CORRIGAN, INEZ RACHAEL MAY nee PURSER

 

Inez Purser was born in Hawera on the 11 November 1897, the daughter of Ernest Cyril and Kate Purser nee Meyrick.� Educated at the Hawera Convent, Inez studied music under Sister Charles at the Hawera Convent and played both cello and piano.

 

During World War One, Inez toured Taranaki with the "Bing Boys", organised by Mr Terry Gormley, to raise funds to assist soldiers returning from the war.� This Belgian Fund, as it was known throughout New Zealand, formed the basis of funds for the formation of the Returned Services' Association. For 30 years after the First World War, Inez was one of a group who provided concerts in the South Taranaki RSA Clubrooms after ANZAC Day parades.

 

In the days of silent films, Inez on the piano, with Fred Meyrick, an uncle, on double bass, provided the music for showings at the Grand Theatre in High Street, Hawera (site of the Assembly of God Church).�

 

In 1923 she married Alexander James Corrigan at St John's Presbyterian Church, Hawera.

 

During the Second World War she was one of a group of women who spun and knitted raw wool into sea-boot stockings and clothing for seamen.� For many years she was convener of the Hawera Women's Club music circle.� With Mrs Queenie Graham, Mrs Greta Thomson and Mrs Clarice Fyson she formed a quartette which played at many functions.� She was a cellist with the Hawera Orchestral Society for many years, and a member of the Hawera Repertory Society, taking part in many of the society's productions.� She was a member of the Women's Club drama circle also.

 

An interest in gardening and growing plants led her to foundation membership of the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust and membership of the Hawera Horticultural Society.� She also served on the Hawera Plunket Society for a great number of years, as vice-president and also as president for a term.� She was one of three life members of the branch.

 

Inez Corrigan died on the 4 May 1970 aged 72 years and is buried at the Hawera cemetery.

 

SOURCES

Obituary "Hawera Star"

Ross & Claire Corrigan, Hawera