Swainson's Studios portrait of the Melody Maids captures a slice of New Plymouth's musical history. Established by troop leader Vi Scott (pictured on the left) in 1936, the Maids sang at parties and functions during World War Two. They were still performing at La Scala, New Plymouth's first licensed restaurant, in the 1970s. Smartly attired in sailor's uniforms, complete with jaunty hats, the troupe would have made quite a splash on the city's entertainment scene.
Vi Scott came from a musical family, both her parents having been musicians. She learned to play the piano at an early age and performed during silent movies in the Opunake theatre. After moving to New Plymouth she played piano for ballet classes. When the Melody Maids were finally disestablished, Vi played at the Westown Motor Hotel. She died in 1990.
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