Aucklanders who have Won Fame in London

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 382, 16 June 1928, Page 17

Aucklanders who have Won Fame in London

(Written for THE SUN by O. A. GILLESPIE.)

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ONDON, for most of the world, Is the city of dreams. In that crowded metropolis of the British Empire statesmen and artists, singers and poets, authors and actors hope [or the reward which will crown them with fame. London is the Mecca of those who wish and work for success. Her acclamation sets a standard by which the greatest endeavour is judged; her plaudits are echoed by the rest of the world. Auckland is definitely linked with the Empire metropolis. Among Eondon’s millions some of Auckland's sons and daughters are firmly established —their ability acknowledged by the most severe critics. Most of them have gone Home with little or nothing except the spark which urges them to dare the whole world; their record is a memorable one.

Although the caption to this article may be misleading, most Aucklanders who have established their reputations overseas have graduated through the iuest university of all —London —to odd corners of the world. One of Auckland’s most distinguished sons is Sir James Parr, C.M.G., High Commissioner for New Zealand in London. After a successful career in New Zealand politics he was appointed to his present position early in 1926.

Since his appointment to the High Commissioner's Office Sir James has resolutely pursued his policy of “putting New Zealand on the map,’’ and tie has done so with dignity and decision, as the cable messages frequently tell us.

Sir James’s career as ba rister, Mayor of Auckland, member of Parliament and Minister of the Crown is too well known to require repetition here. Robert Geddes, son of Mrs. J. Mckail Geddes. Wynyard Street, is rapidly reaching the highest rung of the stage ladder in London. His career has been meteoric when °ne considers the years some actors und singers have waited before they have been given a chance. Mr. eddes. who went to England only nree years ago, is now playing juve-

mle lead at the Gaiety Theatre, in musical comedy, “opposite” Miss Lillian Davis. That, in itself, is a T r umph few men from overseas have realised. But even good looks and a splenai|l singing voice did not win prominecce for Mr. Geddes without hard *°rk and constant training. Before eaving .* »ckland he had played in Several amateur productions. Then Vik S ' Qt to and studied at Telba s Conservatorium in Melbourne, “he of the Williamson directors heard hun singing and immediately offered •fe young Aucklander a part. A tour through Australia and New Zealand allowed, the plays being “The Cat and the Canarv.” and “If Winter comes." Back in Australia Mr. ueddes toured with Melba, who 'nought very highly of the young singer. On arrival in London he secured an vhgageraent in "The Street Singer” jind later he understudied Derek o am in “Rose Mario” during its long and successful run at Drury Lane. chance came when Oldham left me ca:;t, through illness: Robert *»***'’ Played tlia part a id was faa■ed in the London payers. Last: tear he played lead in a provincial j

tour of “Rose Marie,” but was recalled to London to play in “The Silver Cord” with Lilian Braithwaite Now comes news of his first big success in stardom in a London theatre. Frederick James Porter, born in Market Road, Epsom, has been placed among the greatest artists of to-day by the London critics. His work has been compared to that of Cezanne and Constable. Last year he and Roger Fry held a joint exhibition at the Lefevre Galleries, London, and one critic wrote: “Porter’s art is a fine testimonial to the virtue of influences well digested. During the last few years he has improved out of recognition and is now, in my opinion, one of the best painters in this country." Twenty years ago Mr. Porter left Auckland to study art under Julien, in Paris. After several years there he went to London where he has lived for the past 14 years, slowly but surely winning recognition among the critics and connoisseurs.

Mr. Porter is vice-president of the London Group, a notable coterie of fearless and unconventional artists who are exercising the greatest influence on British art to-day. The group includes Roger Fry, Vanessa Bell, Paul and John Nash, Meninsky, Ethelbert White and another young Aucklander, James Boswell. Their work is distinctive. Naturally the folk who have been bred on conventional and rather sugary art have derided the London Group, but none of its members bothers about that —least of all Mr. Porter.

Fearlessly he goes his way, painting the most charming landscapes, full of luminous colour and of the most delightful design. Several of his pictures of still life and landscape have been reproduced in “Colour,” and London magazines which devote considerable space to art and artists have published articles on his work.

His is another example of that natural urge to express himself in pigment and Auckland, where he first studied, was too small for this man with Ideas and talent. If social eminence means fame then the Countess of Hardwicke, C. 8.3., has achieved success.

