George Richard West, Hocken Collections, Otago University photo.
Jennie West
The following is taken from the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography.
‘Jennie West was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, on 6 September 1866, the daughter of George Richard West, a music shop proprietor, and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Newman, a music teacher who ran a private school in Moray Place. Jennie had her first music lesson on her fifth birthday. She attended the Normal School and St Dominic's Priory, and had lessons in piano and organ from Arthur Towsey.
The Wests' home was the scene for much music-making. Mary West gave singing lessons and George West conducted and trained local choirs in an annexe to their house; from the age of 10 Jennie accompanied their rehearsals. She made her first public appearance at the age of 11, performing in a piano trio at the Dunedin Glee Club. In 1878 or 1879 she was pianist for the Dunedin Choral Society's season, which included a performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah. A gifted sight-reader, she also played in performances by the touring Simonsen's Opera Company.
In 1881 Jennie West was taken by her father to London to further her musical education. She studied piano with Franklin Taylor, residing with his family and attending a private young ladies' seminary nearby. Taylor's musical circle included the musicologist George Grove, and the composers Arthur Sullivan, C. H. H. Parry, John Stainer and C. V. Stanford, and Jennie attended musical evenings and concerts in this company.
Jennie West returned to Dunedin in 1883. She began teaching music, as a visiting teacher at Otago Girls' High School and later at a private college, and also taught at home. On one occasion when her father was ill she conducted an operatic society rehearsal, to the performers' surprise. She formed a ladies' musical society, which performed works for female voices under her direction. She also appeared in concert as a solo pianist and accompanist, was organist at St Paul's Church from 1886, and later organist and choir mistress at St John's Church, Roslyn. In 1891 she persuaded the Dunedin Choral Society to come out of recess to give a performance of Handel's Messiah, which she would conduct. The concert was a success, despite opposition from some local musicians who were sceptical of a woman's ability to direct a choir and orchestra.
Moving to Christchurch Jennie West formed a ladies' orchestra, taught in schools, and did much accompanying. In 1897 she became organist of St Mary's Church, Merivale, where on 17 May 1900 she married Arthur William Macandrew, a telegraph engineer and amateur singer. They moved to Auckland, Arthur's home, probably soon afterwards; they had no children.
Jennie West, Hocken Collections, University of Otago.
Despite many requests Jennie Macandrew now refused to teach music. She was, however, active in the Parnell and Remuera musical societies, and Auckland choral and orchestral societies. She accompanied singers and instrumentalists, notably the violinist Edith Whitelaw and performed as a soloist with local orchestras. She was official accompanist to the competitions society in Gisborne for some years from 1913, and toured New Zealand for five months as accompanist to the tenor Philip Newbury. She was also a pianist at Auckland cinemas and gave radio broadcasts.
In later life Jennie Macandrew continued to perform at the Auckland Society of Musicians' monthly meetings, and she travelled abroad with her husband in 1925 and 1934. After an intensely active and independent musical career, she died at Titirangi on 24 December 1949, two months before her husband's death. Her last public appearance had been a fortnight earlier, at a reception for ‘pioneers of music’’.
The following is from The New Zealand Journal of History concerning the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition 1889 – 1890 ‘Competition for the post of musical director was invited from throughout Australia and New Zealand, and the successful applicant was Dunedin musician Arthur Towsey. Born in Oxfordshire, Towsey studied organ under the famous church musicians John Stainer and Gore Ouseley. He settled in Dunedin in 1865, when at the age of 19 he was appointed organist and choirmaster at St Paul’s Anglican Church (later Cathedral). In 1878 Towsey returned to England for further study, and for some time he was the organist at the weekday services of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. He arrived back in New Zealand in 1880, worked in Christchurch as an organist, teacher and conductor, and in 1888 was an organ recitalist at the Melbourne Exhibition. He was reappointed to his old position at St Paul’s, Dunedin, in 1889.- 17 Other New Zealand centres had musicians of comparable qualifications and experience to Towsey. Wellington, for example, had Englishman Robert Parker, while the German Carl Schmitt was active in Auckland. One of Towsey’s competitors for the post of musical director was Frank Wallace, the conductor of the Christchurch Musical Society and a former leader of the Philharmonic and Crystal Palace orchestras in London. Men such as Towsey and Wallace would probably never have achieved prominence in Europe, but they were accomplished musicians whose influence was felt widely in their adopted homes’. Later on in the article it states that ‘the judges of the musical instruments exhibited at the show were Arthur Towsey, Raffaello Squarise, Alfred Pleyer, and local teacher, conductor, and former music retailer George West’.
