Robert William Cary (1848 - 1890), singer, actor, manager, director and agent

Fitzroy Town Hall. By Melburnian, - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1041653

Cary first starts giving concerts in Melbourne in 1867. In July 1868 the Treasurer of the Victorian Band of Hope acknowledges the receipt of £8 from Cary who is the honorary secretary of Richmond Popular Readings. This money was for the building of a temperance hall in Fitzroy. Cary is mentioned in 1869 foiling a robbery in the room adjoining is in Carlton, Melbourne. One such concert that is written about in The Age on the 4th September 1869 states ‘A concert, interspersed with readings, was given in the Lecture Hall, Lennox Street, Richmond on Thursday evening, in aid of the funds of the Surrey Cricket Club. The attendance was very large, and the pieces selected for the occasion well merited the applause they received. Major Martin occupied the chair. The entertainment was under the direction of Mr R. W. Cary, Madame Pett presiding at the piano’.

Cary’s sister Alice died in May 1870. By the 2nd August 1870 Cary is taking part in the Phahran Popular Readings and he is listed as a popular amateur. Alter that month he is advertised as a baritone. He is also taking part in concerts at Emerald Hill. Cary is the conductor on the 20th October 1873 at a celebration for the Presbyterian Sunday School in Richmond’ 300 children sang at the local town hall.

Robert William Cary and Mary Ann Josephine O’Leary are married in 1870.

Cary’s wife gave birth to a son on the 22nd February 1872 at Roach Cottage, Clifton Street, Docker’s Hill, Richmond. He is named Robert William. The baptism record states he was born on the 22nd March 1872. He was baptised at St Stephen’s Church, Richmond, Melbourne.

R. W. Cary’s wife gives birth to a daughter on the 7th November 1873 at 160 Bridge Road, Richmond. She is named Florence Alice.

Robert William Cary is in the Victoria Government Gazette in 1873 and he is listed as a licensed vendor of stamps at the location, 150 Bridge Rd, Richmond, Melbourne.

The Age newspaper on the 29th January 1875 states ‘the Apollo Hall was well filled last evening, especially so in the reserved seats. The occasion was in compliment to the manager, Mr R. W. Cary, who received during the evening a very handsome illuminated address by Professor Hume on behalf of a number of admirers of that gentleman’.

On the 23rd February 1875 The Age informs their readers that “the United States troupe of Christ Minstrels, organised by Mr R. W. Cary, made their appearance for the first time in Melbourne at the Apollo Hall last evening. It is very evident from the crowded state of the hall long before the rising of the curtain that negro minstrelsy is still appreciated by the Melbourne public; and in addition to the style of entertainment offered, a sufficient inducement for an extraordinarily crowded house were the names of Campbell, Buckley, Holly, Rockefeller and Hudson’. It goes on to say that a larger hall would be preferable.

One of the series of concerts Cary organised is reviewed in The Age on the 2nd August 1875, it says ‘the Fitzroy Town Hall entertainments were given as usual on Saturday night last, under the management of Mr R. W. Cary. There was a capital attendance. Mt Larry O’Neil, the comique, made his reappearance after an absence of twelve months in a now entertainment of his own, Lightning Charges which were loudly applauded, Mr Weightman, the Man-fish, also appeared in his monster aquarium going through several evolutions while under water’.

By August 1875 R. W. Cary is the lessee and manager of the Apollo Theatre. In The Record and Emerald Hill and Sandridge Advertiser on the 20th August 1875 it states ‘this favourite place of amusement (refers to the Apollo Theatre) seems admirably adapted for the purpose which it has for some time past been applied to “the home of minstrelsy”. It is now occupied by a company named the Californian minstrels, under the able management of the well-known vocalist and caterer, Mr R. W. Cary and he has been successful in collecting a talented troupe of performers in each branch of the negro art. This entertainment is greeted nightly with universal approval by large audiences. I can express hope that Mr Cary’s enterprising spirit will be rewarded as it deserves to be. An amusing two hours’ recreation is provided at a very modest tariff for admission’.

On the 10th December 1875 Cary’s wife gives birth to a son at 205 Rathdowne St, Carlton. This is probably Ernest Arthur although he is not on the ship when his mother, brother and sister come to New Zealand.

The first mention of R. W. Cary in New Zealand is on the 27th December 1875 in the Evening Star. He was part of the Lydia Howarde company performing “Trail by Jury”.

The Age on the 22nd January 1876 states that Mr. R. W. Cary has been in Dunedin with Mr W. Smith’s combination troupe. He is listed as formerly the director of the popular concerts in Melbourne suburbs. And the same newspaper on the 6th Mary 1876 states that Cary has been playing in opera bouffe with the Lydia Howard Combination Troupe. It said that he appeared in Auckland in “Chilperic” and according to the papers, the local papers praised Cary highly. It states ‘Mr Cary was greatly esteemed in Melbourne and news of his success will be received with general satisfaction’.