She is a daughter of the late Mr. James Russell, of Auckland, and mar-

AN AUCKLAND FILM STAR. Shayle Gardner is Auckland's only successful screen star. Recently he dashed from London to Nice in search of Rex Ingram, the film producer, who immediately engaged Mr. Gardner for a part in his latest film, “The Three Passions,” by Cosmo Hamilton. Before this, however, Mr. Gardner had appeared. in several British films. He is a wellknown figure on the London stage, and has appeared with many notable stage folk, including Mrs. Patrick Campbell and Miss Irene Vanbrugh.

ried the eighth Earl Hardwicke in 1911. The countes divorced her husband in 1926. Last year she inaugurated a scheme for protecting London hostesses from “crushers” —those people who go uninvited to private dances and entertainments. The countess is a prominent social and charitable worker in London.

Dr. Leslie John Comrie, F.R.A.S., Ph.D., whose parents reside at 31 Seccombe’s Road, Epsom, is one of the most brilliant products of the Auckland University. After a distinguished career at Cambridge, where he won several scholarships, he accepted important positions in America, but in 1925 he returned to England and was appointed Deputy-Superintendent of H.M. Nautical Almanac, which is under the control of the British Admiralty. Dr. Comrie has specialised in astronomy and a record of his publications covers two closely typewritten sheets of foolscap. The loss of a leg in the Great War. where he served for two years and eight months, has not j hindered the progress of this brillian r Aucklander. Briefly his career is this: Born, j

Pukekohe in 1593; graduated B.A. from the Auckland University, 1914; graduated M.A. with honours in chemistry in 1915; science master at the Auckland Grammar School, 1916; war service, 1917-1919, when he won a N.Z.E.F. scholarship; astronomical research at Cambridge University from 1919 to 1922, during which time he won the Isaac Newton Studentship. From then on Dr. Comrie began his real career. During 1922 he spent three weeks at the Norman Lockyer Observatory, Sidmouth, and six weeks at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. From 1922 to 1924 he was assistantprofessor of mathematics and astronomy at Swarthmore College, U.S.A. Later he was appointed to the Dearborn Observatory at the North Western University, Evanston, and i;i 1925 to his present position in England. Dr. Comrie obtained his Cambridge “blue” for shooting in 1922. His publications have received the highest praise from authorities in ail parts of the world. He is a member of the following societies: Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, member of the British Astronomical Association, American Astronomical Society, Astronomical Society of the Pacific, New Zealand Astronomical Society and the Astronomische Gesellschaft. Hugh Walpole, the celebrated English novelist, left New Zealand at the age of one, but he can be claimed as an Aucklander, as he was born in Parnell. His father, after leaving Auckland, became the Bishop of Edinburgh. He left New Zealand to take up that dignified office in the Church of England. Mr. Walpole has published a score of novels and has achieved world-wide fame in the realm of letters. His

most popular novels are “Fortitude,” “The Duchess of Wrexe,” “The Dark Forest,” “The Secret City,” “The Cathedral” and “The Portrait of a Mau with Red Hair,” which has just been adapted for the stage. In a recent letter to a friend in Auckland, Mr. Walpole talked of coming out to New Zealand for a trip. He may gather the material for another novel if he decides to visit the Dominion.

Most English papers contain reproductions of Harry Rountree’s work. For the most part they are delightfully amusing studi of animals or birds, all characteristic of his fine work. Mr. Rountree left Auckland in 1921 to seek fame and fortune in London. When he arrived there he was told to pack up and return to New Zealand, as there was “nothing doing.”

But Mr. Rountree decided that there was—for him. Nowadays he is a frequent contributor to “Punch,” “Cassell’s Magazine” and many other well-known publications. His advertisements, quaint drawings of quaint animals and birds, are in demand 'a commercial circles in London and Mr. Rountree sees no reason why he should forsake the Empire metropolis. He has exhibited at tho Rovai Academy and many other art shows and is a member of the London Sketch Club. Mr. Rountree was gifted with a natural ability to draw. From his

earliest childhood he showed great promise. An uncle, Mr. Edward Bartley, gave him his first lessons. As far as actual study was concerned Mr. Rountree did very little, though he took lessons in painting from an Auckland artist. Like all other artists who have , sought' recognition ill England, Mr. Rountree did not gain prominence ; without a struggle. At one time he ;

designed labels for jam-tins. But better things were to follow. His posters excited curiosity and admiration and his illustrations for stories and children's magazines soon obtained him a ready market. Recently he executed a series of animal tdvertisements for London manufacturing houses and in each drawing one sees his whimsical sense of humour; a factor which has played a great part in his artistic career. One of Mr. Rountree’s favourite occupations is visiting the London Zoo, where he sketches the animals

which later figure in his pictures. He is a vigorous worker and sometimes designs dozens of drawings which he throws into a box, later •etrlev’ng them when they are needed. Jane Mander is Auckland’s most successful representative in the world of letters. She is a daughter of the Hon. F. Mander, M.L.C., and now lives in London, where she reads for publishing houses. In her early days

) NOT REPRESENTED IN ART GALLERY. S Although, Frederick. James Porter is recogi nised in London as one of the most brilliant i artists of to-day, his work is not represented in \ the Auckland Art Gallery. \ Neither has Auckland shown any apprecia- ? tion of his ivork. Tivo years ago he sent some } pictures to the annual exhibition of the Auck- \ land Art Society, but they were looked, upon • with scant appreciation and hung in an inN conspicuous place. S One need hardly repeat that “A prophet is without honour . .

