NEW ZEALAND WOMEN’S FRANCHISE

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 8, 1 September 1949, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND WOMEN’S FRANCHISE

The following letter was sent by the then Prime Minister, Sir John Hall, to Mr. \Y. Sidney Smith, the compiler of a very complete and authentic account of the whole campaign for the enlranchiseihent of women in New Zeala d. We publish it as being of considerable interest to us as an organisation. “ My dear Sir, “The perusal of the proofs of the ’Outlines of the Women’s Franchise Movement in New Zealand’ lias been a very pleasant task to me. The manner in which the Parliamentary Franchise was obtained for women in New Zealand deserved to be put on record, and I bear willing testimony to the accuracy and fairness with which this lias been done by you. “ I am especially glad to find that your narrative does justice to the first pioneer in the movement, Dr. Wallis; also to Mr. Alfred Saunders, its steadfast advocate; and especially to Mrs. Sheppard. Superintendent of the Franchise Department of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. To no one was the success which crowned our long struggle more attributable than to Mrs. Sheppard and her colleagues for the judgment and the tenacity of purpose with which they worked to influence public and Parliamentary opinion. But for their perseverance, as well as their moderati<m, the opposition which was offered to the enfranchisement of women would have been very difficult to overcome. “ Yours faithfully, “John Hall.” After eight years of the exercise of the right to vote, Mr. Smith wrote this account; and from it we quote the following extract: “ It must be admitted that to those ultra-enthusiasts who believed that all virtue and rightmindedness was concentrated in woman, and that tbe casting of her vote would bring about an immediate millennium, there has been some disappointment. Parliament has not become an assembly of absolutely pure and unselfish men. King Alcohol has not been suddenly deposed, nor have crime and vice entirely disappeared. “ But to those who claimed for women the right to vote on the ground that they were responsible human beings, and who believed that the granting of Ihat act of justice would be of benefit to the community, there has come an ample confirmation of that belief The temperance vote has increased three-fold, and if ten per cent, of votes can be won from the other side, the temperance party will have an absolute majority next year ” Note. The above was written in 1901. The election held in 1902 showed a majority for No License.