A NEW ZEALAND ACTOR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2205, 1 June 1908, Page 1

A NEW ZEALAND ACTOR.

RETURN OF MR. HARRY ROBERTS.

OFFICIAL RECEPTION IN

WELLINGTON

(Special to Times.i WELLINGTON, May 30

A large number of loading citizens headed by the Hon. Thos ldislop (mayor) assembled lat 'the Grand Hotel on Friday and gave ta most cordial and enthusiastic reception to Mr Harry Roberts, a New Zealander who, after' an absence of several years in the larger centres of theatrical art, has climbed to the top of his- profession. During the past nine years Mr Roberts has achieved a series of successes -and the warmth of the welcome tendored him on his return to his native land must havo been very gratifying. . ‘ ■ The .Mayor, in proposing the health of the guest, said he was the son of a Mr Roberts’ who, for years, used to delight tho hearts of the young people to whom he ministered and of whom he (the mayor) was one. Mr Roberts, senr. land Mr Clarence Holt the Mayor remembered well and lie also recalled with pleasure Mr Harry Roberts’ mother, known professionally as Miss Polly Leake. Ho only hoped that those who wished to improve their minds would derive the same pleasure from the son as he (the speaker) and the young people of his day did from the acting of the father and mother of their guest (applause). When they reached the years to which he had come that recollection would be -as pleasant as his own had been. Mr. Roberts, who was received with enthusiasm, thanked the mayor and visitors for this totally unexpected and hearty greeting. His happiness in returning to his native land had been greatly enhanced by the thought that any tiny success lie had made had lived so long in the memory of liis friends in New Zealand. In this greeting lie took it that not only was he personally honored but .also every member of tile profession in Australasia:" - It made liis heart glad to think that, socially, the members of the profession were regarded -so much better than they were a few years ago when people did not reason as they did to-day. Mr Roberts is to take the leading part in the “Prince Chap” Company, which is to tour New Zealand.