The following family story and photographs were kindly supplied and reproduced with permission of the late Mrs Bernice Peters of Wembley, WA with thanks.
The Coolgardie Liedertafel, 1899 – Conductor Abraham Fiedler, Mrs Peters father, Robert Groves DURSTON, is in the front row, far right.
Robert Groves Durston is the father of Bernice Peters. He was born in 1863 in Bristol, Gloucestershire, England and sailed for New Zealand as a two year old with his parents, James Durston and Elizabeth nee Jeffrey and his older brother George. Sadly Roberts mother Elizabeth was to die on route at sea, off the coast of Mauritius. Robert’s father then wrote to England and brought out his second wife, Harriet Wheeler Pickett, they were married in New Zealand 1870. Elizabeth Wheeler Durston was their only child born in 1875.
Robert Groves DURSTON and his half sister Elizabeth ‘Lily’ Wheeler DURSTON.
Robert Durston was a popular member of the Coolgardie Leidertafel (male voice choir), and was often called upon to sing solo performances. he was also a well know baritone singer and performed at many engagements.
The Sun 19 August 1906, page 12
Elizabeth Wheeler DURSTON (1875-1912)
Elizabeth never married and died in Perth in 1912. She was also a very accomplished singer and performer and delighted patrons at many events in Leonora. She is buried next to her brother and his wife Eva in the Karrakatta Cemetery in Perth.
Moya Sharp
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