Cary’s wife and two children leave Melbourne for New Zealand on the 13th July 1876. She is 34 years old, Robert is 4 years old and Florence is 2 years old.

In the Nelson Evening Mail on the 9th September 1876 there is a list of letters that are unclaimed at the Nelson Post Office and one of them is for R W Cary.

On the 2nd November 1876 the Timaru Herald has an advertisement for the production of Trail by Jury and Mr R. W. Cary is taking the part of The Learned Judge. And, on the following day there is a review for the Trial by Jury and Mr R. W. Cary is praised as being ‘very successful, his singing of the sone “When I, good friends, was called to the bar”, being a very striking performance. He has a good voice and acts well’.

Chaos in the Courtroom. By David Henry Friston - The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic Newsof 1 May 1875; http://diamond.boisestate.edu/gas/trial/html/clipart.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7541000

The Otago Daily Times on the 26th December 1876 says that the concert given by the Lydia Howard Troupe had Mr R. W. Cary who ‘had a large share of work allotted to him and contributed in no small degree to the success of the Concert’. And on the 6th January 1877 the Troupe gave a performance in Dunedin of “La Sylphide”, being a Scottish love-tale. It states ‘Mr R. W. Cary as Sir Haggis McHaggis, gave another proof of his versatility. His singing of “McGregor’s Gathering” was a capital piece of vocalisation’. Another Dunedin production in which Cary took part in was “Girofle-Girofla”. The Saturday Advertiser on the 13th January 1877 says that ‘Mr R. W. Cary had good scope for the display of his fine baritone voice and his keen sense of humour’.

However, on the 18th January 1877 there is an article in the Otago Daily Times which says ‘Messers H. Towle, R. W. Cary, J. G. Marshall, Fred. Ashton and Miss Lucy Ashton, late members of the Lydia Howarde Troupe, have written to us contradicting a statement that they had been dismissed from the Company. The true state of the case they explain is – “We left the Company on being informed that there was no money to pay our salaries, then a fortnight in arrears, and being unable to obtain a satisfactory account of the disposal of the receipts during that period”.

Nevertheless, R. W. Cary is subsequently working for another Troupe called the Chicago Minstrels as shown in the North Otago Times on the 30th January 1877. By the 1st February 1877 R. W. Cary is listed as the Business Manager for the troupe in the North Otago Times.

An article in the New Zealand Herald on the 10th April 1877 provides a little history of R. W. Cary’s performances. It states ‘the baritone is Mr R. W. Cary, who came to Auckland as a member of Smiths’ Combination Troupe about a year ago, and later joined Miss Lydia Howard’s Opera Bouffe Company’.

On the 16th June 1877, The Age states that ‘The Chicago Minstrels, composed of many old Melbourne favourites – notably Mr R. W. Cary, have just finished a most successful engagement of three months in the north of New Zealand and are now playing at Christchurch Theatre Royal to good business. They open at the Prince’s Theatre in Dunedin on June 9th for three weeks, The Georgia Minstrels will follow’.

Rosamund in her bower. By William Bell Scott - http://www.victorianweb.org/painting/scott/paintings/3.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1903687

In the Evening Post dated 2nd October 1877 there is a review of a performance at St George’s Hall in Wellington the evening before. It says ‘at St George’s Hall last evening, the programme comprised “Fair Rosamond’s Bower” and “The Rose of Auvergne” both capitally performed by Miss Lydia Howarde, Mdlle. Solange Navaro, and Mr R. W. Cary. There was a numerous audience, who applauded the performers most enthusiastically, and the prizes created interest. This evening, the charming operetta “Trial by Jury” in which one of Gilbert’s happiest hits is combined with some of Dr Sullivan’s most charming music, will be produced’. One advertisement lists the prizes as being pearl lustres (ornaments for the mantlepiece), baskets, a cradle, a bag of flour, watches, a pound note, scents, candles, cruets, vases, decanters, clocks, desks, workboxes and more. And another advertisement states that a silver watch will be a present at that evening’s performance. On the 13th October 1877 the two prizes that are mentioned are a live sheep and an iron bedstead. In one article it states that the number of prizes to be given out number 50 to 60. On the evening of the 7th November a piano worth £321 was given away along with a singing bird, some pictures, graphascopes (a device for enlarging photos) and marble clocks. However, a number of newspapers run an article entitled ‘The Degraded Drama’ in which the writer denounces the use of prizes to entice people to the theatre. Not too long after Mr R. W. Cary commences offering gifts another company playing at the same time in Wellington starts offering gifts too.

On the 4th October 1877 Mr R. W. Cary, manager is part of a production of Aladdin, the Evening Post calling it a ‘gorgeous Burlesque’. Some of the other productions at the same time were “Norma’, “Chilperic”, “Parted”, “Ali Baba”, “A Puff of Smoke”, “Lucia di Lammermoor” (a burlesque), “The Daughter of the Regiment”, “Don Giovanni”, (an operetta burlesque) “Il Travotore”, “King James V”, “Giselle”, “Cinderella”, “The Bride of Abydos”, “Smudge”, “Vagabond”, “The Factory Girl”, “Ingomar”, “Maritana”, “Miriam’s Crime”, “Belphegor, the Mountebank”, “Lady of Lyons”, “Perfection” and “Black-eyed Susan”. One evening, the 10th October 1877 the witches scene from Macbeth was performed with music, Mr R. W. Cary was the third witch. Many of these plays/operettas were only performed for a few nights.

