PARKER, ROBERT (1847-1937) was born in London. He was educated at the Stepney Grammar School and received a musical education under Dr W. S. Hoyte, Scotson Clark, Lehmayer, Behnke and Dr C. W. Pearce, under whom he studied the violin, organ, pianoforte and choral singing. Proceeding with a scholarship to Queen's College, Cambridge, he became organist there, and later professional assistant to Dr W. H. Monk, of King's College, London. In 1869 he came to New Zealand, and was appointed choirmaster and organist at St Michael's, Christchurch. In 1878 he received a similar post at St Paul's, Wellington. While there he was conductor of the Wellington Musical Union, of the Wellington Orchestral Society and of the Liedertafel Society (which gave part-song recitals). As conductor, as a teacher of music, as lecturer at the teachers' training college (1884-1928), examiner for the Education Department and for the University, a president of the Music Teachers' Association and chairman of the registration board, Parker rendered noteworthy service to the cause of music in New Zealand. He received the C.M.G. in 1930 and died on 20 Feb 1937.

Who's Who N.Z., 1932; The Dominion, 2 Jan 1930; 21 Feb 1937.

Reference: Volume 2, page 77

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