Geddes, Annabella Mary (1864–1955)

views updated

Geddes, Annabella Mary (1864–1955)

New Zealand welfare worker and feminist. Name variations: Annabella Mary Webster, Mary Webster, Mary Geddes. Born Annabella Mary Webster, May 19, 1864, at Mangungu on Hokianga Harbor, New Zealand; died Dec 5, 1955, in Remuera, New Zealand; dau. of William Webster (interpreter and sawmiller) and Annabella (Gillies) Webster; m. John McKail Geddes (importer and merchant), 1886 (died 1910); children: 7.

Founding member of Auckland branch of Society for Promotion of Health of Women and Children (later known as Plunkett Society, 1908); served on Auckland committee of New Zealand Society for the Protection of Women and Children; board member of War Relief Association following World War I; established community kitchens and medical relief services after influenza pandemic of 1918); established Hearth Fire Movement (1915); active in reviving National Council of Women of New Zealand in Auckland (1917); lectured on feminist issues until 1920s.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 3).