MISS HELEN GARD'NER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27358, 6 April 1950, Page 2

MISS HELEN GARD'NER

Death Occurs In England Miss Helen Gard’ner, formerly well known In musical circles in Dunedin, and later a teacher of singing, speech training and dramatic art in Wellington, has died at Charminster, Dorchester, Dorset, England. She left Wellington by the Dominion Monarch last November to visit relatives in Johannesburg and England and to undertake refresher courses. Her father was Mr Maitland Gard’ner. well known as a musician in Dunedin. Before she moved to Wellington many years ago. Miss Gard’ner took an active part in the Dunedin Operatic Society, playing leading roles In many of Its earlier productions. For a number of years she was closely associated with the Wellington Repertory Theatre. In her earlier days she was a star of comic opera and was soloist for amateur productions in various parts of New Zealand. She had also acted as a judge at competitions festivals In different centres. She is survived by three sisters— Mrs R. J. Loughnan, Fendalton, Christchurch, Sister Eleanor, Community of the Sacred Name, Christchurch, Mrs Cuthbert Rose, Johannesburg, South Africa, and one brother, Colonel Gard’ner, Workingham, England. A commemorative service, conducted by Dean Davies and arranged by the Wellington Repertory Theatre, was held at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Wellington. yesterday.