In the New Zealand Graphic dated 16th January 1892 there is an article concerning Jennie West’s role as conductor for the performances of The Messiah. It discussed the fact that this was the first time a woman had conducted an orchestra and choir. The choir was 200 strong and the orchestra contained 35 members. The article carries on discussing the singing and the playing of the orchestra and finishes with a description of what she was wearing. It states ‘Miss West conducted in a very graceful gown of white, the long soft train falling from her shoulders, and the dress trimmed, or rather relieved, with black ribbon velvet’. After the concert Jennie entertained the soloists and other people at supper at Girton Hall. Girton Hall was founded by Caroline Freeman and was later renamed Columba College.
There is an article in the Otago Daily Times on the 25th November 1892 concerning a lecture given by Rev. A. R. Fitchett on the composer Mendelssohn. Jennie West contributed to the lecture by playing some of Mendelssohn's music.
1893 In the Otago Daily Times dated 26th April 1893 it tells of a concert in aid of the ex-High School Girls’ Club at the St Paul’s schoolroom. Jennie West played Chopin’s “Waltz in A flat”.
1894 In the Otago Daily Times dated 24th November 1894 there is a lengthy article concerning the concert given in honour of Miss Jennie West who was leaving for Australia. It states that she was always available ‘when entertainments for charitable purposes were promoted. Jennie ‘met with a flattering reception. She played two pianoforte solos – “Am Genfer See No. 1” (Bendel) and Grieg’s “Norwegian Bridal Procession” – with thoroughly artistic skill. An encore being demanded, she contributed the favourite mazurka by Goddard”. She also played as part of a duo for two pianos. The article ends by saying that “Miss West, it should be added, with her usual generosity, has notified her intention to hand over the proceeds of the concert to the funds of St John’s Church, Roslyn’.
1896 This following is a letter to the editor in the Evening Star dated 22nd May 1896. ‘Sir – Meetings have lately been held in Dunedin which were attended by most of the musical people, and at which it was proposed to form a society for the rendering of good choral music. I am sure that many, like myself, will be glad to hear of the hearty wishes for success which were expressed, especially as our City is without anything of the kind and as we so seldom have an opportunity of hearing this class of music. It was proposed to undertake a rendering of that grand oratorio “St Paul”; under the baton of the able conductor, Miss Jennie West, it should be so given that the attendance at their first public appearance will set the society in a fair way to prosperity’’.
Teacher of the recipient of the medal at the Hocken Library.
In the Evening Star dated 21st December 1896 it informs their readers of the winners of the annual theory examination of Miss West’s junior and senior pupils that was held at Kaikorai School the previous Saturday. First prize, a silver medal presented by the Dresden Piano Company was awarded to Elsie Roberts. A prize for ready work throughout the year was awarded to Dora Bull and E. F. Roberts. All pupils who gained 50% or more were awarded certificates. Later that evening an invitation concert was given at St John’s Hall, Roslyn. The programme consisted mostly of pianoforte items. Jennie West was complimented on the accomplishments of her pupils. In the 22nd December in the Evening Star Jennie West corrects the report in the paper the previous day. She clarifies by saying that ‘you mention Elsie Roberts as the winner of the Dresden Company’s medal. This was awarded to Edward F. Roberts, who gained 100% in the junior division. J Glasgow is also credited with the second special prize, which was obtained by Elsie Goyen with 96%. Prizes were only awarded in the junior division, the senior receiving certificates’.
1863 The City of Dunedin Choir was originally two choirs, the Musical Union and the Choral Society which both began in 1863. The following year they joined together with George West as the conductor.
