Lillian Russell

Actor and singer Lillian Russell was a noted beauty of the American stage, and much beloved for her kindliness and charities. During the latter part of her life she became interested in public matters, and in 1921 President Harding appointed her a special investigator to study immigration conditions.

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Mary Botham Howitt

Mrs. Howitt alone wrote many poems, hymns, and ballads, some novels and books for the young. She also made translations from Frederika Bremer and Hans Anderson, and her independent publications number 110 distinct works.

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Jennie Macandrew

Painist Jennie Macandrew accompanied singers and instrumentalists, notably the violinist Edith Whitelaw, and performed as a soloist with local orchestras. She was official accompanist to the competitions society in Gisborne for some years from 1913, and toured New Zealand for five months as accompanist to the tenor Philip Newbury. She was also a pianist at Auckland cinemas, and gave radio broadcasts.

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Mary Manson Dreaver

In 1941, she won the Waitematā seat in a by-election, becoming the third woman to enter the New Zealand Parliament. Her particular triumph there was to introduce the Women Jurors Bill, which became law in 1942.

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May Beatty

May Beatty was one of several New Zealand performers who rose to prominence with the famed Pollard Opera Company during the 1890s.

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Susanna Hanan

A concern about the lack of early educational opportunities for children prompted Susanna Hanan to turn her attention to the New Zealand Free Kindergarten Union in 1912. She worked to secure government subsidies for kindergartens and was the first secretary and treasurer. She maintained a lifelong interest in the free kindergarten movement and was honoured with a life membership of the union.

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