Melville, Eliza Ellen (1882–1946)

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Melville, Eliza Ellen (1882–1946)

New Zealand lawyer, politician, and feminist. Born May 13, 1882, at Tokatoka, Northern Wairoa, New Zealand; died July 27, 1946, in Remuera, New Zealand; dau. of Alexander Melville (boatbuilder and farmer) and Eliza Annand (Fogerty) Melville (schoolteacher and governess).

Received early legal training at Devore and Cooper firm in Auckland, and studied law at night at Auckland University College; became 2nd New Zealand woman to be admitted to Bar (1906) and 2nd to establish herself in practices (1909); instrumental in reviving feminist movement in 20th century; helped to form Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) Women's Club, Auckland (1911); held office in Auckland Women's Club, New Zealand Society for Protection of Women and Children, Women's Forum, and Unemployed Women's Emergency Committee in Auckland; helped form Civic League to encourage women to run for office (1913); was 1st woman in New Zealand to be elected to city council, Auckland (1913–46); instrumental in reviving National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCW, 1917); founded Women to Wellington movement to encourage women to run for Parliament (1944).

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