Burns, Violet Alberta Jessie (1893–1972)

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Burns, Violet Alberta Jessie (1893–1972)

New Zealand journalist and political activist. Name variations: Violet Alberta Jessie Watson, Violet Alberta Jessie Wisely, Berta Sinclair Burns, Aunt Hilda, Rata. Born Mar 12, 1893, in Winchester, South Canterbury, New Zealand; died Dec 26, 1972, at Pukerua Bay, New Zealand; dau. of Andrew Carroll Watson and Agnes McCaig (Baillie) Watson; m. John Wisely (farmer), 1913 (div. 1933); m. John Sinclair Burns (journalist), 1934; children: 3 sons.

Worked as journalist on Christchurch Star (1927); wrote for children's pages of Christchurch newspapers, as Aunt Hilda on Christchurch Star and Christchurch Star-Sun, as Rata on Christchurch Times (1930s); affiliated with Woman To-day (late 1930s); made several unsuccessful stands for Labour Party seats in Parliament.