Kirk, Cybele Ethel (1870–1957)

views updated

Kirk, Cybele Ethel (1870–1957)

New Zealand teacher, temperance reformer, and welfare worker. Born Oct 1, 1870, in Auckland, New Zealand; died May 19, 1957, in Wellington; dau. of Thomas Kirk (secretary) and Sarah Jane (Mattocks) Kirk.

Became primary teacher first in country schools and then private denominational schools in Wellington; helped to establish Richmond Free Kindergarten Union (1905); taught at Tory Street Free Kindergarten, and at schools near Hokitika and in Marlborough Sounds; taught at Otaki Maori College (1917); after 1920, became increasingly involved in social work; served as secretary of New Zealand Society for Protection of Women and Children (1924–37); appointed justice of peace (1926); served in executive capacity in local, district, and dominion branches of Women's Christian Temperance Union (1923–46). King George V Silver Jubilee Medal (1935).

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