An advertisement in the Evening Post on the 29th October 1877 states that the ‘drawing in the Grand Art Union of £1000 will take place on Monday 5th November. The remaining tickets can now be obtained at the Hall (St George’s Hall) daily. Signed R. W. Cary, Manager’. The drawing of the St George’s Hall Grand Art Union of £1000 actually took place on the 7th November.

Mr R. W. Cary has a part in the production of Girofle Girofla in December 1877 as Mourzouk, Chief of the Moors (the betrothed of Girofla). The New Zealand Times says, ‘Mr R. W. Cary came out in a splendid “make up”, and made a decided hit, his acting really good, and contributing not a little to the success of the piece. His fine voice told to advantage especially in the finale to the first act’. One advertisement bills him as ‘the ferocious Moor Mourzouk’.

On the 29th December 1877, there is a birth notice in The Age stating that Mrs Cary, wife of R. W. Cary, theatrical manager, late of Bridge Road, Richmond has given birth to a daughter at Te Aro, Wellington.

In 1878 Cary is giving benefit concerts for various people. One such benefit concert is described in the Evening Post on the 13th June 1878 stating ‘Mr Walton’s benefit at the Odd Fellows’Hall last night drew a full house. On the beneficiare himself feel the brunt of the performance, but he was fairly supported by several well-known artistes, and the programme appeared to give every satisfaction to the audience. Besides “The Irish Emigrant” and “His Last Legs” there was a miscellaneous concert in which Mr R. W. Cary took part, his song “The Death of Nelson” being loudly applauded.

On the evening of the 7th February 1878 R. W. Cary opens an evening of pictures of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877 – 1878. On this evening too prizes were going to be handed out. One advertisement states that the prizes are given away on the ‘Art-Union principle’. This presentation also occurred in Wanganui, Featherston, Greytown, Masterton, Westport and Kumara.

The Working Men’s Club proposed an Art Union and Fine Arts Industrial Exhibition. Shipping companies and the railways stated that they would carry these exhibits to the Industrial Exhibition for free. It was decided that letters would be sent to some of the ‘leading’ citizens of Wellington asking them to ‘forward any works of art, industrial exhibits, geological specimens or curiosities that they may possess for the exhibition. It was also resolved that the entire management of the art union and exhibition should be left to Mr R. W. Cary, who had considerable experience in such matters’. This is written in the New Zealand Mail on the 18th May 1878. This exhibition was opened on the 1st July 1878 at the new Wellington Working Men’s Club next to the Imperial Opera Street in Manners Street. Insurance policies were taken out to provide against any possible loss of the items on display. On the 1st June 1878 the New Zealand Mail informs readers that several paintings were coming to the exhibition from Christchurch and that the Governor would be forwarding his case of stuffed Queensland birds. The Build magazine states that the exhibition opened with a half-day local holiday. It says among the several hundred paintings and examples of modern technology, including a railway ticket printing machine and a telephone, was a ‘nail gun’’ invented by a young Wellington man, Mr F. Falkner’. A review in the New Zealand Times on the 5th July 1878 informs the reader that the catalogue describing the items on display would be ready that day. The lack of this catalogue meant that viewers were ‘sadly in the dark as to the names of the exhibits’. There is a description of some fish on display and some shells were arriving from Fiji. It continues with ‘arrangements will, it is hoped for having a telephone at work shortly, the idea being to have a band stationed in some building near at hand, and have the music conveyed into the picture gallery by wire’. One painting exhibited is of the entrance to Milford Sound. Another is of a freshwater lake in George Sound. It goes on to praise the work of Mr R. W. Cary’. The exhibition closed on the 27th July 1878.

The Evening Post dated 3rd August 1878 informs ‘the Working Men’s Exhibition Committee intend to give a concert for the benefit of Mr R. W. Cary, at the Opera House, on the 10th instant’. This concert was given in ‘recognition of his able management of the late exhibition in connection with the Working Men’s Club. It is stated that due ‘to the popularity of Mr Cary and the excellence of the entertainment, the Opera House will be filled to over-flowing’.

On the 7th June 1878 there is a court case described in the Evening Post. It states ‘in E. W. Mills v. R. W. Cary, the plaintiff claimed £10 10s for ironwork supplied in connection with the pantomime at St George’s Hall last Christmas. Mr Cary proved that he was merely the manager of the pantomime, and judgement was accordingly given for the defendant’.

Theatre Royal, Wellington. Wellington City Recollect, Creative Commons images.

