ERNEST TOY.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10067, 8 February 1909, Page 4

ERNEST TOY.

AN INTEBESTING CAREER, . Rarely is it the good fortune of so young a man to have achieved the splendid success of Mr Ernest Toy, who is announced to give one concert here oil Tuesday, 16th inst. Ernest Toy was born in Bendigo, Victoria, in. the early eighties, but as his parents shortly afterwards migrated to Charters Towers (Queensland) goldfields, he is generally " looked on as a Queensland product. In fact, the violin on which lie now plays was a present from Queensland admirers resident in London, Lord Lamington, ex-Govemor of that State, being the prime mover m this pleasing testimonial to the artist's ability and achievements. The instrument is a superb Gaspara de Salo, over three hundred years old, and of great rarity. At & very early age Mr Toy's talent was unmistakable, and on the advice of. competent musicians he was sent to London at ten years of age so that the best means of developing his gifts would be at hand. That he justified this step is, of course, well known, and with the added experience of two years on the Continent under the world's greatest masters he is now generally regarded as the best that Australia has brought forward. Mr Toy's London recitals are regular fixtures, and he never fails to draw a large audience at that most critical centre. Throughout the provincial towns of England he has played continuously, and he is as great a favorite there as in Australia.

On liis appearance in Melbourne lastyear, the critics were enthusiastic, the Age remarking that Ernest Toy's attainments as a violinist were equivalent to Melba's as a. vocalist. Ernest Toy has had an eventful life, and is a great globetrotter. He has played in Russia, Germany, France, Italy, and Monaco (Monte Carlo), and it is his intention to exploit the Far East and America in the future. He has also had the honor of playing to his Majesty the King, who was delighted and wished the violinist continued success. Mr Toy has appeared with all the worldfamous artists, ' notably Mesdames Melba, Dolores, Calve, Ella Russell, Ada Crossley, and many others. Mr and 1 Miss Toy, who have already arrived in Oainaru, will remain here until after the concert.