1878 Jennie West was the Dunedin Choral Society’s accompanist.
1884 The Otago Witness of 18th October 1884 has the following article. ‘Many residents in Dunedin will remember Miss Jennie West – a daughter of Mr G. R. West, of this city – who was some time ago most favourably known here as an amateur pianist. This young lady has been at Home for the last three years studying at the Royal College of Music, London, and returned about a month ago. She now intends, I understand, to regularly enter the professions, and a concert wills shortly be given to introduce her to the Dunedin public. Miss West brings with her a certificate of competency from Prof. Franklin Taylor, under whose guidance she studied piano for two years’.
1885 Was the organist at St John’s, Roslyn.
1886 In the Evening Star dated 1st March 1886 it states that ‘Miss Jennie West, who was last month appointed music teacher at the Girls’ High School, has resigned her position. Paucity of pupils is the reason assigned for the resignation’. See below.
On the 14th May 1886 the Otago Daily Times tells of the Dunedin Horticultural Society’s chrysanthemum show where Jennie West played the piano.
In the Evening Star on the 21st December 1886 there is a short article about ‘an “at home” was given at Girton College by Miss Jennie West’s pupils last evening and the entertainment provided for the visitors was of a very interesting description. A number of pianoforte selections were given in excellent style, and the programme was interspersed with some very good vocal pieces’.
1887 – 1889 Organist at St Paul’s Church, Dunedin. In the Evening Star dated 24th June 1887 it informs their readers that ‘we hear that Mr J. C. Norman has resigned his position as organist of St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral, and that Miss Jennie West has been appointed in his place’.
1888 the Otago daily Times of the 19th December 1888 tells of ‘at the invitation of Miss Jennie West we attended a practice of the Ladies’te Tau-runanga (which being interpreted signifies a meeting for the practice of music and songs) last evening at Girton Hall. This society, composed solely of ladies, has been formed for about six weeks during which time as arduous practice of some of the works of great composers has been going on. The conductor is Jennie West. In February 1889 it was intended that the society would give its first concert,
Fergusson and Mitchell (Firm). Princess Theatre Dunedin. Commencing Monday 13th February 1888 and following nights, Grand production of Planquette's masterpiece, "Les cloches de Corneville; or, The chimes of Normandy" by the Pinafore Opera Company. Fergusson & Mitchell lith [1888]. [Theatre programmes for opera performances in New Zealand. 1880s].. Ref: Eph-B-OPERA-1888-01. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22655700
On the 20th December 1888 the Evening Star has an article concerning a concert given by Jennie West’s pupils at Girton Hall. It states ‘the hall, which was thoroughly crowded, was prettily decorated, while the stage was tastefully fitted up in drawing room fashion, the performers being comfortably seated about it, and all stiffness and formality being thus avoided. The programmed was of course almost entirely made up of pianoforte selections, and they were executed by young ladies of various ages and of different grades of advancement in their studies’.
1889 In April 1889 Jennie West is conducting a Ladies choir at Girton Hall.
1890 In the Evening Star on the 15th December 1890 there is an article concerning her pupil’s concert. The pupils were assisted by the Ladies’ Liederkranz, of which Jennie West was conductor. Jennie played an Impromptu at the concert. The article tells of those of her pupils who were awarded prizes and certificates. There is a silver medal and prize, two prizes and certificates, and some first, second and third-class certificates.
1891 In the second codicil to her father’s will dated 13th April 1886 states ‘I hereby revoke the devise and bequest thereby made to my eldest daughter Jennie West and I do hereby devise and bequeath the portion that shall come to her under my said will to my two youngest daughters Bessie and Nellie West to be divided between them as I consider that their education has not been equally provided for in my lifetime consequent upon the large amount expended upon Jennie west who is at this date able to provide for herself’.
1891 The Evening Star has an interview with Jennie Macandrew in their publication on 4th August 1938 where she describes how she was fired with the ambition to give a performance of The Messiah. The Choral Society at that time was temporarily disbanded and with the assistance of the secretary of the society sent letters to all willing to participate in the performance. The first meeting was held in what was then Dagmar College in Moray Place and ‘there was such a large response that the room was packed. There were twelve weeks of practice in St Paul’s schoolroom and despite much opposition – even the band parts were boycotted and had to be obtained from Christchurch – the rendition was a rousing success’. In the Evening Star Christmas eve 1891 is tells their readers that ‘Miss Jennie West will be unable to reproduce ‘The Messiah’ on Boxing Night, owing to several members of the chorus having made arrangements to spend the holiday out of town’.
