Overview
These clothes and shoes belonged to Elisabeth Joyce Campbell (née Peill), known as Betty Campbell, when she was a young child living in Tientsin, China. Betty was born in China when her parents Roy and Freda Peill were missionaries there. The clothes tell the story of Betty's early life and schooling in China, although she was later educated in England and Switzerland.
Arrival in New Zealand
Betty arrived in New Zealand in 1947 on the assisted immigration scheme. In 1949, after the birth of her first child, and became part of the Plunket Society, set up to help mothers and babies.
Active in health
Betty later became a key person in the newly formed Federation of New Zealand Parents' Centres. As part of this group, she worked for better antenatal education for mothers and fathers. She joined the Wellington Hospital Board in 1965 with the specific aim of making childbirth more 'human' – with fathers allowed to be present at births, and more generous visiting times, especially in children's wards.
Active in the community
Betty was elected a Wellington city councillor in 1968, and established the community services section of the council. She worked with the anti-litter committee, and helped set up Green Cottage for pensioners, and Johnsonville and Newtown community centres and citizens advice bureaux. In the 1980s, she was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her many achievements. A detailed account of Betty’s life is recorded in The Book of New Zealand Women: Ko Kui Ma Te Kaupapa.