THE LATE MR "PETE" HUGHES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2685, 30 August 1905, Page 60

THE LATE MR "PETE" HUGHES.

Mr William P. A. Hughes, the veteran theatrical agent, so well known throughout Australasia as "Pete" Hughes, died on the 15th mst. at the Hotel Arcadia, Sydney at the age of 58 years. He had been in failing health for a considerable period, and death was the result of dropsy. Mr Hughes was associated with theatres for the greater part of his life— indeed, there was not a position connected with the stage that he did not hold at some period of his career. But he did not always belong to the theatrical profession (says an exchange). Born in New York City, he mad© his first start in life in a merchant's office. Then when the American Civil War broke out he shouldered his rifle with the Northern troops, and marched into Richmond as a member of the victorious army. Those who knew the genial veteran will hardly realise him as "a fierce warrior on "the tented field," but none the less he was able to tell som-e good stones of his military daysIt was while skirmishing in the country* round Richmond that he had to thank his shortness of stature for his life. Duringthe morning a tall comrade was making" sarcastic remarks about his difficulty in keeping up with the march, and on reaching the firing line both took up a position together behind a stone wall. At the first volley from the Southerners Hughes's hai, was swept from his head by a passing bullet, and on turning to recover it he saw that the missile had passed through the throat of his taller comrade, who lay dead on the ground. "Say, Pete," called another soldier from the cover of a log-, "I guess the joke's on Jake now." He was called "Pete" even, in those daye. He was in the battle of Gettysburg hi 1863. From the military camp he returned to the paths of commerce ; but only for a brief period. The theatre claimed him for its own very coon, and kept him ever since. He joined the stage in 1865 under the aegis of Jarrett and Palmer, well-known American managers of that day. He knew Mr J. C. Williamson when the latter was acting under Wallace's management. He travelled through the United Slates on a score of occasions, and managed the totir of Mr Georgo Rignold when thai; well-known actor played "Henry "V" long ago in that country. It was in 1869 that his old friend, Mr John F. Sheridan, now in Sydney, first met him: this was in New York at a place of entertainment known as "Tammany Hall." Mr Jarrett was the manager with whom. Mr Sheridan began his -performances as the Widow O'Brien in "Fun on the Bristol." After three j-ears in America the piece was taken to England, and was first produced in that country in Manchester on May 15, 1882. It was played for two years in England. Then Mr Sheridan was engaged for Australia by Mr Garner, of Williamson, Musgrove, and Garner, and when at the last moment he found that an agent was wanted he called upon Mr Hughes, who agreed at a day's notice to como out in advance of him. This was the beginning, 21 years ago, of the career of Mr Hughes as theatrical agent; in this quarter of the world. "Fun on the Bristol" was first produced in Australia in 1884. After the colonial season, when Mr Sheridan went to India and China, Mr Hughes remained with Mr J. C. Williamson. He travelled about 20 or 30 times to New Zealand, and went the round of Central Queensland so often that he lest count of the trips. Two years ago he visited America. Mr Hughes leaves a widow. Thefuneral was- attended by many persons -well known in the theatrical profession, including Messrs Ramaciotti and J. B. Moutne, representing the J. C. Williamson firm; Messrs John F. Sheridan, J. C. Leete, Edwin Geach, William Anderson, and Oily Deeving- various representatives of th« musical firms; Mr Daniel O'Connor, and other citizens. Mr J. C Williamson, who is absent in Melbourne, sent a message ol sympathy, and similar messages were received from all parts of the Commonwealth as well as from New Zealand The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. G. Nortb Ash. The interment took place in Waverley Cemetery.