Miss Constance Gee

Press, 14 May 1984, Page 9

Miss Constance Gee

Miss Constance Gee, a Christchurch milliner, who some considered the best in New Zealand, has died in Christchurch, aged 89. Although she spent most of her life in Christchurch, her skill in designing and making hats was known throughout New Zealand. A former partner, Miss Sally Down, recalled how North Island women would come to Christchurch specifically for a hat designed by Miss Gee. Among them were the wives of two former Gover-nors-General, Lady Bledisloe and Lady Cobham, and wives of other prominent diplomats. As a designer “there was no-one who could touch her in New Zealand,” Miss Down said.

Even as a young girl she would see hat bows and would tell her mother she could make better ones, Miss Down said. “She knew she could design hats and that is what

she lived for.” After learning millinery in Wellington, she worked for a Christchurch store before setting up an independent partnership. When this partnership ended she retired briefly, but went back into business after being “constantly tackled” by people wanting her to continue her work, said her brother, Mr Roy Gee. She then went into partnership with Miss Down and the two had a workshop and showroom until she retired in 1951. The shoe store which bought the premises still retains her name. She was a strict boss for the staff of about 20, as she always sought perfection. Most Christchurch milliners were trained by Miss Gee, said Miss Down. “She lived for her work and for her staff.” The demand for Miss Gee’s hats was particularly high for race meetings and on such occasions she and her staff would work until

all hours of the night filling orders. Mr Gee occasionally helped out by delivering the hats. He recalls arriving with a hat at a Fendalton address at 3 a.m. Miss Gee was a charter member of Christchurch Soroptomist International and remained in the club for more than 30 years. She was also closely involved with church matters and was a member of the Victoria League for Commonwealth Fellowship, the Royal Overseas League and the English Speaking Union.

She never married and is survived by only one of her seven brothers and sisters, Mr Roy Gee, who now lives in Auckland. The Rev. David Carmichael, who conducted her funeral last week said Miss Gee was a caring “people person” with many friends both from her own generation and the younger generation. She was well known in Christchurch and was loved very much, he said.