A NEW ZEALAND STAR.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 209, 28 May 1908, Page 7

A NEW ZEALAND STAR.

ARRIVAL, QF. MR. HARRY ROBERTS. TO TOUR .THE DOMINION. Among the passengers who arrived from Sydney i last night by the Monowai was Mr. Harry S! Roberts, the young New Zoalander who has won distinction as an actor in America and" England, and is now re-visit-ing his native land after an absence of nine years. \ "In the'best of health, and very glad to I'be here, for I love New Zealand," was the !; sum '. and substanco of Mr. Roberts's, replies to the first questions of a Dominion reporter who met him on the boat. Mr. Roberts can hardly remember his first experience'of the, stage. His father was an "actor'Before-him';' and was prominent in his profession in this country. Mr. Roberts left New Zealand nine years ago, ' and after a year in Australia went 'to America.' Ho played successfully in many of the States, and in a-number of diverse characters, making a special hit as David Garrick.- He also-starred as Petromus in "Quo Vadis." ' For' several years Mr. Roberts under .engagement to Mr.'David' Bclasco, who' is perhaps the greatest of America's theatrical producers.'- Subsequently, Mr. , secured the' rights of the comedy' drama, "The Prince Chap," which ho took to London, where lie starred for somo time at Sir Charles Wyndham's Theatre.' The"!play was a great success, while Mr. Roberts won that fame which every actor yearns for. This was the' first' ~occasion on which any actor from Australasia has starred oil the London stage. Ho then took "The Prince Chap" through fho provinces, and in the meantime opened'negotiations for a tour of his native land. Mr. Roberts's "Princo Chap" Company conies here under tile * management of Messrs'. Allan Hamilton and Harold Asliton. Included in the company, all of whom arrived by the 'Monowai with Mr. Roberts, are Mr. Frank Lamb, a-prominent Now York comedian, known ■ for many years as a Shakespearean actor; Miss Mary Kocgli, a well-known American' character actress; Miss Justina Wayne; Mr. A. E. Grccnaway. formerly leading man with Miss Tittell ,-DruneMiss Vera ißernee, who has recently achiovcci some success in Australia; Miss Florenco Redfern, who was until lately a prominent member of Mr. J. C. Williamson's companies; the little Misses Vera Huggettand Borvl Yates, who have shown themselves very elcvor children; and a' number of .other-artists. Mr. George Bullcr, business manager, 'came with the company,' and Mr. Albert Goldic, touring manager, 'met them here. Tlio first performance will be given at Christchurch next Monday, and the Company will ton 1- the ,South Island before opening in Wellington:' Mr. Roborts will bo. welcomed by the Mayor (Hon. T. W. .Hislop) at a public reception at the Grand Hotel at 11 a.m. to-day. Members of the Julius Knight Company and tho Rickards Vaudeville Cornpany will bo present in strong force.