1892 Jennie West conducted ‘Elijah’ in the old City Hall and after this the Choral Society was re-established and a permanent conductor was appointed.
1892 The Otago Daily Times of 19th November 1892 tells of a concert at the St John’s Church in Roslyn. This concert was in aid of the church funds. There were scenes from “The Mikado” and Jennie West provided a piano solo of Kowalski’s “Galop de bravura”, this ‘eliciting a hearty encore as did also the pianoforte duet played by Misses Edith Terry and Jennie West’.
1892 In the Evening Star sated 20th December 1892 it states that there was a concert at Girton Hall for Miss Jennie West’s pupils who had only been learning for a year. It informs their readers that ‘the performers were all young, but they showed by their skill on the piano that already they have received a sound training at the hands of their teacher’. Six of her young pupils played at this concert. Other people contributed to the programme, many of whom were singers with Jennie West accompanying.
1893 On the 26th April 1893 Jennie West is one of the accompanists for a concert in aid of the ex-High School Girls’ Club in the St Paul’s schoolroom.
The Evening Star dated 14th July 1893 has an article concerning ‘a very enjoyable entertainment weas given in St John’s Church Schoolroom last night. There was fair attendance’. Jennie West played a solo, ‘La Regata Veneziana’. There is a singing quintet which includes Messrs Houghton, Brickell and Macandrew. In the second half of the programme a comedietta called ‘The Little Sentinel’ was performed and one of the parts was taken by Messr A. W. Macandrew.
1893 In the Evening Star dated 9th August 1893 Jennie West is presented with a silver watch, which is inscribed, ‘in recognition of her efforts in connection with the church’. This church is St John’s Roslyn.
1894 In the Evening Star dated the 17th November 1894 there is a notice for a “Grand Vocal and Instrumental Concert” for Miss Jennie West prior to her departure from Dunedin. The proceeds from the concert would be given to St John’s Church, Roslyn.
1896 In the Otago Daily Times on the 4th November 1896 there is an article about the Port Chalmers Glee Club. There was a vocal and instrumental concert in the Anglican schoolroom and the conductor was Jennie West.
1897 In the 29th January 1897 issue of the Evening Star there are two advertisements, one for Jennie and one for her mother. Jennie, according to the advertisement visits Port Chalmers and Roslyn on a weekly basis. Her mother is advertising for Junior pupils and is teaching at Moray Place.
In Christchurch Jennie West was part of the New Zealand Native Association Operatic Society, a body formed primarily to ‘foster the traditions of the Dominion’.
1897 Organist at the Church in Merivale.
1900 Jennie West and Arthur William Macandrew are married on the 17th May 1900 in Christchurch. Married at St Mary’s Church, Merivale. (See if I can find this marriage on the files).
1901 Jennie West (Mrs A. Macandrew) is part of a Philip Newbury’s shilling concert on the 25th October 1901. She is the accompanist.
1913 The Gisborne Times of 9th September 1913 has a long article concerning the Competitions Society. Jennie Macandrew was the accompanist for the competitions. It says ‘it would be impossible to omit reference to the excellent work performed by the official accompanist, Mrs A. W. Macandrew (Jennie West), of Auckland, who got through a most arduous day’s work with credit to herself and the utmost satisfaction to performers and the public. No matter what accompaniment was plumped down before this capable pianiste she played it promptly and artistically, and her work was the subject of much favorable comment yesterday’.
1925 Arthur and Jennie Macandrew arrived in Southampton on the 5th June 1925. They leave London on the 3rd November 1925.
1934 Jennie Macandrew leaves London on the 20th September 1934.
1938 in the Evening Star dated 12th January 1938 informs their readers that ‘Mrs Arthur Macandrew, of Titirangi, Auckland is visiting Dunedin, and is at present staying with her sister, Mrs Proof Briscoe, “Bickenhill”, Waititi. Mrs Macandrew is familiar to earlier residents of Dunedin as Miss Jennie West, the well-known pianist and conductor’.
