SOLOIST COLLAPSES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 735, 7 August 1929, Page 1

SOLOIST COLLAPSES

DEATH OF SINGER TRAGIC END TO CONCERT Amid applause after singing a solo and giving an encore at a concert last evening, Mr. Robert H. Gough, aged about 50, collapsed and died. The tragedy occurred at a concert given by the choir of St. Mark’s Church, Remuera, to the Missions of Seamen in the Navy League rooms, in Simich’s Buildings, Customs Street West. Mr. Gough, a member of the choir, took part in th. opening choir number, and after several other items had been given, sang a solo. At the conclusion he was seen to put his hand to his heart, but in response to warm

applause he sang an encore number. While the audience was still applauding Mr. Gough left the platform and staggered and collapsed into a chair in the front row of seats. He was carried from the room unconscious, and when the St. John Ambulance arrived he was dead. When Mr. Gough collapsed, the Rev. H. K. Vickery, chaplain to the Missions to Seamen, telephoned to several doctors, but was unable to secure their services. He then telephoned the St. John Ambulance, which arrived promptly. The concert was abandoned, the audience standing while the chaplain offered a prayer. For some time Mr. Gough had not enjoyed the best of health and for several months had been receiving medical attention. He lived at 72 Bassett Road, Remuera, and leaves a wife and two children. He was a prominent member of the choir of St. Mark’s Church, with which he had been associated for a number of years.