Cunnington, Eveline Willert (1849–1916)

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Cunnington, Eveline Willert (1849–1916)

New Zealand social reformer, feminist, lecturer, and writer. Name variations: Eveline Willert Leach, Eveline Willert Baines. Born Eveline Willert Leach, April 23, 1849, at Briton Ferry, Glamorgan, Wales; died July 30, 1916, at Sumner, New Zealand; dau. of Robert Valentine Leach (asylum proprietor) and Ann (Willett) Leach; m. Capel Baines (clerk), 1876 (died 1883); m. Herbert James Cunnington (electrical engineer), 1884 (died 1915); children: (1st m.) 2; (2nd m.) 2.

Immigrated to New Zealand (1875); experienced poverty in 1st marriage, which influenced her social and political views; appointed one of 1st women prison visitors (1895–c. 1920); founding member of National Council of Women of New Zealand (1890s); wrote for Lyttleton Times and Maoriland Worker, and viewed socialism as the expression of Jesus' teachings; campaigned for improved conditions for poor girls and women, education for working class and poor, and prison reform; founded Workers' Educational Association (WEA, 1915).

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

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