Yates, Elizabeth (c. 1844–1918)

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Yates, Elizabeth (c. 1844–1918)

New Zealand politician. Name variations: Elizabeth Oman. Born Elizabeth Oman, between 1840 and 1848, in Caithness, Scotland; died Sept 6, 1918, in Auckland, New Zealand; dau. of George Oman (laborer) and Eleanor (Lannigan) Oman; m. Michael Yates, 1875 (died 1902).

Immigrated with family to New Zealand (1853); became mayor of Onehunga (1893–94), the 1st woman mayor in British Empire; an effective administrator, despite local opposition, reorganized fire brigade, improved roads, and sanitation.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 2).