biss has had a large and wide experience as secretary of several public companies, and the business of the firm is a constantly increasing one. Mr A. de B. Brandon, who is chairman of the Fine Arts Committee, is the well-known senior partner of the firm of Brandon and Hislop, solicitors. He was born in Wellington in 185-i, and is an old Wellington College boy. He went to England in 1873, commenced a course of study at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and gained his B.A. degree with honours He was called to the bar at the Middle Temple. On returning to New Zealand, he joined his father's legal firm, and is now senior partner. Mr Brandon has been Mayor of Wellington, and has taken active interest in public; affairs.

Mr Thomas Ballinger is the mannginpr diructoi of the Company bearing the name of T. Ballinger and Co. Ho was born in London in 1850 and emigrated to Victoria with his parents in 18,37, in which colony the family remained for tliree years. At the cor.elusiou of tint period, Mr Ballinger senior was smitten with the gold fever, and with many other colonists set sail for New Zealand to try his fortunes on the Invercargill gnldfiekL. He finally settled for a time in the Southland capital. The subject of our sketch there learnt the rudiments of his trade, and moved to Wellington simultaneously with the removal of tne seat, of Government to this city. In 1875 Mr .Ballinger married Miss K. J. Browne, a daughter of the late Mr George Browne, builder. His family consists of four sons and two daughters ; three of his sons being associated with him in the company's business. Mr Ballinger has always taken a great interest both in movements for the benefit of the trade of the cit3 r , such as the Exhibition of 1885 and the present Exhibition, and in recreations cricket and bowling. Ho holds the office of treasurer of the Wellington Bowling Club, and was the " skip" of tho rink that won the "champion fours" in the last Northern Bowling association's Tournament held in Auckland. Mr Ballinger is a member of the executive of the present Exhibition and is chairman of the Building and Lighting Committee. It may be said without exaggeration that the success of the present Exhibition is greatly owing to his exertions. He was the original proposer of the cycling track, which has proved so remarkable a success.

Mr Robert T. Turnbull, tho well-known electrical engineer, is a New Zealander, but was educated in England, and after leaving school served in the workshops of the Crystal Palace Engineering School, and afterwards was articled to Messrs Woodhouse and

