Beatrice Tombs

Beatrice Tombs (née Atkinson) was probably born in New Plymouth. Schooled in Nelson she later studied violin in London, where she had three songs published under the pseudonym ‘Amohia’ in 1898 and 1900. In 1907 she married the son of publisher and co-founder of Whitcomb and Tombs, Harry Tombs, also a musician (violinist and conductor), having studied in Leipzig. In the 1940s she had several songs published by the family firm. Both Beatrice and Harry were active as performers in the local Wellington music scene. She composed throughout her life. In 1951, shortly before her death, a house concert was given at her home, at which several of her songs were performed.