Black, Helen McKenzie (1896–1963)

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Black, Helen McKenzie (1896–1963)

New Zealand political host and politician. Name variations: Helen McKenzie Murray, Helen McKenzie Bennett. Born Aug 16, 1896, in Aberdeen Scotland; died Oct 17, 1963, in Christchurch, New Zealand; dau. of Alexander Innes Murray (ship-master) and Helen (McKenzie) Murray; m. Leslie Douglas Stuart Murray (military officer), 1921 (div. c. 1924); m. Robert Sheriff Black (fur merchant), 1924 (died 1939); m. Stanley George Bennett (tea planter), 1960; children: 2 daughters, 2 sons.

Served as political host for 2nd husband, who was mayor of Dunedin (1929–33); stood unsuccessfully for Parliament (1935, 1954); active in Women's War Service Auxiliary, National Council of Women of New Zealand and Navy League; published autobiography (1947). Awarded British Empire Medal (1952).

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