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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Roberts, Samuel

Roberts, Samuel, Artist and Signwriter, Barker Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Roberts was born in Cornwall in 1869, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1874, in the ship “Conflict” After landing in Wellington, Mr. Roberts, senr., went to work at his trade as grainer and decorator. Samuel went to school first at Te Aro and then at Mount Cook. He had a distinguished career, gaining fourteen prizes for mapping, drawing, and neatness and style in keeping exercise books. Upon leaving school, he took up his present profession. After serving a five years apprenticeship with a leading Wellington decorative artist, he commenced for himself. At his freehold residence in Barker Street, Mr. Roberts has a large and well-arranged studio. His collection of oil paintings, landscapes, and marine studies, all his own work, is a most pleasing one. Mr. Roberts paints pictures for his own pleasure, and seldom exhibits. As a sign-writer, he has a high reputation. His advertising drop act, the first used at the Wellington Opera House, was generally acknowledged to be a great work of art. In addition to this he has executed numerous pieces of work of equal quality and excellence. In athletics Mr. Roberts has also excelled. As a member first of the Star and at present of the Phœnix Cricket Clubs, he has become prominent. He is chairman of the latter Club's Committee, and has played in its senior eleven for nine years continuously. In 1880 he won the Mayor's silver trophy for the best bowling average. The Club's silver cup for the highest individual score was won by him, with 69 runs, in 1891, and in 1893 he gained the Club's silver cup for the highest batting average. Mr. Roberts played for Wellington against the second English team that visited New Zealand, and was a member of the Phœnix Club's team that won 24 consecutive matches. Mr. Roberts, is married, and has one child.