ANNA NEAGLE’S FATHER

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20839, 22 September 1937, Page 6

ANNA NEAGLE’S FATHER

CAPTAIN ROBERTSON j IN TIMARU PROUD OF FAMILY A father who is proud of his family and has every reason to be is Captain H. W. Robertson of London. His daughter is Miss Anna .Neagle, the famous British screen star, and his son is Mr Stuart Robertson, whose fine bass-baritone voice has made him a popular figure on the radio of the world. Captain and Mrs Robertson spent two days in Timaru visiting friends and left yesterday for Christchurch. Captain Robertson's association with the port of Timaru goes back to February, 1893, when he arrived here as an apprentice In the barque Peri. He next visited the port in December, 1893, as second mate of the Lizzie Bell. Captain Robertson’s last visit to the port before his retirement 13 years ago was in the well known Federal steamer Cornwall, which was a frequent visitor to Timaru. He was also master of the Devon. Captain Robertson is naturally very proud of his famous daughter’s success in the British film “Victoria the Great,” which was recently shown at the International Film Exposition in Venice, and was awarded the Cup of All Nations in competition with 79 other productions. “Although my daughter and son have achieved success, I am very pleased, to be able to say that it has not turned their heads," Captain Robertson told a reporter of “Tire Timaru Herald,” who interviewed him at the Grosvenor yesterday. He explained that he had a letter from his daughter recently, in which she stated that she was leaving for Paris where “Victoria the Great” was to have its premiere at the Paris Exhibition. She would probably also attend premieres at London, New York, Washington, Toronto, Ottawa and Hollywood. A Magnificent Film There was no doubt, said Captain Robertson, that “Victoria the Great” was a magnificent film. The older people would never forget it while it would be a revelation to the young. Speaking of his son, Captain Robertson mentioned that Stuart Robertson toured Australia in 1927. Captain Robertson will no doubt be remembered by many returned men as the genial master of the Devon which acted as a troopship and took the left wing of the 17th and right wing of the 24th Reinforcements overseas. “I have been interested in the proposed harbour improvement scheme for Timaru,” said Captain Robertson. There was no doubt that more swinging room was needed at the port, and the suggested scheme should do much to increase the importance of Timaru harbour, which was the outlet of a rich agricultural and pastoral district. One of the friends with whom Captain Robertson communicated with in South Canterbury Is Mr A. McKenzie, of Pareora, who was an old shipmate.