The Evening Post of the 21st June 1878 informs readers that ‘The Imperial Minstrels – a newly formed troupe of eleven members, the majority of them well known as professional singers and actors will open at the Theatre Royal tomorrow evening. Among the performers we notice Mr R. W. Cary, Mr Sam Poole, Mr D. Clinton and others’.

Robert William Cary is on the New Zealand Electoral Roll in 1878, his residence being Wellington, the electorate is Wellington and his qualification is household.

The Manawatu Herald on the 15th October 1878 informs their readers that ‘we believe in about ten days a troupe of very clever theatricals will visit Foxton. They are known as the Hart Combination troupe and have just concluded a most successful season in Wellington. We anticipate for the theatre-going portion of the Manawatu settlers, a rare treat. Mr R. W. Cary, so well known in theatrical circles, is acting as manager for the troupe’.

In late 1878 R. W. Cary is part of a group called the Royal Marionettes, which was the first marionette show in New Zealand.

By the 25th November 1878 Mr R. W. Cary is the business manager for a Wairarapa tour by Mademoiselle Charbonnet, who is described as a ‘talented pianist, whose brilliance and expressive playing created such a favourable impression among lovers of music in Wellington’. By the 7th December 1878 he has returned to Wellington and is performing as part of Mademoiselle Charbonnet’s concert.

On the 9th December 1878 the New Zealand Times informs the readers that ‘Mr R. W. Cary, the well-known theatrical manager, has just received advices from Sydney to the effect that a grand panorama of the Artic regions will arrive in Wellington by the next boat from Sydney. It is a magnificent work of art illustrating every object and scene of interest in the Polar world, the manners and customs of its wandering tribes, the habits of the bear, the seal and the walrus, together with illustrations of hairbreadth escapes by sea, land and ice that our bold adventurers have to encounter in the cause of science. The mechanical effects have been carried out with a strict adherence to nature; dogs drawing sledges across the frozen wastes, walrus hunting, bear fights, shipwrecks, floating ice islands, revolving icebergs, ships getting underway, are said to be all depicted to the life. In the panorama itself there are sixty-three views, the whole concluding with a grand transformation scene, in which there are twenty-two entire changes’. The Evening Post of 13th January 1879 informs their readers ‘the Wanganui Chronicle speaks in terms of highest commendation of Mr R. W. Cary’s Panorama of the Artic World, which will be exhibited in Wellington shortly. Our Wanganui contemporary predicts that “when it is shown in Wellington, where the spirited manager will have more time and stage accessories, it will have a long run of popular patronage, as it certainly deserves’.

In the Wanganui Herald on the 24th February 1879 it tells of Mr R. W. Cary concluding arrangements with the Stewart family that will be visiting Wanganui. Because of the cost involved, Cary decided to issue season tickets for the six nights. These tickets reserved a numbered seat, could be transferred and cost £1. If Cary managed to sell 50 of these tickets he would undertake the risk. This company presented “Rainbow Revels” in which they family sang and danced.

On the 9th May 1879 the Evening Post it states that ‘Mr R. W. Cary proposes to take a party of Maoris to the Sydney Exhibition to dance the haka and give other performances. The idea strikes us as being and extremely good one, and there is little doubt that Mr Cary’s party would excite great interest, and prove one of the most attractive features in the New Zealand annexe’. However, at the end of June the New Zealand Times informed their readers that this proposition was not fulfilled because the Sydney Commissioners refused the offer.

The Evening Post on the 24th May 1879 tells of an upcoming concert the following Monday. It says ‘at the Athenaeum Hall on Monday evening next, Mr Barry O’Neil, the well-known comic vocalist, will make his first appearance before a Wellington audience in a number of lightning changes. Mr R. W Cary, the popular baritone will sing Russell’s descriptive scene “A Leap for Life”. The entertainment will conclude with twenty minutes “mystery” and a laughable comeietta by Miss Lizzie Lawrence and Mr Reid. We have no doubt that there will be a full house’. This was a benefit concert for Mr O’Neil.

On the 31st May 1879 the Evening Post informs their readers that the Athenaeum Popular Concerts, will commence again that following Monday under the management of Mr R. W. Cary. It states “Mr Cary is generally very successful in anything which he undertakes, and we have no doubt that the concerts will be fully as popular this year as they were last year’. At one of these concerts a Mr Amadio played on the dulcimer including the imitation of bells which according to the New Zealand Mail on the 7th June 1879 ‘took the audience by storm. The performer has lately arrived in Wellington and makes the instruments himself’.

On the evening of the 16th June 1879 a fire engulfed a large part of central Wellington, destroying thirty buildings. One of these buildings was Opera House and Mr R. W. Cary was one of the first on the scene trying to salvage anything from the fire. When he entered the building according to one report, about one-third of the ceiling was already on fire. The piano and musical instruments were salvaged, and the wardrobes too. At that point though a large part of the ceiling fell in and nothing else could be saved. All of the scenery was destroyed along with many other items.