In 1938 Jennie Macandrew is in Dunedin on the occasion of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Duendin Choral Society. In the Evening Star dated 4th August 1938 Jennie reminisces about how both of her parents had been very musical. Her mother had a lovely contralto voice and had started one of the first piano schools in Dunedin. In goes on to state that ‘her father, Mr G. R. West had a music warehouse in Prices St. The family lived in Moray Place, the house was at that time still standing next to the Masonic Lodge. As an organ builder, her father needed a hall, and built what was known as an organ loft, which housed for a time a three-manual organ’. Jennie thought that his organ could have been installed in the First Church. Her introduction to organs was ‘when she helped her father to time the instrument in All Saints’ Church. She well remembered holding down the first note, and at his direction from the inside of the organ she held down the next note’. Arthur Towsey gave Jennie her first organ lessons and later gave her pianoforte lessons. Jennie Macandrew states that when she was about 10 years old, she had a serious accident and for years she had to use crutches. After this she travelled to England where she studied under Franklin Taylor and on her return she was appointed music teacher at Girls’ High School, ‘later having the same position at Braemar House, kept by Miss Dick’. Her father had been the organist at the Trinity Wesleyan Church and there were occasions that Jennie West played instead of him. She later on took up the position of organist at St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral.
Jennie Macandrew played a piano solo at the 75th celebrations of the Dunedin Choral Society.
1939 In the Auckland Star dated 12th September 1939 it informs their readers that a concert was held in the Overseas League rooms the previous evening. Jennie Macandrew played Handel’s Suite in D minor.
1943 As stated above, Jennie Macandrew played often for the radio in New Zealand. For example on the 21st April 1943 she is playing on Auckland IYA from 8:39pm to 9:30pm.
1946 In October 1946 Jennie Macandrew makes a donation of £100 to the Dunedin Technical College Orchestra. A letter accompanied the donation in which Jennie stated that her father, G. R. West had one of the musical business houses in Dunedin and her mother, a private school. The article goes on to say the G. R. West’s premises were not used only for the sale of music but for rehearsals of choral and instrumental groups’.
1947 Jennie Macandrew made a visit by air to Dunedin in April 1947.
1948 In the Grey River Argus on the 21st August 1948 it informs their readers that Mrs Jennie Macandrew has provided the Otago University £200 for a music prize. This prize seems to be to be current.
1949 Jennie Macandrew dies on the 24th December 1949 at the age of 83 years old, she was cremated on the 27th December 1949 and her ashes were scattered on the 28th December 1949. Her address was Park Road, Titirangi and her occupation is listed as wife.
In her obituary in the Otago Daily Times on the 30th December 1949 it states ‘Mrs Jennie Macandrew of Titirangi, who gave a lifetime of service to music, has died in Auckland at the age of 83. She made her musical debut in 1878, and was one of the earliest students at the Royal College of Music, under Sir Arthur Sullivan. Mrs Macandrew was the cathedral organist at Dunedin for several years in the eighties, and later at a Christchurch church. Competitors at musical competitions in many towns remember with affection her admirable work as an accompanist. She had lived in Titirangi for many years’.
1950 – the value of Jennie’s will is £920 2s 6d. Her estate is shared equally amongst her four nieces, Rona Proof Lunn nee Briscoe, Marie Knight Dynes nee Briscoe, Gwen Boyd nee Briscoe and Dorothy Reichardt Emerson nee West.
1950 This is the obituary for Arthur William Macandrew in the Otago daily Times dated the 2nd March 1950. ‘The youngest son of Mr James Macandrew, the former Superintendent of the Otago Province, Mr Arthur William Macandrew died at Titirangi, Auckland on Tuesday. Mr Macandrew, who was the youngest son in a family of five sons and four daughters, was born in Dunedin 80 years ago. As a young man, Mr Macandrew joined the Post and Telegraph Department. He later worked in Wellington and Auckland and retired from the department in 1923 and lived in Titirangi. His wife, formerly Miss Jennie West, who was a well-known pianist, died last Christmas Eve. They had no family. A brother, My Hunter Macandrew, lives at Macandrew Bay, while a sister, Miss Mabel Macandrew, lives in Wellington’.
