Obituary

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31098, 29 June 1966, Page 2

Obituary

MRS E. C. WATSON Mrs Elleanor Catherine Watson, wife of Mr T. Menzies Watson, of Merrivale, Otautau, Southland, died recently after a long illness. Mrs Watson was well known throughout New Zealand for her deep interest in the welfare of people, particularly that of women. A gifted and colourful personality, Mrs Watson gave great impetus to the work of the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers, in which she held office for many years. She was provincial president and organiser for some years of the Southland executive, and Dominion president from 1960 to 1963. From then until the time of her death, she was international officer for New Zealand.

Some years ago, on a British Imperial Trust Bursary, Mrs Watson represented New Zealand countrywomen on a goodwill tour of Britain for a year’s intensive study and lecturing. Toured Continent She also toured the Continent and spent some time at Addis Ababa with her elder daughter, Mrs Jock Baker, now of Suva, Fiji. Organiser and chairwoman of the Southland W.D.F.F. holiday homes and camping ground carnival which raised £13,000, Mrs Watson chose and, herself, made all the soft furnishings. She was also a foundation member of the Southland W.D.F.F. forestry scheme. Some of her other activities included membership for Wallace, on the Southland Hospital Board, covering 10 hospitals. She was delegate from the board to the hospital boards’ conference in 1957. She had experience in writing and broadcasting. In 1953 she was awarded the the Queen’s Medal, and in 1963, the 0.B. E. Mrs Watson’s younger daughter, Laetitia, is “Anne” of the National Programme children’s session, and she leaves also two sons, John, of Dipton, and Nicholas, of Merrivale.