BURNS, MARION ILIFFE CAMPBELL nee LAURENCE

 

Iliffe Laurence was born in 1901 in Christchurch, the daughter of James Duncan and Marion Laurence nee Finnis.� In 1927 she married Melvin Johnston Burns in Christchurch and later came to live in Hawera, where her husband, better known as Tim, practiced as a lawyer.

 

Iliffe was one of the most active members of the Hawera Repertory Society following its revival in 1945 after a war time recess, and served on the committee for many years.

 

Iliffe produced many of the society�s major productions, with one of her outstanding successes being the musical "Oklahoma".� She became well-known throughout New Zealand, particularly for her spectacular pantomime productions.� Iliffe produced the first Repertory production to be held in the Memorial Theatre, Witness for the Prosecution, in 1958.

 

She produced many one-act plays for the South Taranaki area British Drama League Festivals, and was several times producer of the winning productions.

 

Iliffe was also a knowledgeable collector of antiques and a very keen student of interior decorating.� Any house that the couple purchased was completely renovated and redecorated.� She played golf in earlier years and later bridge when she became a member of the Hawera Bridge Club.

 

Iliffe Burns died on the 4 January 1970 while on holiday.

 

SOURCES

Obituary "Hawera Star" 5 Jan 1970

John Brough, Hawera