DEATH OF MRS. McCOMBS

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 7 June 1935, Page 6

DEATH OF MRS. McCOMBS

Woman of Indomitable Spirit in Public Life - SERVICE AT GREAT SACRIFICE BRILLIANT CAREER ENDED (By Telegraph —Press Association.) * CHRISTCHURCH, To-day. The death has occurred of Mrs Elizabeth McCombs, M.P. for Lyttelton, aged 62 years, following ill heatlh for some months. Mrs McCombs leaves a record of national and civic service that will remain an inspiration for generations to come. First as wife and. able helper to the late Mr James McCombs and then on her own account as a representative of the women of New Zealand in Parliament, she gave of her best. . * In public service during her,years in Parliament her supporters arid', admirers, and they ran into many thousands, saw with anxious eyes that on each successive public appearance -this indomitable woman was becoming miore and more fragile. Her gallant spirit that had carried her so far in her brilliant career was undaunted, but many saw her strength was being overtaxed and that she sacrificing herself on the altar of service to her fellows. She was a greatly loved and respected woman and her admirers were of all shades of political opinion. Above all was recognised her active sympathy for her less fortunate fellows and, indeed, this was what actuated her throughout her public life. Mrs McCombs is survived by one son, Mr Terence H. McCombs, and one daughter. Miss Alison Patricia, McCombs. Other members of Mrs McCombs’ family are Miss Alice Henderson, for nearly 40 years a missionary of the Presbyterian Church in. India, Miss Christina Henderson, a well-known social welfare worker, and Mrs E. F. Allan, lady editor of the Melbourne “Argus,” all 6f who are sisters, and Mr A. O. Henderson, editor of the Christchurch “Times,” who is a brother.