AustLit

This new advertisement for an accounts clerk for the Sydney Gazette newspaper office is dated 3 September 1838. It was first published in the 4 September 1838 issue of the newspaper. It is substantially revised from the advertisement, dated 1 September 1838 and published on the 1 September 1838, for a temporary accounts clerk. The Sydney Gazette's 'Chief Clerk', John Montgomery died on 3 September 1838 and a death notice for him appears in the 4 September 1838 issue. This event may be linked to the advertisements.

A column praising Mrs Anne Clarke (ca. 1806 - ?), the actor and singer, and recommending her benefit 'under the patronage of Colonel Wodehouse and the officers of the 50th Regt.'

A column announcing a subscription for the widow of John Montgomery. Montgomery was chief clerk and accountant in the Sydney Gazette Office. His death was announced in the 4 September 1838 issue of the newspaper. An advertisement for a temporary clerk was published in the Gazette on 1 September 1838 followed by a new advertisement on 4 September seemingly advertising a permanent position after the death of Montgomery.

Advertisement for the benefit performance for Mrs Clarke at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney, on 6 September 1838 to include the 'celebrated Comic Opera of The Cabinet' and 'Giovanni in London'. The advertisement includes a description of the scenes and a list of the actors and the names of the characters they portray for each play.

Mrs Clarke was the colonial actor, manager and singer Anne Clarke (ca. 1806 - ?). Clarke arrived in Australia (Hobart Town) in August 1834 as Anne Remans. She married Michael Clarke in October 1834.

Source: Parsons, Philip with Chance, Victoria (eds.). Concise Companion to Theatre in Australia (Paddington, New South Wales : Currency Press, 1997)

Advertisement for the benefit performance for the actor Mr. Grove at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney, on 8 September 1838 to include ' for the first time at this Theatre, Coleman's admired Play of the Mountaineers!' with the character of Octavian played by 'Mr Charles Faucit of well known celebrity on the London Boards, who on this occasion, will appear before the Australian Public for the first time, having just arrived from England ...' ; '... to conclude with for the first time in this Colony, the celebrated Operatic Drama, of Masaniello'. The advertisement includes a description of the scenes and a list of the actors and the names of the characters they portray for each play.

Advertisement for: '5 Cases Books, consisting of about 100 sets of modern Novels and other choice works, selected expressly ... Catalogues may be had at the Offices of the Auctioneer ...'