McCombs, Elizabeth Reid (1873–1935)

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McCombs, Elizabeth Reid (1873–1935)

New Zealand political activist, social worker, and politician. Name variations: Elizabeth (Bessie) Reid Henderson. Born Elizabeth Reid Henderson, Nov 19, 1873, in Kaiapoi, NZ; died June 7, 1935, at Christchurch, NZ; dau. of Daniel Henderson and Alice (Connolly) Henderson; sister of Alice Henderson (missionary), Stella Henderson (journalist) and Christina Henderson (educator); m. James McCombs (MP), 1903 (died Aug 1, 1933); children: Terence McCombs (MP) and Patricia McCombs Foster; also raised 2 orphans.

Involved with Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) for many years; member of Canterbury Fabian Society; was 2nd woman to serve on Christchurch City Council (1921–35); became justice of the peace (1926); made 2 unsuccessful Labour Party bids for Parliament seat: for Kaiapoi (1928), for Christchurch North (1931); upon death of husband, replaced him (1933) for Lyttelton, the 1st woman elected to the New Zealand House of Representatives; was dedicated to women's rights and to the alleviation of the conditions of unemployed; died while in office (1935).

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

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