Miss Mander lived in North Auckland, and part of that life has been told in “The Story of a New Zealand River,” the best individual literary effort by a New Zealander, if one excepts Katherine Mansfield's work. Some years ago Miss Mander went to New York and a novel of city life and its stifling effect called “The Besieging City,” was the result. She has several other novels to her credit, and is a frequent contributor to The Sun. Perhaps the youngest of Auckland’s distinguished sons is James Boswell,

who went to London in 1925 and is rapidly making' a name for himself in art circles there. He is one of the younger members of the . London Group, of which Frederick Porter is vice-president. His art is progressive, a little daring and extremely original, and has won praise from the London critics. Recently he designed the cover jacket of Hector Bolitho’s book, "Solemn Boy.” At a recent exhibition of the London Group young Boswell exhibited seven oil sketches, eight water-colours, a backcloth design for a ballet, three pen-and-ink drawings and three woodcuts. His work shows great promise, and he has attracted the attention of some of the finest artists in London, who are watching liis progress with extreme interest. James Boswell is the only son of Mr. E. B. B. Boswell, of Remuera Road, and is 21 years of age. One of the first things he did on arrival in England was to win the first prize for a water-colour sketch at the Royal College of Art Students’ Sketch Club. He has already received several commissions, and is concentrating on wood-blocks and etchings. Although Reginald Berkeley was born in Suva, Fiji, his early days were spent in Auckland, where he received his education. At present he is one of the most successful playwrights in London. His latest work, “Listeners,” a comedy of adventure, is written round the League of Nations, and is enjoying a popular run at Wyndham’s Theatre. Mr. Berkeley has written much of the theatre, including a delightful volume of burlesque. His amusing jingles of Parliamentary life also won him considerable fame. From 1922 to 1924 he represented Nottingham in the English Parliament, but he was defeated at the following election, arid

has since devoted liis time to writing comedies. “Mr. Abdullah” and “The White Chateau” are among the most successful.

Almost every Australian journal of repute contains reproductions of photographs by May Moore. She is another Aucklander who achieved honour abroad. Miss Moore studied art at the Elam School in Auckland under Fristrom. but it was as a photographer that she eventually gained fame. It is some years now since she migrated to Sydney, where she continued with her art studies. Finally, Miss Moore devoted her energies to the camera, and during the early years of the war she became one of the most popular photographers in Australia. Most of the leading people of the day have posed for her, Including many actors, actresses and musicians, of whom she can tell many amusing stories. Spencer Macky always wanted to be an artist. Little did he think, as he caricatured his father’s clients in the office in Swanson Street, that he would one day become Dean of the Faculty of the Californian College of Fine Arts, San Francisco. That Is the position Mr. Macky now holds, but he has climbed to fame only after years of determined endeavour.

Mr. Mack}' was born in Kelmarna Avenue, Herne Bay. In those days

green fields were more in evidence than houses. As a lad Mr. Macky used his pencil on every available piece of paper, but that early promise did not meet with the approval of his father, who had other ideas of his son’s usefulness in the business world. However, young Spencer persevered. After studying in Auckland, Mr. Macky went to Melbourne, where he met and married Miss Connie Jenkins, who is now a teacher in the college of which her husband is dean. Later he went to England and the Continent where he continued his studies. Still in search of fame, he went to the United States about 15 or 20 years ago, where he worked on the wharves and performed any old job until he obtained the recognition which was his due.

The magnificent new building of the College of Fine Arts, in San Francisco, was built according to Mr. Macky’s design. Despite his success abroad, he is still a New Zealander, for he has never taken out naturalisation papers. One of his two sons shows great

promise of becoming an artist. * Dr. R. W. Firth, who comes from Otahuhu, and is at present living on a lonely Pacific isle, w'here he is carrying out research work, has won recognition abroad. The following letter from Professor R. Malinowski, of the London School oi Economics and Political Science, to Mr. W. J. Jordan, M.P., speaks for itself:

“Firth is at present working on anthropology with special reference to primitive economics and to Polynesian races. This type of work, however, as done in this school of the University of London, keeps on the one hand closely in touch with economics and social science, and on the other hand has a distinct practical bearing for the important problems of the management of the native races. Firth’s work is universally acknowledged to be of very high order, and owing to his publications, has gained him a "wide reputation. Personally, I believe that Firth will soon be one of the most eminent students of social science, and I think anything that is done for him in the way of academic oiiportunities will ultimately be of value to the community.”

