Hilda Ross


Dame Grace Hilda Cuthbertha Ross , known as Hilda Ross, was a New Zealand politician for the National Party and an activist.

Early years

She was born at Auckland to Adam Nixon and Zillah Johnson. Her family lived in both Sydney and Auckland, and she received her education in these cities. She trained as a music teacher and later conducted the Hamilton City Choral Operatic Society.

Family

In 1904 she married Harry Campbell Manchester Ross in Auckland. Her husband founded a furnishing company, "Barton and Ross". They had four sons, two of whom died in infancy The twins were born in 1907, survived only a few days, but were baptized "Allan and Richard" Her two surviving sons were, Norman and his brother Colin.

Political career

Her first elected posts were the Waikato Hospital Board and the Hamilton Borough Council. She was Deputy Mayor of Hamilton in 1945. Following the death of the incumbent MP for Hamilton, Frank Findlay, she won the to represent the electorate in the New Zealand Parliament, where she remained until her death 14 years later in 1959. As MP she held various posts in the First National Government, including Member of the Executive Council, Minister of Social Security, Minister of Welfare of Women and Children, and Minister of Child Welfare.

Later life

She was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1956 New Year Honours. She died on 6 March 1959 in Hamilton.

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