Evening Post, Volume IV, Issue 17, 4 March 1868, Page 2
The steamer Auckland brings dates from Melbourne to the 27th February. Mr. Robert Heir, actor, died on the passage, and was buried at the Bluff to-day.
Southland Times , Issue 910, 4 March 1868, Page 2
It is with regret that we have to record the sudden death of Mr Robert Heir, which occurred on board the s.s. Auckland, during her trip from Melbourne to the Bluff. Mr Heir has for many years, in Australia, maintained the high character of being an accomplished and leading dramatic artist. On the steamer’s arrival at the Bluff, his remains were brought ashore, and interred in the usual burying place there.
North Otago Times, Volume X, Issue 291, 6 March 1868, Page 2
We are sorry to learn from our contemporary the “Daily Times” that Mr Robert Heir, of whose expected arrival in this Colony we informed our readers in last issue, was never destined to reach New Zealand, having died on board the steamer Auckland during the passage. His body on the arrival of the steamer at the Bluff, was interred in the old cemetery there. The following further particulars are from the same journal: — “Mrs Heir whose name has been intimately associated with that of Mr Heir as a public favorite, has, along with Mr Bennett, come on to Dunedin. It was only on the evening previous to the departure of the Auckland, that both she and Mr Heir took their leave of the people of Melbourne, and of that leave-taking the ‘Argus ‘ says : — ‘Special performances were given at this theatre last evening, for the benefit of Mr and Mrs Robert Heir, two old public favorites, who on this occasion bade farewell to Australia on the scene of their former triumphs. Mr and Mrs Heir have held a leading position on the theatrical boards of this Colony for a long series of years, and their names must always be intimately associated with the dramatic history of Victoria. It was to be expected that they who had contributed so much to the enjoyment of others, would not be permitted to leave for distant lands without some substantial mark of recognition being offered them for valued services in the cause of public entertainment, and a complimentary benefit was accordingly arranged, in which many of the principal actors now in Victoria took part. The play selected was “As You Like It,” and the “beneficiaires ” were gratified by the presence of an extremely good house. Mr Heir played Jaques very effectively, and the mere mention of Mrs Heir’s Rosalind was sufficient to call up a host of pleasant recollections, which were not dissipated by the performance. As the play proceeded, the presence of very warm admirers was frequently attested, and on the fall of the curtain there was a unanimous call for Mr and Mrs Heir. After a brief interval, Mrs Heir responded to the call, and spoke with much feeling a farewell address written by Dr Neild.” The address, adds the “Argus,” was heartily applauded ;”but none present could have contemplated that the repeated expressions it contained, as to the audience and actors being met to bid “good-bye for ever,” was so thoroughly prophetic, and to be so early realised.
Wellington Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2643, 10 March 1868, Page 3
The following testimonial has been presented to Captain H. Harris, R.N.R., of the ss. Auckland, by the passengers, on his arrival here from Melbourne :— “P.N.Z. & A.R.M. Co’s ss. Auckland, 2nd March, 186S, off the Bluff. To Captain H. Harris, R.N.R., s.s. Auckland. Sir,— We the undersigned saloon passengers cannot part from you without expressing our appreciation of your kindness and attention to our late much lamented fellow-passenger, Mr Robert Heir, during his very trying illness on board your ship; and the efforts of yourself and your officers to alleviate as far as possible his sufferings, afforded us the greatest gratification under the painful circumstances. We would particularly notice the indefatigable exertions of your chief officer, Mr Banks, and of Mr Dryden, the chief steward. With our best wishes for your prosperity and happiness, — We are, &c — Mrs William Heffernan, Mrs Eliza Ankers, Jane Bracher, Annie Hall, A. Radach. B Keyes, Edith Williamson, E. Elizabeth Ryan, and thirteen others.
Wellington Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2643, 10 March 1868, Page 3
Death of Mr Heir. — The following particulars relating to the death of Mr Heir, the well-known actor, during his passage from Melbourne to New Zealand possess a melancholy interest:— Accompanied by Mrs Heir and Mr Bennett, Mr Heir left Melbourne by the Auckland, on the evening of Tuesday, the 25th ultimo, and he was apparently in his usual health until Thursday. On that morning, while conversing with Mr Bennett, he suddenly jumped up as if seized with pain and falling foreword on to his face he bled somewhat profusely from the nose. From that time, he had occassional returns of unconsciousness, and occasional convulsion, until Saturday, when he died at half-past nine o’clock. There was no medical man on board the steamer but every attention was paid to Mr Heir, during the short interval of his illness, by Mr Bennett, by Capt. Harris, and by others on board. It was soon feared that this illness was beyond human remedy; but everything was done that could be done to alleviate his sufferings. This was sufficiently recognised by the passengers who, in an address to Mr Bennett express their approbation of his unremitting attention and kindness displayed towards the lamented deceased, and their conviction that every exertion was used to diminish his sufferings and to preserve his life. In a similar manner the passengers express themselves towards Capt. Harris, the chief officer Mr Banks, and the chief steward, Mr Dryden. Mr Heir was a comparatively young man, not being more than 36 years of age, but he had been well and widely known in the Australian colonies since 1855, when he arrived at Melbourne in company with the late Mr G. V. Brooke. His body was, on the arrival of the steamer at the Bluff interred in the old cemetery there. Mrs Heir, whose name has been intimately associated with that of Mr Heir as a public favorite, has, along with Mr Bennett, come on to Dunedin. It was only on the evening previous to the departure of the Auckland, that both she and Mr Heir took their leave of the people of Melbourne, and of that leave-taking the Argus says : — ” Special performances were giving at this theatre last evening for the benefit of Mr and Mrs Robert Heir, two old public favorites, who on this occasion bade farewell to Australia on the scene of their former triumphs. Mr and Mrs Heir have held a leading position on the theatrical boards of this colony for a long series of years, and their names must always be intimately associated with the dramatic history of Victoria. It was to be expected that they who had contributed so much to the enjoyment of others, would not be permitted to leave for distant lands without some substantial mark of recognition being offered them for valued services in the cause of public entertainment, and a complimentary benefit was accordingly arranged, in which many of the principal actors now in Victoria took part. The play selected was ” As You like It” and the beneficiaries were gratified by the presence of an extremely good house. Mr Heir played Jaques very effectively, and the mere mention of Mrs Heir’s Rosalind was sufficient to call up a host of pleasant recollections, which was not dissipated by the performance. As the play proceeded, the presence of very warm admirers was frequently attested, and on the fall of the curtain there was a unanimous call for Mr and Mrs Heir. After a brief interval Mrs Heir responded to the call and spoke with much feeling a farewell address written by Dr Neild. The address adds the Argus, was “heartily applauded”; but none present could have contemplated that the repeated expressions it contained, as to the audience and actors being met to bid “good-by for ever,” were so thoroughly prophetic, and to be so early realised.