A letter to the feminist movement of New England from the feminist of New Zealand

A letter to the feminist movement of New England from the feminist of New Zealand

Women's Suffrage

A letter from the feminist group of New Zealand and the prime minister of New Zealand Richard Seddon, directed to Mrs. Fawcett and her group of feminist supporters in New England. The letter was sent to the feminist supporters in August 7th 1902. The letter discusses the various affects that women's suffrage has had on the status of women and on New Zealand society. They proclaim that since New Zealand has enabled women's suffrage only the best laws are passed, and this is due to a decrease of drunkards and a strong sense of responsibility given to both genders on Election day. The salient issue of temperance laws were also passed under women's influence. Finally, the feminist group dispelled the myths that opposed women's suffrage such as women seeking office and how it would change the roll of women.   

Richard Seddon

http://tinyurl.galegroup.com/tinyurl/37tPf7

London: Central society of women suffrage

August 7th 1902

Alton Fo

letter

The effect on the election has been most gratifying. I have no doubt you have seen here in the mother country how on election day a number of persons are brought under various influences some baneful , some otherwise . I confess we have little of that in the colonies, but not so much as in the mother country.
I may say at once that the fear i had myself that woman would be dragged from that high pedestal on which i had always loved to see her, and by entering into politics would be drawn into a vortex and not escape without losing that feminine modesty which every true woman must admire and appreciate, has proved unfounded.

paper