Bullock, Margaret (1845–1903)

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Bullock, Margaret (1845–1903)

New Zealand journalist and social reformer. Name variations: Madge Bullock; (pseudonym) Tua-o-rangi. Born Margaret Carson, Jan 4, 1845, in Auckland, NZ; died June 17, 1903, at Sydney Place, Wanganui, NZ; dau. of Jane Kennedy Carson and James Carson (road maker); m. George Bullock (warehouseman), Feb 10, 1869 (died 1877); children: 5 sons, including William (died 1892).

Reported for Wanganui Chronicle (1870s–80s), becoming one of the 1st women parliamentary correspondents; began writing short stories for magazines (1887); under pseudonym Tua-o-rangi, published Maori novel Utu; campaigned for women's rights; established the Wanganui Women's Franchise League (1893, later Wanganui Women's Political League) and served as its president (1893–97); was also a major figure in National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCW), and its vice-president (1900).