May Edith Evelyn Furey

May Edith Evelyn Furey (2 May 1891 – 29 December 1962) was a New Zealand machinist, political activist and feminist. She was born in London, England on 2 May 1891.[1]

Biography

Furey was born in Islington, London in 1891, the daughter of Isabella Rose and her husband James William Edwards, a compositor. Furey was privately educated, and her family lived comfortably. She was widely read, and became interested in politics and debate. Furey was a strong advocate for women's rights and campaigned with Women's Social and Political Union activists Sylvia and Christabel Pankhurst in London. First-wave feminism formed Furey's political activism.[1]

Furey married piano-maker Harry Ernest Finnimore on 1 August 1914, in London. A daughter Betty was born in 1917, but in November 1918 Harry died during the influenza epidemic. [1][2] Furey travelled to Melbourne to look for work, and while employed at an outback hotel in Echuca, Victoria she met John Patrick Furey, a farmer.[1] They married in 1924, in Inglewood, Victoria, and lived in a tent until accommodation was available.[2] In 1939, John was offered work in Christchurch. Upon arrival in New Zealand, Furey was employed as a machinist for Lichfield Shirts.[1] Furey soon joined the New Zealand China Society, NZ-USSR Society, Christchurch Peace Council, and later the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.[2]

The Canterbury Housewives' Union (CHU) was founded by moderate Neta Neale in 1942, with support from Furey, in 1944 Furey took over as president. Under her direction the CHU became a Popular Front organisation, linked to other left-wing activists. Furey was the driving force behind the CHU until her death in 1962.[3]

Furey was a delegate to the Christchurch branches of the National Council of Women of New Zealand and the Pan-Pacific and South-East Asia Women's Association.[1]

Furey died on 29 December 1962 at Christchurch, and was survived by her daughter and son. Her husband John had died in 1958.[1]

References
  1. Nicholls, Roberta. "May Edith Evelyn Furey". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  2. "Unsung Heroes: Mary Furey". christchurchcitylibraries.com. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  3. Branch, New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs Historical (1993). Women Together: A History of Women's Organisations in New Zealand : Ngā Rōpū Wāhine O Te Motu. Historical Branch, Department of Internal Affairs. ISBN 978-0-908896-29-5.
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