WATKINS, Gladys Elinor

Gladys Elinor Watkins was born in Akaroa on 20 October 1884, the 11th child of English-born parents Elizabeth Ellen Pavitt and her husband, Stephen Watkins, a gardener. She was educated at Miss Freeman's ladies' school (later Chilton House School), Wellington and at 17 began what was to become a highly successful music-teaching practice in that city. She was also a skilled accompanist and over the years gave freely of her services in assisting many causes. During the First World War she belonged to a musical group that presented regular popular concerts at Trentham Military Camp. As a singer she was a member of the Royal Wellington Choral Union and of the choir at St Mark's Church, where her brother Laurence was organist.