James, Esther Marion Pretoria (1900–1990)

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James, Esther Marion Pretoria (1900–1990)

New Zealand inventor, fashion model, long-distance walker, and builder. Name variations: Esther Haysom, Esther Julian. Born on Nov 5, 1900, at Pahiatua, New Zealand; died Jan 7, 1990, at Auckland; dau. of Thomas Joseph James (carpenter) and Eliza Jane (Whitmore) James; m. Leslie Harrison Haysom (architect), 1924 (div. 1935); m. Edward Scanlon Julian (sheep farmer), 1937 (div. 1971); children: (1st m.) 1 daughter; (2nd m.) 1 son, 1 daughter.

Patented several inventions for domestic use (1920s); was one of New Zealand's first professional fashion models (1930s); promoted New Zealand-made goods and improved trading through long-distance walk of nearly 1,600 miles in 197 days (1931–32); walked 1,400 miles from Melbourne to Brisbane, Australia (1932–33); purchased land, where she designed and built several houses.

See also autobiography, Jobbing Along (1965); Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 4).

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