Robertson, Ann (1825–1922)

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Robertson, Ann (1825–1922)

New Zealand hotel and landowner. Name variations: Ann West. Born May 17, 1825, at New Scone, Perthshire, Scotland; died Dec 14, 1922, at Rotorua, New Zealand; dau. of John West (weaver) and Mary (Brough) West; m. James Robertson (soldier), 1853 (died 1897); children: 4.

Immigrated when husband enlisted for military service in New Zealand (1864); purchased Ohinemuru Hotel in Rotorua, but was ejected when ownership challenged by prominent businessman (1880); later lost property on which she had established bakery, resulting in her bankruptcy; petitioned Parliament to receive compensation for losses resulting from Thermal-Springs District Act (1884); reportedly the 1st woman to address House of Representatives. Initially denied, her claim was eventually successful and she awarded a 40-acre estate and land leases in Rotorua.

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

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