HONOURED FIGURE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23124, 24 August 1938, Page 17

HONOURED FIGURE

MISS JESSIE MACK AY DEATH AT AGE OF 74 POETESS AND FEMINIST [llV TKI.KGRAPH —OWN COHRKSPOXJDKNT] CHRI STC'HURCH, Tuesday One of the most honoured figures in Now Zealand literature, Miss Jessie Mackay, aged 74, died this morning. Born at Rakaia Gorge, where her father had a sheep station, Miss Mackay spent the greater part of her life iu Canterbury and found inspiration for much of her finest poetry in the foothills countrv where she was born.

The publication oi her volume of verse, "Land of the Morning," more than a quarter of a century ago was an important event in the history of New Zealand literature, containing as it did some of the noblest verse that has yet been inspired by the scenery and traditions of this young country. Combining in her character and her writings the finest qualities of the colonial with the fire, enthusiasm and intense love of country typical of the Gael, Miss-Mackay devoted her ardent sympathies and eloquent tongue and pen to humanitarian progress and the cause of the oppressed. The story of infamous Highland clearances,- the eviction of crofters to make room for deer parks, in which her own clan and family suffered, inspired srtme of her most passionate verse. She found themes also in Maori lore.

Far from being a mere dreamer, Miss Maekay was a very practical apostle of political and social reforms. She was a pioneer feminist, achieving a great deal for the betterment of women's lot, and she worked hard in the election which resulted in the return of her friend, Mrs. .Elizabeth MeCornhs, as the first woman member of the Now Zealand House of Representatives.

For about 10 years Miss Maekay was lady editor of the Canterbury Times, to which she contributed an immense amount of work. Based on some years of experience as a teacher in country schools, she contributed many valuable suggestions toward the improvement of educational methods. A well deserved honour was paid to Miss Mackav when in 1921 she was chosen as delegate to the Irish Conference in Paris, where she met most of the great figures in Celtic literature and culture. Within the past few months Miss Maekay had received notice that the University of New Zealand intended to confer upon her the honorary degree of doctor of literature.