[Editor: Mary Elizabeth Richmond was a New Zealander who visited Australia in 1897, and wrote several poems about the places she visited, later published in her book Poems (1903).
She was a teacher, promoter of the free kindergarten movement, and champion of several causes in the service of women, such as female suffrage and women’s welfare.
Her father was Christopher William Richmond (known as William Richmond), who held several ministerial positions in the New Zealand government, and later served as a judge.
Mary Richmond was born on 30 August 1853 in New Plymouth, New Zealand, and died on 3 July 1949 in Wellington, New Zealand.
Some poems by her regarding Australia are published here for those interested in literature related to the places mentioned.
Selected poetry by Mary E. Richmond:
Chatswood, N.S.W. [1903]
Katoomba [1903]
Kiama, N.S.W. [1903]
Leura (Blue Mountains.) [1903]
Sydney Harbour (New Year’s Eve, 1897) [1903]
References:
John Arnold and John Hay (editors), The Bibliography of Australian Literature: P-Z, St. Lucia (Qld.): University of Queensland Press, 2008, page 175
“Richmond, Mary Elizabeth”, Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand (accessed 11 August 2012)
“Christopher William Richmond”, Wikipedia (accessed 11 August 2012)
Further information is available in:
F. W. Nielsen Wright, The Unlikeliest Litterateur: The Life and Poetry of Mary E. Richmond, C.B.E. (1853-1949): A Discovery, Wellington (New Zealand): Cultural and Political Booklets, 1995
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