Mary Player facts for kids

Mary Josephine Player (born Crampton) was an important woman in New Zealand's history. She was born in Ireland around 1857 and passed away on January 5, 1924. Mary worked as a servant and a midwife. She was also a welfare worker, helping people in need. She was a strong supporter of women's rights, known as a feminist, and worked to make society better, which means she was a social reformer.

Mary Josephine Player's Early Life

Mary Josephine Crampton was born in a place called County Kilkenny, Ireland, around the year 1857. She later moved to New Zealand. She came from a family that didn't have much money.

Fighting for Women's Rights

Mary Player was a leader who wanted to improve life for women. She started a group called the Women's Social and Political League in Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. She was the president of this group for many years.

Mary had a big idea: she wanted the government to create a special department just for women workers. She talked to William Pember Reeves, who was the Minister of Labour (the person in charge of workers' rights). Because of her ideas and hard work, the Department of Labour created a new section to help women.

Later, there were some disagreements within her group. Mary Player decided to step down as president. Another woman named Louisa Seddon took over. Louisa Seddon wanted the group to support the ideas of the Liberal Government, which was led by her husband, Richard Seddon.

Later Life and Legacy

After her husband passed away in 1905, Mary Player faced tough times. She worked hard as a nurse, often living where she worked, so she and her children would have a place to stay. When her daughters grew up and got married, she lived with some of them.

Mary Josephine Player was buried next to her husband at Karori Cemetery. She is remembered for her efforts to help women and improve society in New Zealand.