OBITUARY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 253, 25 October 1943, Page 5

OBITUARY

MISS MAKY BUTIjEK The death has occurred at Rotorua of Miss Mary Butler, sister of Miss Margaret Butler, the New Zealand sculptress, and member of an old Wellington family. Miss Mary Butler was educated at St. Mary's Convent, Wellington, where she achieved honours in literature and poetry. She became a talented elocutionist, and her love of only the best in letters gave her a standing in Wellington as an entertainer. - Miss Butler was also gifted as a producer and organiser of masques and pageants. When funds were being raised for the erection of St. Francis Hall, Miss Butler arranged a grand entertainment which took place in the Town Hall. Her own masque, "A Vision of Hope Realised," was a feature of that occasion, Miss Butler herself appearing as the symbolic figure of Hope. About 20 years ago the Misses Butler visited Europe, and when resident in Paris Miss Margaret Butler exhibited at the Paris Salon. Subsequently they lived in London, and later returned to New Zealand. For the past two years the sisters have lived in Rotorua.