The Evening Post on the 21st June 1879 announces that Mr R. W. Cary has arranged for the appearance of the English Opera Company at the Theatre Royal in Wellington for a short season beginning on the 7th July. Many operas were to be performed, including “H.M.S. Pinafore” and “The Sorcerer”, the latter being performed in Auckland at that time. Cary is the lessee and manager for these concerts. And Cary takes a part in one of these operas.

By August 1878 Cary is inaugurating the Academy if Music with his Combination Operatic Company and two comic operas are performed, “The Rose of Auvergne” and “The Chelsea Pensioner”, both by Offenbach. The first performance was for Cary’s benefit.

On the 25th August 1879 R. W. Cary is advertising in the Evening Post the use of the Academy of Music for Concerts, Soirees, Public Meetings etc. The Sorcerer is produced in September 1879 at the Academy of Music.

The Wanganui Herald on the 11th October 1879 advertises the coming of the Pinafore English Opera Company will be performing “H. M. S. Pinafore”, with others such as “The Sorcerer””, Girofle-Girofla”, “Maritana” and “Trial by Jury” at the Old Fellows Hall. Mr R. W. Cary fills the role of the Learned Judge in “Trail by Jury”. One the 24th October 1879 there is a double-billing of “The Sorcerer” and “Trial by Jury”.

Cary’s wife gives birth to a son on the 17th November 1879 in Wellington. This son could be Frederick Arthur.

The Wairarapa Daily Times on the 27th November is advertising ‘Mr R. W. Cary’s American Troubadours in their Popular Entertainment – Patchwork’ to be played at the Masterton Town Hall on December 1st, 2nd and 3rd December.

By the 22nd December 1879 R. W. Cary is advertising the Christmas pantomime, “Kainga of the Lady Birds”. (This is also known as “Kainga of the Ladye Birds”. It was described as described as ‘a new grand Semi-Maori Christmas pantomime’.) There is a very long review of the pantomime in the Evening Post on the 27th December 1879 stating that the Academy of Music was completely full. Some songs from the “H.M.S. Pinafore” and “The Sorcerer” were arranged to be used in the pantomime and the opening scene is an incantation scene by the Demon of Colonial Finance, Cary taking this part. The song he sings is from the “H.M.S. Pinafore”, in which the Demon describes how, from a messenger in the bank, he became “The Ruler of the Treasuree”. The Evening Post states ‘this was admirably sung by Mr Cary, who was in capital voice, and in fact sang and acted throughout with an amount of spirit and ability that must have astonished even those who know him best, and contributed largely to the success of the piece’.

At the start of 1879 Cary is producing more shows at the Academy of Music. On the 17th March occurred the first performance of “Happy Land” however it does not seem to have gone very well at all. Judging by the plot, it is “Patience” adapted to New Zealand circumstances. Cary took on the role of a well-known New Zealand politician of the time.

On the 25th June 1880 R. W. Cary is advertising in the Evening Post the upper floor of the St. George’s Hall for letting for balls parties, meetings and so on at ‘exceeding low terms’. There is another exhibition organised by R. W. Cary at the Academy of Music of ‘the most beautiful of panoramas and dioramas, The Great Zealandia Exhibition of New Zealand’. At one concert where R. W. Cary sang in August 1880, Cary’s voice was hoarse and declined singing an encore.

The New Zealand Times dated 7th September 1879 informs their readers that ‘Mr E. Shaw, Resident Magistrate, will deliver judgment on Thursday morning, in the case of R. W. Cary v F. Sidney, an action to recover the sum of £90 10s, an amount of purchase money paid on a section of land at Kilburnie, owing to the alleged non-fulfilment of the contract by defendant’. The Otago Daily Times had a summary of the court action on the 13th September 1879. In October 1878 Cary successfully bid on a piece of land in Kilburnie. The terms of the sale were one-half in cash at the time and the balance at the end of six months by means of a bill. The title was to be completed fourteen days after the completion of the sale. However, it was unclear as to who the vendor really was, and the title was never completed. The judge decided in favour of Cary.

The Evening Post on the 22nd September 1879 tells the readers that a Madame Franzini has just arrived from Melbourne and that she would be performing a number of feats on a bicycle. She would be performing at St George’s Hall and was engaged by Mr R. W. Cary. In one advertisement she is listed as being the only “Lady Bicycle Side-saddle Rider”.

Cast of HMS Pinafore, Christchurch Operatic Society. Ref: 1/2-116347-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22700733

By late September 1879 Cary is directing the rehearsals of “H.M.S. Pinafore”. The actress playing Josephine received £20 per week for the role. Cary is the lessee and manager at the Theatre Royal. Cary takes on the role of Captain Corcoran and in the review it states that his singing was ‘slightly marred by a severe cold’. Cary receives praise for his ‘indefatigable exertions’. One of the performances was on board the ship the St Leonards at Queen’s Wharf. Fortunately, the weather clear and fine. A platform of seats was erected on the wharf and the ship itself was decorated and lit. The poop of the ship formed the stage. Sir Joseph’s state barge, was rowed by men belonging to the Naval Brigade and his arrival was heralded by a salute of guns with simultaneous firing of rockets. However, it was found on the opening of a shop in Willis St, Wellington that one of the rockets had gone through the roof exploding amongst the goods but this had not resulted in fire. The large hole in the roof let in the rain and many good were damaged. One article states that Cary made £400 for the week that ”H.M.S. Pinafore” was being played in Wellington, half of which is profit. One article wryly says that ‘it is hoped that after this second warning (a New Year’s rocket had gone through a warehouse roof a few years prior) the discharge of rockets in such dangerous vicinity to our wooden city will be strictly interdicted’. This performance was for the benefit of Miss Leaf who played the part of Josephine.

