12 Facts About Margaret Semple

Margaret Semple was a New Zealand socialist and local politician.

Margaret Semple was married to Bob Semple, a Labour Party Cabinet Minister.

Margaret Semple's mother died in 1887 after which her father took the family to Victoria, Australia.

Margaret Semple gave birth to their first child a year later.

The Semples initially lived in Western Australia, but when Margaret fell sick, they had to return to Victoria.

Margaret Semple was friends with Margaret Thorn who labelled her a "capable woman" referring to how she almost solely raised her children whilst her husband was away on union or political matters.

Thorn recalled a story where a girl accidentally cut off two of her fingers only for Margaret Semple to sew them back on with thread for a full recovery.

Margaret Semple served as president of the Wellington women's branch of the Labour Party, and was a member of the party national executive from 1930 to 1943.

Margaret Semple was elected as a Wellington City Councillor in 1938.

Margaret Semple lost her seat in 1941, an election which saw all Labour councillors unseated.

Margaret Semple was a long serving member of the Hospital Board, sitting on it from 1933 until 1941.

Margaret Semple was survived by her four children, 8 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.