The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]
Virtue, Arthur John
Virtue, Arthur John, Accountant, Christchurch. Mr. Virtue was born in London in 1854, was educated there and on the Continent, and brought up as an accountant. Mr. Virtue, who has long been associated with church music came to the Colonies in 1873, and after being about six years in Melbourne, he was appointed organist for a time for the Tonic Sol-fa Association of South Melbourne, and filled a similar position at St. Matthew's church, Prahran. During his residence in the sister Colony, Mr. Virtue was an articled pupil of Mr. David Lee, city organist of Melbourne. In 1879 he settled in Christchurch, and shortly after became organist of St. Paul's Presbyterian church for two years. He was afterwards at St. Mary's church, Addington, for six years, and also for a number of years at St. Luke's, Christchurch.
Standish and Preece, photo
Mr. A. J. Virtue.