Papers Past Newspapers Evening Post 13 October 1880 Page 3 Advertisements Column 2Cary.jpg

Papers Past Newspapers Evening Post 13 October 1880 Page 3 Advertisements Column 2Carya.jpg

Above taken from the Evening Post dated 13th October 1880.

Not long after this there was another production of “H.M.S. Pinafore” in Wellington which according to one review was not as good as Cary’s production.

In the Star on the 15th November 1880 it informs their readers that ‘Mr R. W. Cary passed through Christchurch yesterday on his way to Professor Haselmayer, the well-known conjuror, who will commence a New Zealand tour at the Bluff in a few days’. Cary accompanied Haselmayer and his wife on a tour throughout the country. One part of the entertainment consisted of a figure called Psycho, who plays a game of whist with persons selected from the audience.

The Evening Post on the 24th January 1881 has an interesting article stating ‘Mr R. W. Cary has received the music and libretto of Gilbert and Sullivan’s new work “The Pirates of Penzance” – from England and he intends to produce the play with a company of amateurs shortly. Mr Cary’s copy is believed to the first which has arrived in New Zealand’. The New Zealand Times expands on the Evening Post article by saying ‘Mr R. W. Cary, who returned from Napier by S.S. Albion on Sunday night, was agreeably surprised to find waiting for him, at the Post Office, a book parcel from England containing the libretto and musical scores of Gilbert and Sullivan’s new satirical opera “The Pirates of Penzance”. Mr R. W. Cary was the lessee and manager of the Theatre Royal in Wellington.

Grand Theatre, Leeds poster. By D'Oyly Carte Opera Company - Gilbert and Sullivan: The Official D'Oyly Carte Picture History, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=114800378

The Otago Witness dated 26th February 1881 states ‘R. W. Cary’s benefit at Wellington was not a financial success. Possibly the forced withdrawal of “Pinafore” at the last moment had something to do with it’. Following this, there is an article in the Evening Post on the 19th March 1881 which informs their readers that ‘with the permission of Mr Williamson, Mr R. W. Cary intends to reproduce the popular nautical operetta “H. M. S. Pinafore” at the Theatre Royal on Friday next. This time the performance will be given by “The Baby Pinafore Company” who ranks, may be inferred by the title, varying in age from 5 to 13 years. For two or three weeks past this company have been actively rehearsing the operetta, and it is said they have now attained a wonderful degree of efficiency’. A review for the Baby Pinafore states that Master Willie Cary ‘introduced a song “The Midshipmite” which he sang very well’. One performance was for the benefit of the Naval Brigade Band and the following evening’s performance was for the benefit of “Little Buttercup”. On the 2nd April the Otago Witness commences their article with ‘Mr R. W. Cary has got himself into trouble. On Friday night at wellington he produced a Baby “Pinafore”, the performers of which are “Wellington children varying in age from five to thirteen years”. Messers Pollard and Dunning no sooner heard of it than they cabled to Mr J. C. Williamson, who lost no time in instructing his agent (Mr E. T. Gillon) to take legal proceedings to stop the continuance of the performance and to recover penalties for the infraction of his rights. Other managers, who are following Mr Cary’s example, should be warned in time, as Mr Williamson has determined on prosecuting all and sundry who have not his permission to play the operetta’.

By February 1881 copies of The Pirates of Penzance have arrived in New Zealand. The New Zealand Times on the 6th April 1881 has an interesting that discusses the number of copies sold of the two operettas, H.M.S. Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance. It states that ‘since 1878 the publishers of H.M.S. Pinafore had sold over 200,000 copies. The Pirates of Penzance had been published on November 11th 1880 and by the end of the year, 32,000 copies had been sold and that many more were being printed.

By the 9th April 1881 Cary has taken over the lease of St George’s Hall and he had it renovated and decorated. Once this work had been completed, the skating season would open. He took the lease out for twelve months. The rink was on the lower floor and the upper floor was referred to as an assembly hall. One article states that there was a good supply of roller skates and a well prepared floor. On the 9th May 1881 Cary is advertising for someone to look after the skating rink.

