Obituary (Evening Post, 7 July 1936)

Mr. Robert Gant, a notable resident of Wellington, passed away at the age of eighty-three, marking the loss of a prominent figure in the community. Originally from Kent, Mr. Gant emigrated to Wellington as a young man. He pursued a career in pharmacy, initially working as an assistant to the late Mr. H. Brittain, a chemist who operated a business in Manners Street for approximately fifty years. Although his professional background was in pharmacy, Mr. Gant gained significant recognition as an amateur stage performer. He was particularly noted for his pleasant tenor voice and his skill in utilizing falsetto, which allowed him to effectively portray female roles. His involvement in local theatre included being a member of the Patchwork Company, which featured members of the Hill family, as well as a valued participant in the Wellington Amateur Dramatic Club, where he made numerous appearances. His talents also extended to performances in Gilbert and Sullivan operas, where he portrayed characters such as Ruth in "Pirates of Penzance" and Buttercup in "H.M.S. Pinafore" with Mr. R. W. Carey's company. Eventually, Mr. Gant transitioned from working under Mr. Brittain to establishing his own business in Greytown. Afterward, he relocated to Seatoun, where he enjoyed retirement for the past decade. His passing is felt as a significant loss to both the arts community and Wellington as a whole.

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robert gant