Rawson, electrical dtigineors; ... London. Accepting an offer from the Nov' Zealand j Electrical Syndicate, he returned to the ] Colony in 1889, but he left the Company's service in 1893, and commenced business as aiV engineer and importer. During the absence of Mf .A.-. I. Suckling-Baron in England, Mr TufnbMl' ftacting in* hit place for the New Zealand Ele' f --i/nca.V Syndicate. Mr Robert Lee, who is al.-d £•; member of ! the Executive, has been since xS74 the jj Chief Inspector of Schools in the Wellington \ District. He was born in Lincolnshire, and educated at the Grantham National School in that county. Mr Lee, after a rather brilliant College career, was appointed master in charge of the ttppprSr division practising > school at St. Mark's College, Chelsea, \ London, and after holding that pc-'S'iikm for i two years, he accepted the appointment ot \ headmaster of All Saints' School at Preston, Lancashire. At the end of a further five year's; during which he held that position, he was appointed to the! headmastership of the Bishop's School at Nelson, New" Zealand, by Bishop Ch'ap'm'an: the late .Bishop 'Jf Colombo, acting under instructions from Bishop Hobhouse, the first Bishop' of Ntflson; Mr Lee arrived in the Colony in 18G1-, ana conducted the school until IS7-1, when he was appointed to his present position. He was the first to introduce the standard system of education into New Zealand, which he brought into vogue during the first- year of his tenure of office as inspector. Mr Lee' teat always been enthusiastic in his work, but has found time to turn his attention to the editorship of an exceedingly useful and much needed, book, entitled " Longman's Geographical Reader for New Zealand," which found miich favour in scholastic circles. Mr W. Booth, the Waifarapa representative on the Exhibition executive, is also one' of the trustees of the Exhibition. He was b'orfi in Lancashire in 1837, and educated, at Lancashire College, Manchester. He came to New Zealand in" 1872 and settled in Carterton, where he has been known for many years as an enterprising and successful settler. He is a large sawmill owner and timber merchant, and many of the successful industries of Wellington owe a great deal to' his energy and business capacity. He is chairman of directors of the Wellington Meat Export Company, which is one of the pioneer companies of the frozen meat trade, and which _ he took a prominent part in establishing. He is one of the directors of the Bank of New Zealand. Mr Booth is also regarded as one of the most liberal men inthe Colony, his donations to public institutions and charities being both large and numerous. THE SECRETARY. Mr C. D. Morpeth, the active secretary of the Exhibition, is son of Mr W. J. Morpeth, who for about 30 years was connected with the Native Department, and was born in Auckland in 1863. When he was about 18 months old, his paronts removed to Wellington. He was educated at Wellington College, and passed the Senior and Junior Civil Service examinations, and matriculated in the University examinations, attaching himself in Wellington to Canterbury College. On ing Wellington College he joined the actuarial branch of the Government Insuraace Department in ISBS, and remained there until 1891, when he went to Sydney to enter the service of the Equitable Life Insurance Society as assistant to Mr Godfrey Knight, ' actuary for Australasia. At the beginning of 189-1 he severed his connection with the society, and returned to New Zealand. After a short period with the Government Insurance Department, he Was for about a yoar in the office of Messrs Kirk and Atkinson, solicitors, as book-keeper and accountant. In October, 1895, ho commenced his present business as accountant, statistician and general agent. He is secretary of the Wellington Industrial Association, the Incorporated Institute of i Accountants and thejStock and Sharebrokers' Association. At the beginning of the present year he was married to Miss Pope, daughter of Mr J. H. Pope, Inspector of Native Schools. Mr Morpeth was a noted athlete, and during his career won several championships. He has had a large sharo of work in promoting tho Exhibition, and has done it exceedingly well. THE AUTHORS OF HINEMOA. MR A. F. HILL. New Zealand may justly be proud of this talented young musician, for, though born at Richmond, one of the suburbs of Melbourne, in 1870, he is practically a Now Zealander. He came to Auckland when a child with his father, Mr Charles Hill, and five years later came to Wellington, and began his education ; here at the Thorndon Public School. That | school was then, as it is now, under the headmastership of Mr Wiiliam Mowbray, whose signature and that of Mr Robert Lee, ini spector, are affixed to a certificate which still exists declaring that Alfred Hill, ' who was then 12 years of age, " passed in the subjects of the fifth standard at the examination held in 1832." At this time young Hill had already acquired more than a local reputation a* a i-.omet-playcr. In 1881, at a benefit to Madame Sinionsen, ha played some cornet solo.-; in really first-class .style, and repeated his successes at various popular concerts at th« Athenajum. In 18S:J he became a pupil of Mr G. Rivers Allpress, now one of the most eminent and popular violinists of A.nsoral'a, but at that time a resident of Wellington. At the Wellington Exhibition of ISSS Master Hill was leader of the orchestra at the Sunday School Musical Festival, and about this time, also, he composed a capitfJ little concert piece, a trio for violins and 'cello. When only 16 years of age, he was engaged as leader of the orchestra of Majeroni and, Wilson's Comic Opera Company, which in-1 eluded Miss Gracie Plaisted, Miss Fanny' Liddiard and Mr Charles Harding. In 1886 ' he wont to the Leipsic Consaivatorium. There he had a most successful "career as a student, distinguishing himself both as a violinist and composer. His Scotch Sonata in F minor for violin and pianoforte, composed as a tost piece, and played at the Conseryatorium, created a mont favourable impression. His masters at Leipsic were Hans bitt for violin playing, and Gustav Schreck for theory, and for two years he played in the Gewandhaus under the celebrated Dr Carl Reinecke. and also had the advantage of playing under suchl distinguished composers as Brahms and Grieg. In parting from Mr Hill, Herr Sitt paid him a high compliment in presenting him with his own baton, one he had himself used in conducting on many notable occasions. Mr. J. W. Hill, now one of the leading- singers of Wellington, was ab.o studying at Leipsic at this time. After a musical tour in England and Scotland Mr A. F. Hill returned to New Zealand at the end of 1891, and has since practise! as a teacher in Wellington, where he has had a large roll of pupils. On his way to tho Colony, Mr Hill was appointed conductor of the Welling-

{toil Orchestral Society, and occupied I thaMi 1 posnfcios until a few weeks ago. I Tb l * Society ni&do remarkable advance under" his; direc'tioft indeed, at the annual Meeting' in,3iS94 one of tbe members, Mr S. K. Kennedy, Said, the work done by the Society since Mr Hill had taken it over was wonderful. On that occasion! Mr Hill was presented by the Society with a silveri rhoUßt<sd baton. It is his intention to ton?' ! the world,- and he leaves "Wellington this / month to' ¥€}oin the Musin Concert Con?r.ar<v in AtrsurfcJfo. His future career will "bo" hatched 1 , vritil the greatest interest by New Zoalahders'. Mr Hill has colloborated with Mr' Arthur Adams in works other than " Hinemoa," he has acquired I a colonial reputation as a soiig , *lVrit3yv I MR A. H. ADAMS. [ The lyrics written by Mr Adams all reach the high water mark of excellence, and showtrue poetry. Mr" Arthur H. Adams, who is 21 years of age, waff %orri at Lawrence, Otago, on June 6th, 1572, and is a son of Mr C. W. Adams, chief surveyor of Ofego 1 . On his father's removal to Christchurc'h' he went i for four years to the Normal School in I : that . city, ar>d had just entered the'' Boys' Hifh School there when his father was sent to Wellington to conduct astronomical , work at tbe Observatory',- situated on the ; site of the new gaol on MOircrS Cook. Arthur Adams entered the 'Wellington College, and was two years in that school; so tbfit he is : *»..01d Wellington College boy. His fafhe? being removed, this time to Dunedin, "as C'lilol Surveyor of Otago, ho was sent to the Otago" Boys' High School, where he remained tor six y<:-'tit'z, rUtiniately going to tlie Otago University da winner of the Scott Scholarship. Mr Adams then entered upon his studies for the law, and remained at tbs University for throe years, winning his hi.A,- degree, and passing the first two sections of the 1.. L 13. ' degree. During his stay at the Otago High School he for two years edited .the School Magazine ; and during his studentship at the University he took a great interest in most of the instittl- | tions of the University, being one yea?' seoroI tary of the Debating Society, for two years secretary of the Lawn Tennis Club, for ttv-o years editor of the University Magazine, besides representing the Arts faculty on the Executive of the Students' Association. While preparing for his final section of the LL.B. degree, he) decided to enter journalism, and is now on the literary staff of the Evening Post. Mr Adams is a frequent contributor to tho Bulletin.