Richard West 1803 – 1891
The following is taken from Short Biographical Notes on New Zealand composers. ‘1839-1891. Born in Cambridge, England and educated as a chorister. Arrived in New Zealand approximately 1860. Owner of a music retail shop and keen supporter of music in Dunedin. Conductor, music teacher and composer’.
1841 Census – haven’t been able to locate the family in this Census.
1851 Census – Richard West aged 48 years old, a gardener, born in Watford, Hertfordshire and his wife Susanna aged 38 years old, born in Cambridge are living in Cambridge with their six children. George Richard aged 12 years old and William aged 6 years old are both scholars.
1861 Census – Richard West aged 22 years old, born in Cambridge, an assistant (possibly to the head Charles Sippel who is listed as a Teacher of Music) is living in Cambridge.
On the 8th May 1861 Susannah, beloved wife of Richard West of Cambridge died on the 8th May 1861 aged 48 years.
In October 1946 Jennie Macandrew makes a donation of £100 to the Dunedin Technical College Orchestra. A letter accompanied the donation in which Jennie stated that her father, G. R. West had one of the musical business houses in Dunedin and her mother, a private school. The article goes on to say the G. R. West’s premises were not used only for the sale of music but for rehearsals of choral and instrumental groups. It carries on by saying ‘He exhibited at the 1865 Exhibition, was musical conductor at St Paul’s from 1864 onwards, conducted the Philharmonic Society for six years until “at one rehearsal, when ladies were present, he was so careless of their feelings as to take off his coat and conduct in his shirt sleeves. Naturally the gentlemen in the choir lodged a complaint and Mr West resigned” to be re-appointed nine years later, when he produced a performance of ‘Elijah’ at the opening of the Garrison Hall in 1879. On that occasion his daughter, barely 13 years old, played the piano part, it is said at an hour’s notice. In 1889 (not correct date-wise) Miss Jennie west determined that ‘The Messiah’ should be presented as usual, trained a choir of enthusiastic singers to remedy the omission. Miss West was subsequently organist at St Paul’s from 1887 – 1889. Her father supplied the organ to First Church in 1887 on the momentous occasion when that church admitted a musical instrument within its walls’.
In 1877 George West was the conductor of Dunedin’s Choral Society at St Paul’s Cathedral of ‘The Messiah’ on the 21st December 1878 and on Christmas Day on the same year.
1878 George West took over as conductor at the end of 1878 after Mr A. J. Towsey left for a visit to England. His first concert was “Elijah” in the new Garrison Hall on 1st May 1879. Jennie became the accompanist. During the following year the works performed were Mendelssohn’s music to “Athalie”, Mozart’s “Twelfth Mass” and John Barnett’s “Paradise and the Peri”. Mendelssohn’s “St Paul” was the last performance for the year and the last one with West as conductor. Jennie was replaced as accompanist.
1886 In the Evening Star dated 9th December 1886 there is an article concerning an invitation concert at St Matthew’s Schoolroom by George West’s pupils and himself. It states ‘The principal feature of the programme was Hutchinson’s cantata “The Story of Elaine”, the many pretty vocal passages in which were given with very good effect. Mr Densem (there is another post concerning this man) was particularly successful in his rendering of the solo “Why do summer roses fade?” Jennie West contributed a pianoforte solo and Mr West conducted throughout in his usual efficient style’.
1891 – In the Evening Star dated 18th July 1891 it states the following. ‘We regret to have to announce the sudden death of Mr George R. West, the well-known musician and a very old resident of Dunedin. He had been in Carmalt’s Hotel at the High St corner of the Arcade apparently in his usual health and good spirits, and was just walking out, at 1:35pm, when he fell down in the doorway and died almost instantaneously, for on being lifted up he gave one gasp and all was over. Dr Jeffcoat, who was called in and arrived within five minutes of the occurrence, suppose the cause of death to have been heart disease. Constable Gray performed the necessary duties on behalf of the police, and carried the body to an upstairs bedroom, where it now lies awaiting the inquest. Mr West was widely known, and his sudden death will evoke general sympathy with his family’.
