Mountain Scene
By PHILIP CHANDLER
A former Queenstowner’s told the tale of an unsung heroine of the Whakatipu goldfields.
The Nine Lives of Kitty K. is an historical novel about the incredible life of Kitty Kirk (1855-1930), who was known for her daring rides on horseback to deliver supplies to Skippers miners in mid-winter.
Arguably one of the toughest women in Otago history, some hailed her as a heroine while others called her a harlot.
The novel — depicting turbulent times including the 1890s depression — was written by 91-year-old Margaret Mills, who lived in Queenstown between 1951 and 1978 and was married to one-time New Zealand ski racer Johnny Mills, who died in ’97.