Wells, Ada (1863–1933)
Wells, Ada (1863–1933)
New Zealand teacher, feminist, and politician. Name variations: Ada Pike. Born April 29, 1863, near Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England; died Mar 22, 1933, at Christchurch; dau. of William Henry Pike (wheelwright) and Maria (Beckett) Pike; m. Harry Wells (organist), 1884 (died 1918); children: 3 daughters, 1 son.
Immigrated with family to New Zealand (1873); accepted teaching positions to supplement family income; became active in women's rights issues (late 1880s) and local and national politics (1890s); helped found Canterbury Women's Institute (1892), and served as president for many years; became 1st national secretary of National Council of Women of New Zealand (1896); elected to Ashburton and North Canterbury United Charitable Aid Board (1899); member of National Peace Council of New Zealand and provided aid to conscientious objectors during World War I; was 1st woman elected to Christchurch City Council (1917).
See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 2).