In the inquest in the Evening Star on the 20th July 1891 it states that George West was at the Bayley’s Hotel which is where the inquest was held. His son, George R. West stated that deceased was his father, he was born in Cambridge and had been in the colony for thirty-one years. He was a professor of music and was fifty-two years of age. Witness last saw him alive on Friday night, when he was with him for two or three hours. He noticed nothing different in him then from his usual good health. He appeared cheerful and made no complaint about his health. David O’Connor, manager of Bayley’s Hotel said he saw the deceased in the building about 12:15pm. Mr Clark was in the room with him. Witness attended to them, and Mr Chapman then came in. Shortly afterwards, deceased said he must go to the tailors and rose to leave’. The rest of the report tells of Mr Clark being a plumber and West wanted some work done. Prior to going into the hotel West complained to Clark that he felt tired so Clark advised him to sit down so they went into the hotel. On the way out of the hotel West asked Clark to help him twice. Clark caught West in his arms as he fell. Thomas Chapman, another witness said he saw the deceased at the hotel. In conversation the deceased said that he didn’t feel very well in the chest and indicated that he had a pain in his left chest.
This is the article in the Lake County Press of the 23rd July 1891 concerning West’s death. ‘Mr G. R. West, a well-known musician, dropped dead in the Dunedin Arcade on Saturday afternoon. For some time past the deceased has been keeping an hotel in the Arcade, and it was while standing at the door that he asked Mr Tom Chapman, the well-known cornet player to support him, as he felt a strange pain. But he slipped through Chapman’s arms and died at once, the cause of death being heart disease’.
Photos from personal collection.
George Richard West died on the 18th July 1891 in Dunedin. In his probate he is listed as a Professor of Music. In his will he instructs that his sons must be educated to the age of 21 years old and his daughters to the same age unless they are married before that age. He leaves the rest of his estate to his wife. In the second codicil to his will dated 13th April 1886 states ‘I hereby revoke the devise and bequest thereby made to my eldest daughter Jennie West and I do hereby devise and bequeath the portion that shall come to her under my said will to my two youngest daughters Bessie and Nellie West to be divided between them as I consider that their education has not been equally provided for in my lifetime consequent upon the large amount expended upon Jennie west who is at this date able to provide for herself’.
1906 – Mary Elizabeth West died on the 14th October 1906. At the time of their mother’s death Bessie Briscoe, wife of Proof Briscoe, farmer was living in Otago and Nellie West was living in Napier. Mother is quite specific as to who gets which of her possessions. Mary’s occupation is listed as music teacher. Bessie Briscoe and Nellie West receive the bulk of her estate and her son George Reichardt West and Jennie receive and eighth of her estate.
William Hautrie West brother of George Richard West.
The following is taken from Short Biographical Notes on New Zealand composers. ‘1844-1925. Brother of George Richard West, although emigrated later. Arrived in 1873 to take up a position of organist in Invercargill at the instigation of his brother, having been for a period organist at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Moved to Australia in 1890 where he continued his career as organist and music teacher’.
From the dissertation of Dianne Halliday, William Hautrie West accepted the appointment of organist at St John’s Church, Invercargill with the salary of £50 per annum in 1874. West departed for Wellington in mid-1881. In Wellington he worked at St Peter’s Church.
1861 – in this Census William West, aged 16 years old, born in Cambridge is a boarder in Wethersfield, Essex which is near Cambridge. He is working as a pupil teacher.
On the 8th May 1861 Susannah, beloved wife of Richard West of Cambridge died on the 8th May 1861 aged 48 years. William is 16 years old.
1871 William West, his wife Hannah and their four children are living in Windelsham, UK. He is working as a Teacher of Music.
1895 – when his daughter Nellie May marries William Hautrie West is listed as a Professor of Music.
Macandrew, Jennie – Dictionary of New Zealand Biography – Te Ara https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2m1/macandrew-jennie
The New Zealand Journal of History, 42, 1 (2008)
Moonlight and Roses, and other things they played: Organ Recitals in New Zealand, 1870 – 1920 by Dianne Goodspeed Halliday. A dissertation submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts.