Mackay, Catherine Julia (1864–1944)

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Mackay, Catherine Julia (1864–1944)

New Zealand journalist and cook. Name variations: Catherine Julia Bilston, Katrine Mackay. Born Nov 12, 1864, at Merino, Australia; died Mar 28, 1944, at Christchurch, New Zealand; dau. of George Yarra Bilston (innkeeper) and Ellen Augustine (McElligott) Bilston; m. John William Mackay (auctioneer), 1890 (died 1919); children: 1 son, 1 daughter.

Began writing career early, publishing novel, Eve's Sacrifice, serially in Australian Journal, in addition to several novelettes and short stories in Australian, Hamilton Spectator and Sydney Bulletin by age 17; worked as journalist at Auckland Weekly News (early 1900s); joined daily New Zealand Times in Wellington (1908); worked as cook on several North Canterbury sheep stations (1920s); returned to journalism, editing women's columns "Cookery Chats" and "Mutual Help" for Weekly Press (1926); published best-selling Practical Home Cookery Chats and Recipes (1929); also worked briefly for New Zealand Life and Home Magazine and contributed to numerous journals under nearly 20 pseudonyms.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 4).

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