Griffiths, Thomas Vernon

Composer

b West Kirby, Cheshire 1894, d Christchurch, NZ, 1985 [sic]. Norwich Grammar Sch, Pembroke Coll Cambridge (MA, MusB), where he was organist and choirmaster 1919–22. After teaching music at two English schools he went to New Zealand (1926) as music lecturer at Christchurch Teachers’ Coll. DMus (NZ), then director of music at Dunedin Technical Coll and (1942–61) Prof of music at Canterbury Univ. Conducted children’s music festivals, served on civic music council at Christchurch, and in retirement gave much help to schools and amateur choirs, including new compositions and arrangements. Composed cantatas, anthems and organ pieces and edited several general song books. No.70=639.