Information on Effie Pollen

Henrietta Dorothea 'Effie' Pollen is primarily known for her relationship with the notable poet Ursula Bethell. Born in 1879 and passing away in 1934, Effie's life and relationship with Bethell offer a window into the nuances and complexities of same-sex relationships during a period when they were neither widely accepted nor openly discussed.

Effie Pollen and Ursula Bethell's relationship spanned over 30 years, starting when they met in London in 1905. Bethell, who was five years older than Pollen, was deeply influenced by her relationship with Effie, both personally and creatively. They lived together as expatriates for many years before returning to New Zealand in their 40s, settling in the affluent Christchurch suburb of Cashmere. Here, their relationship was shielded by Bethell's wealth and social standing, allowing them a private and independent domestic life.

The couple's life together was marked by their shared interests and activities. Bethell wrote most of her poetry during this period, drawing inspiration from their shared home and garden. Despite some biographers presenting their relationship as platonic and maternal, there is evidence suggesting it was much more. The use of terms like "maternal constituent" by Bethell might have been a veiled reference to a deeper, romantic, and possibly sexual relationship, a common practice among women in similar relationships during that era.

Effie, the daughter of Dr. Henry Pollen and Kathleen Burke, was born in Gisborne and later moved to Wellington with her family. Following the deaths of her parents, she and Bethell settled in Christchurch, where they lived together until Effie's untimely death from a brain hemorrhage in 1934 at the age of 55. Notably, despite their long-standing relationship, they were buried in their respective family plots, a reflection of the societal norms and family expectations of that time.

Effie's approach to life was practical and cheerful, and she seemed to have a significant influence on Bethell, who was more temperamental. Their relationship, though private, was not entirely isolated. They entertained friends, including members of the homosexual community, and were involved in various social and religious activities. Bethell's later letters and poems hint at a deeper understanding and acceptance of their same-sex relationship, though they remained cautious in public about their relationship's nature.

Effie's death was a profound loss for Bethell, leaving her grief-stricken. Bethell expressed her sorrow through letters and memorial poems, highlighting the depth of their bond. This loss marked a turning point in Bethell's life, and while she later developed other friendships, none seemed to have the same profound impact as her relationship with Effie.

Their life together in New Zealand was characterized by active participation in local community work and the creation of a significant garden at their home, Rise Cottage. This period was also Bethell's most prolific in terms of poetry, with her work often reflecting their shared experiences and the landscapes they loved.