130 years ago today on August 30…

Note: Posted two days late.

130 years ago today…

The suffragettes celebrated a win after it was voted in the Legislative Council that the definition of “person” would be expanded to include women. This was a clause of the Electoral Act. 

The vote was won by a majority of two votes. After this vote, it was considered pretty much absolute that the entire Electoral Bill would be passed. This was great cause for excitement for the suffragettes and their allies. 

Although this was a win for New Zealand women, the definition of “person” still did not reach many Kiwis. To be defined as a person, a woman had to be over 21 years old, and not be a “lunatic”, convict, or “alien”. This was problematic as it left out many New Zealanders.

However, this vote being passed was definitely a step in the right direction. Unfortunately some were still against the movement. One Mr W C Walker made clear his opposition to the bill several times during the meeting. 

But many in the gallery applauded when the vote was passed. There was sufficient hope for the movement after this day, 130 years ago.