LATE MR. E. J. CARROLL

Taranaki Daily News, 1 August 1931, Page 3

LATE MR. E. J. CARROLL

GREAT ARTISTS INTRODUCED. THEATRE AND CONCERT STAGE. The late Mr. E. J. Carroll, whose death was reported in a cablegram from Sydney this week, was for the past 20 years the leading theatrical and concert manager in Australia. Born in Queensland, he was very well known in New Zealand, and was responsible for the visits to the Dominion of some very fine artists, including Fritz Kreisler, and Igriaz Friedman, the Sistine Choir and the. Don Cossack Choir. About four years ago Mr; Carroll created a great deal of interest'in London by introducing Miss Pauline Frederick, the American film actress, to the English legitimate stage. This departure was made at the Lyceum'Theatre, and a practically' unparalleled season was experienced. Mr. Carroll was then concerned.in the production of musical comedy in the West End of London, and subsequently had seven companies touring London and the provinces with the “Ghost Train,” the play that created a great deal of interest in /Auckland by., .its .realistic stage • effects. - He was responsible also for two tours of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa by ‘ Sir Harry Lauder. He founded the Prince Edward Theatre, Sydney, which is recognised as one of the foremost theatres in that city. _ Apart from his theatrical ventures, Mr. Carroll was interested also in several commercial unclertakings, • principally in Queensland. He last visited New Zealand about a year and eight months ago, when he passed through Auckland on his way to England. He returned-to Australia from that visit about five months ago. At the- time of his dehth he still held theatrical interests in England.