Grigg, Mary (1897–1971)

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Grigg, Mary (1897–1971)

New Zealand politician. Name variations: Mary Polson; Lady Polson. Born Mary Cracroft Wilson, Aug 18, 1897, in Culverden, North Canterbury, NZ; died Dec 22, 1971; educated in London; m. Arthur Grigg (MP), 1920 (killed in Libya 1941, during WWII); m. William Polson (MP), 1943; children: (1st m.) three.

As a result of MP husband's death, accepted an invitation to stand for Mid-Canterbury (1941), becoming the 1st National Party woman MP; lectured; with Hilda Ross, wrote National Party's women's policy for 1949 election. Received an MBE (1946) in recognition for her work with Mary Dreaver for the Women's Land Service during WWII.