Mary Martin

Mary Martin (7 January 1915 – 6 September 1988) was a New Zealand netball player. She represented New Zealand in their first Test match, in 1938 against Australia.

Early life Born on 7 January 1915, Martin was the daughter of trade unionist and later politician Bernard Martin and Minnie Ellen Martin (née Fitzgerald). She studied at Auckland Teachers' Training College, and served on the Auckland University Students' Association social committee, the Dramatic Club committee, and as secretary of the Basketball Club. She was awarded a New Zealand Universities blue for netball (at that time called basketball).

International In 1936, Martin was first selected to tour Australia with a New Zealand national team the following season, but the tour did not proceed. In 1938, Martin was a member of the first New Zealand netball team, when a national side travelled to Australia and competed in the Australian interstate tournament in Melbourne. However, in an exhibition match played under New Zealand rules, the New Zealand team beat Victoria 19–5. and Tasmania 17–32, before overcoming New South Wales 21–18. Martin played in all the matches except the defeat by Tasmania.

Martin appeared in the single Test match, the first played between New Zealand and Australia, in Melbourne on 20 August 1938. New Zealand were defeated 11–40 in the match, played under Australian rules.

Later life and death Martin died on 6 September 1988 and her ashes were buried with her parents at Waikumete Cemetery in West Auckland.