By Unknown author - http://operetta-research-center.org/chilperic-opera-bouffe-3-acts-4-tableaux/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75796442

On the 12th April 1881 the Auckland Star states that ‘Mr J. C. Williamson declines to grant any rights to produce The Pirates of Penzance in New Zealand, his intention being to come over himself with the company and imported dresses, and scenery now employed in the representation at Sydney’. However, in the Lyttelton Times on the 18th April it says ‘Mr Shepperson and Miss Lydia Howarde are at present in Christchurch, resting on their oars for the time being. Mr Shepperson made an offer of £300 to Mr J. C. Williamson for the sole right to play The Pirates of Penzance in New Zealand, but we understand that the offer was declined, Mr Williamson desiring an offer for a longer term, say not less than six months’. By the 29th April 1881 the New Zealand papers are saying that an offer had been made by Mr W Reynolds to purchase the sole right to produce The Pirates of Penzance throughout New Zealand for six months, which it was thought would be accepted by My Williamson. But then, in the Press on the 4th May 1881, it states that ‘Mr R. W. Carey, (sic) the well-known theatrical manager, has purchased from Mr J. C. Williamson, the sole right to represent the opera The Pirates of Penzance in New Zealand’. Another article in the Evening Post on the 4th May 1881 provides more detail regarding Mr R. W. Cary’s purchase of the copyright of The Pirates of Penzance. The price agreed upon for the sole right to produce the piece in New Zealand for a period of eight months is £500. (Another article states that it was for six months). Mr Cary intends, we believe, to secure a first-class company, and to produce The Pirates of Penzance in Wellington in a few weeks’.

On the 23rd April the New Zealand Times informs their readers that Cary intends to produce the great opera-bouffe, “Chilperic” at the Theatre Royal, using the same company as that for the Baby Pinafore. Willie Cary had a part in this production, too.

Cary is playing the part of Hecate in a production of Macbeth at the Theatre Royal on the 2nd May 1881.

So, in the Evening Post on the 9th May 1881 Mr R. W. Cary is inviting ladies and gentlemen who are willing to assist in the chorus in the production of The Pirates of Penzance to meet at St Georges Hall that evening. And later in the month on the 20th May 1881 the New Zealand Times states ‘Mr Sydney Wolf, R.A.M., has been entrusted with the conductorship of the Pirates of Penzance operetta, now in rehearsal by Mr Cary’s new company, and under his guidance there is every assurance of the first performance in this colony being a triumphant success. The new piece will be produced as speedily as possible consistent with careful preparation and may be looked forward to as the chief coming event in musical topics’.

There is an interesting article in the Evening Post on the 9th June 1881 concerning the cast of The Pirates of Penzance. When members of the Simonsen Company performed earlier in Wellington, Cary had sent a note to certain members of the cast asking them if they were open to engagement. (He was sick at the time and did not meet these cast members personally). These cast members were happy to be part of Cary’s production as they said that their engagement with Simonsen had expired in May, so Cary engaged these performers. When the ship was leaving Wellington’s wharf Cary went to farewell Mr Simonsen. Simonsen made a blow at Cary which was reciprocated. Members of the public intervened and there were no further blows.

Cary’s father, Robert Daniel dies on the 11th June 1881 at Carlton, Melbourne. He is aged 57 years old.

On the 24th June 1881 in the New Zealand Times it says ‘Mr Cary has had a complete set of scenery painted for The Pirates of Penzance. The work has been well executed by Mr Briggs, whose skill with the brush is well known in Wellington. The whole has been so arranged that it can be easily packed and moved. By this means Mr Cary will be enabled to use it during the trip through the colony which the company will make after completing the season in Wellington’. It is interesting to note in the Evening Post on the 27th June 1881 that Mr R. W. Cary is in the role of The Pirate King. And the role of Ruth was taken by a man, Mr Cecil Riverton and it was noted that some of his songs ‘were spoilt by their being taken too low’. There is a review of Cary’s performance in the Hawke’s Bay Herald on the 17th October 1881 stating that ‘Mr R. W. Cary’s representation of the Pirate King was an excellent piece of burlesque acting. He knew how to fly his flag in a manner becoming the dignity of his position, and as a leader of the tender-hearted pirates he was all that could be desired and his grave and good advice (for a pirate) to Frederic heightened the absurdity of the piece, especially where he directs him to “always act in accordance with the dictates of his conscience”’.

The first performance of The Pirates of Penzance in New Zealand was on the 27th June 1881 and in the Auckland Star on the 28th June 1881 it tells of “The Pirates of Penzance had a crowded house last night, and the piece went off most successfully. Nine-tenths of members of both Houses were there but many say it is not as good as Pinafore’. After running in Wellington the production moved to Christchurch, opening on the 12th July 1881.

In the South Canterbury Times on the 31st August 1881 Cary thanks the Dunedin public for their support during “The Pirates of Penzance” season. He stated that he hoped to be back in Dunedin soon to present “Billee Taylor” and “Patience” and that he was negotiating for the right of playing with the authors.

