Ethel McMillan was a Member of Parliament for Dunedin electorates for 22 years, but despite her political seniority, was not appointed a cabinet minister.
16 Facts About Ethel McMillan
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Ethel McMillan was very active in local affairs in Otago and was the first woman to be elected to Dunedin City Council.
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Ethel McMillan was dux and prefect at Gisborne Girls' High School.
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Ethel McMillan graduated with honours in history from the University of Otago in 1926.
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Ethel McMillan lectured in history at Otago for a year, during which time she met the medical student and her future husband, Gervan McMillan.
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Ethel McMillan then taught at Nelson College for Girls for three years.
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Ethel McMillan was cabinet minister for a year, but retired from Parliament in 1943 to concentrate on his medical practice.
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Robert Walls 8.
Gervan McMillan died from a heart disease in 1951, aged 46.
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Ethel McMillan's husband had been involved with the Labour Party since 1923, and Ethel McMillan joined the party in about 1930.
10.
Ethel McMillan was the first woman to be elected onto Dunedin City Council in 1950 and remained a councillor until 1980.
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Ethel McMillan chaired the local savings bank's board from 1964.
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Ethel McMillan had governance roles with the Dunedin Public Art Gallery Society, the Otago Museum Trust, and the New Zealand Library Association.
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Ethel McMillan stood in a 1953 by-election in the North Dunedin electorate that was caused by the death of Labour's Robert Walls and was elected.
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Ethel McMillan continued to represent the electorate to 1963, and then Dunedin North from 1963 to 1975, when she retired.
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Ethel McMillan was known as the 'Queen of Quiz' in Parliament for the numerous questions that she asked.
16.
Ethel McMillan was appointed a Companion of the Queen's Service Order for public services in the 1976 New Year Honours, and many felt that she should have received more official recognition.