THE OTHER MUSICIANS OF EXHIBITION DAY.

Mr Robert Parker, who has for Many years been a leading figure in musical circles in Wellington, was born iri London, and was a pupil of Mr W. S. Hoyto, organist at All Saints', Margaret street, and at tho Albert Hall; and afterwards of Mr Scotson Clark, tho well-known organist of Exoter College Mr Parker's pianoforte master was Herr Lehmeyor, and in choral work, his tutor was Mr Ered Walker, choirmaster at St. Paul's Cathedral. He studied also under Herr Emil Behnke, the vocal physiologist, and in theory under Dr C. W. Pearco. Mr Parker was appointed organist at Queen's College, Cam. bridge, when a very young man, but had to resign owing to ill-health. He afterwards worked as assistant to Dr W. H. Monk, tho church composer, at King's College, London. Ho had intended to tako Holy Orders, but was prevented by ill-health, from which cause he came to tho Colony in 1809. After nine years' residence in Christchurch, he came to Wellington, where he has resided since. He is organist and choirmaster at St. Paul's pro-Cathedral. Mr Parker has a deservedly high reputation among New Zealand musicians. He originated and conducted the first New Zealand Musical Festival, and in 1894 he successfully carried out the second Festival, the greatest musical event of this Colony. As the outcome, the Festival Choral Society, one of the best in New Zealand, was established, numbering about two hundred voices, with an orchestra of forty members. Various public performances are given by tliis Society, and last night they took part in the musical programme, performing Mr Parker's Exhibition ode and Mr Trimnell's anthem. Mr Parker is conductor of the Wellington Liedertafel and singing instructor to the Board of Education, and he is representative in Wellington of the Trinity College of Music, London, local centres having been established under his management throughout the Colony. Mr J. A'aughan Barnett, whose concert overture was performed last week, is well known and justly esteemed throughout tho Colony. He has done much for music in Wellington since his arrival here last year. Mr Barnett was born in Warwickshire in 18G7, and has made for himself a reputation as a pianist, organist, conductor and composer. He studied under Gustav Ernest and Frank Spinney, both (and especially the former) well-known musicians. In ISS2 he received the appointment of organist and choirmaster of King Charles the Martyr's Church at funbridgo Wells, whore he remained until 1880, when he was appointed organist at St. Mary Magdalen's Church, St. Leonard's-on-the - Sua. Air Barnett made his first appearance before a London audience at Burlington Hall, after which he received numerous engagements for concerts in tho provinces. Mr Barnett was equally successful as an organist, and gave many recitals before London audiences. At his last concert in England ho played with lividar Nachez, the famous violinist. In 183'.) Mr Barnett's health gave way, and receiving an appointment at the Hobart Cathedral, Tasmania, he . left England. He remained in Hobart for three years, giving many concerts and composing several pieces. In 1893 Mr Barnett accepted the appointment of organist and choirmaster of the'Napier Cathedral, where he remained for eighteen months, giving numerous con- | certs and recitals, besides being the first conductor of the Liedertafel in that town. In 1895 he was appointed to St. John's Church, Wellington, and since his arrival here has inaugurated very popular chamber concerts, besides giving organ recitals. Mr Barnett has published many pieces, and has received numerous valuable testimonials from some of the best and most famous musicians in England. In August last year he founded the Barnett Musical Soeie'ty, which numbers 230 members, and which has made steady and successful progress from the first. The Society has already given two very successful public performances, and it. is intended to hold a musical festival shortly.. r Mr T. Tallis Trimnoll, Mns. Bac, Oxon., who has a high English reputation as a musician, was for some yoara organist at Sheffield Parish Charch, and whilst there obtained the degree of Bachelor of Music at Oxford. He decided to come to the Colony for the benefitof his health, andaccoptedthe post

of organist at St. Mary's Cathedral in Auckland, where he arrived in 1885. He was afterwards offered and accepted the appointment of organist at St. Peter's, and came to Wellington. Mr Trimnell has been prominent in connection with musical matters ire New Zealand evor since his arrival, and has given organ recitals in various parts of the Colony with distinguished success. It was at one of Mr Trimnell's concerts in England that Madame Mary Davies, the well-known English singer, made he-r debut. Mr Trimnell is exceptionally popular from' his unassuming manner and thoroughly good qualities. As a musician, and especially a theorist and organ-player, he holds high rank. A good deal of the information in these sketches was obtained from the " Cyclopedia of New Zealand," about to be published.