Jim Pawson as Major-General Stanley from a production of Pirates of Penzance - Photograph taken by Mark Luder Lampe. Tesla Studios :Negatives of Wanganui and district taken by Alfred Martin, Frank Denton and Mark Lampe (Tesla Studios). Ref: 1/1-022431-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22884501

Robert William Cary is on the New Zealand Electoral Roll in 1881. His residence is Webb st in the Te Aro electorate, his qualification is residential and his occupation is theatrical.

Cary returned to Wellington on the 5th December 1881 after touring the country with “The Pirates of Penzance”. On his return he began to supervise the production of the Juvenile Pirates of Penzance Company. Willie Cary takes on the role of Pirate King. According to one report on the New Zealand Times on the 20th December 1881 he ‘created roars of laughter when he found that his sword was too long to be drawn with the length of one arm’. One of the last mentions of Cary’s juvenile “Pirates of Penzance” troupe is in the Evening Post on the 6th March 1882 stating that ‘Mr R. W. Cary, with the remains of his juvenile troupe arrived from the West Coast today. Business, we learn has not been very brisk with the impresario and his little company’.

On the 11th March 1882 Cary has filed a declaration of insolvency, some of his creditors are the parents of the member of his juvenile troupe for salaries due to them’. There is a benefit concert for these children on the 17th March and a letter to the editor in the Evening Post on the 15th March 1881 states that Cary is not involved in it all apart from lending the dresses and supervising the stage arrangements. His liabilities and assets are published on the 18th March 1882, his liabilities are £977 7s 4d and the assets are £433. Apparently, Cary had been losing money for some time prior to the productions of Penzance. He requested a discharge from bankruptcy. He borrowed money to pay for the rights to produce “The Pirates of Penzance”. Cary obtains this discharge on the 13th June 1882 as written in the New Zealand Times on the 14th June 1882 informing their readers that ‘Mr Cary’s profession was a speculative one, and persons giving him credit were aware of it. He (the judge) found no reason to say that Mr Cary had acted improperly in any of the charges brought against him’. A benefit concert was organised for him at the Theatre Royal on the 7th July 1882. Cary was departing for Melbourne after this concert. The Melbourne papers tell of Mr R. W. Cary’s return to Melbourne in August 1882 and in the same month Cary is organising some concerts in Melbourne. Later that year Cary is appearing in “Rip van Winkle”. Throughout the following years he is organising shows as well as taking roles in productions. At the start of 1887 he is managing the Christmas festival of the Protestant Alliance friendly Society in the Exhibition building.

On the 8th February 1887 Robert William Cary, aged 38 years old joins the Neptune Lodge in Melbourne. His residence is Fitzroy and his occupation is agent.

On the 3rd May 1889, the wife of R. W. Cary dies suddenly at 14 Kerr St, Fitzroy. ‘So loved, so mourned’. An insertion in The Age states that she was Mary Josephine Cary but also known as Polly O’Leary which could have been her stage name. She was the youngest sister of Mrs J. Moloney. A benefit concert is given for Cary however it was unsuccessful financially. There is little mention of Cary after this date.

Robert William Cary, aged 42 years dies on the 28th December 1890 at Melbourne Hospital. His occupation is listed as an actor and the cause of death is hematemesis. It is not known how long he had this illness. His father was Daniel Cary and his profession was gilder.

In the Evening Post on the 10th January 1891 there is an obituary from the Dunedin Star for R. W. Cary. It is as follows ‘ he was admitted into Melbourne Hospital on the 28th and died half an hour afterwards in a state of collapse. It appears that in the previous day he was seized with an attack of vomiting blood and was attended by Dr. Amess, where he was lodging – the Prince of Wales Hotel, Church St, Richmond. He appeared to rally somewhat, but on Sunday morning suddenly became worse, and was taken to hospital, Deceased, who was known in Melbourne as “New Zealand Cary” some years back had the management of the concerts at the Temperance Hall and he himself was in the habit of singing at dinners etc. He was a widower 42 years of age and leaves three children, the eldest of whom is a son about 16 years of age. Recently fortune has not smiled on Cary, and he was on the down grade when death overtook him’. Possibly Cary’s son Robert William had already left home although this does not equate with the fact that the oldest child at home is a son.

Robert William Cary is buried in the Carlton North Cemetery in Melbourne.

On the 26th August 1903, Ernest Arthur Cary, second son of the late R. W. Cary of Carlton marries Janet Mary Hubbard at Steel’s Creek.

Robert William Cary, eldest son of Mr R. W. Cary, late of Wellington and Melbourne married Annie Morrison, daughter of David Morrison of Perthshire, Scotland on the 2nd April 1907 at Ponsonby, Auckland.

And another son, Frederick Arthur becomes engaged to Jane Dorothy Reyment in April 1914. They marry on the 23rd December 1916, he was the youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs R. W. Cary, at St Mary’s Church, Caulfield.

www.paperspastnatlib.co.nz

www.trove.nal.gov.au

https://www.buildmagazine.org.nz/index.php/articles/show/years-of-interesting-innovsation

https://teara.govt.nz/en/plays-and-playwrights

www.ancestry.co.uk

www.findmypast.com

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