Ross, Hilda (1883–1959)

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Ross, Hilda (1883–1959)

New Zealand politician. Name variations: Dame Hilda Ross. Born Grace Nixon (adopted name Hilda Cuthbertha at time of marriage), July 6, 1883, in Whangarei, NZ; died Mar 6, 1959; m. Harry C. Ross, 1904 (died 1940); children: 2 sons.

Heavily involved with the health camp movement; standing for Hamilton, became the 2nd woman to represent the National Party in Parliament (1945); appointed minister of Health and Child Welfare (1949), the 1st and last woman of her party to be named a minister until 1990; appointed minister of Social Security (1957); died while in office (1959). Made Dame Commander of the British Empire (CBE, 1956).