Shayle Gardner, whose work as a Shakespearean actor gained him renown in London, was on the intelli-

gence staff of a New Zealand brigade ( It the war, and later helped to entertain New Zealand soldiers behind the , ’ line in France. He left Auckland to go to the front. When peace was declared Mr. Gardner returned to London, where he w as taken up by Oscar Asche and Lily ] Brayton. Since his first appearance . on the London stage he has appeared . in Shakespeare, drama, musical comedy and on the films, and has toured 1 Canada with Matheson Lang. Recently he bought a cottage in a mews in London, and according to an , English publication it is a charming - spot, decorated in attractive colour schemes of apple-green, orange and ; red and black. This delightful little home, securely hidden from the busy 1 streets of London, is reached through 1 a cobbled yard and up a flight of steps. Auckland claims George Finev, whose cruelly-brilliant caricatures have put him in the first flight of cartoonists in Australia. His manner is ( eccentric. Examples of his work often find their- way into New Zealand publications, but his best is seen in the columns of a Sidney newspaper. > j ' Mr. R. S. Hellaby combines art I with business in London. He re- |

cently paid a visit to Auckland, when he said that he had given up painting. However, Mr. Hellaby has had his pictures reproduced in several English art magazines. His wife, Ruth Hollingsworth, is one of the most successful still-life painters in England to-day.

The Auckland University has produced several men who are winning universal recognition. Mr. Kenneth Sisam, a Rhodes Scholar, is one of three or four men of the world in his own subject—early English literature. His text books are used in the Auckland University. He is one of the secretaries of the Clarendon Press in England and during the war he was a member of the Food Control Board. One of his most important publications is “Fourteenth Century Verse and Prose.” Mr. Frank Taylor, another Auckland University graduate, is lecturer in French at Christ Church. Oxford,

land Professor A. B. Taylor, who left ■Auckland to serve in the war, is Professor of English at the Hobart University, Tasmania. During the war another Aucklander, Mr. F. W. Baxter, was in charge of the education scheme which was initiated among the soldiers. He went to Oxford and later to the London University, then to Leeds, the McGill College, and back to Leeds, where he is at present lecturer in English. An old King’s College boy, Mr. Keith Murray is gn architect who is gaining prominence abroad. His illustrations in black and white have a wide public. The last heard of another Aucklander, Mr. David Hamilton Jackson, M.A., B.Sc., was from the University of Peking, China. Two Aucklanders have found high places in journalism in the Empire capital—Allan Collard and Angus Wilson.

Mr. Collard, who was at one time on the literary staff of The Sun in Christchurch, is now a special writer for the “Morning Post,” one of London’s most influential journals. Mr. Wilson paid a return visit to Auckland recently, bringing out the nightingales which were sent to New Zealand by the English author, David

S SUCCESS AT TWENTY-ONE. I S James Boswell, the youngest Aucklander to i compete tor honours anainst some of the finest I artists in London, may combine, icith Jt. J. $ Porter, and send a collection o fpictures to New ( Zealand. .. - The exhibition will be an interesting one, \ as both artists belong to the London Group of I which Mr. Porter is vice-president. Their 5 work is modern and shows the trend of art to l dan in its best form. . ... ' V Mr Bosicell. though only 21. is finding a S market for his work. His strict attention to l drawing dispels the romance that the moderns , | are formless. J

Garnett. One of his exploits was the publicity work for a British Motor Olympia. Hector Bolitho, an Auckland journalist turned author, is reaping his reward of publicity, and his latest book of travel, “Thistledown and Thunder,” seems to have met with approval. For a time Mr. Bolitho was collaborating with the Dean of Windsor in editing a volume of memoirs. The Conservatorio of Milan has only one New Zealand student, Kenneth Impett, son of Mr. Walter Impett, of Auckland. Recently he has been singing in grand opera in Europe and critics are predicting a successful career for him. Norah McManus, now in Australia, has played lead in J. C. Williamson musical productions. Rov Binney. an architect, is reaching the front rank. He recently def v.J a house for Sir Raymond Tuck, c ’e English printing and publisher .* m. Lady Tuck was formerly a Miss Gladys Nathan, of Auckland. So the list goes on indefinitely. Each year the drift for London increases. New Zealand is too small to i hold these ambitious people.