For the next seven years, Kate and her fellow suffragettes struggled again and again to get their petitions recognized and the bill put before the parliament once more. They kept an eagle eye on the papers, shrewdly noting who spoke against them, and memorising the names of these detractors for future reference. But by 1893 it looked as if they would succeed, and Kate ever looking to the horizon began to set in place plans to encourage as many as women as possible to register to vote. The government had determined to have a general election hot on the heels of passing the bill, seeking to minimize the supposed 'effect' of the female vote.
And of course there was this petition, and Kate just knew it had to be a whopper- she could not risk failure at this stage. Her canvasser's were urged on to monumental efforts, so that when the petition was finished it measured 766 feet and contained 27,000 signatures (NZ can't have had even million people at that stage). It huge roll of paper had the desired effect when it was unrolled to thunderous silence across the chamber of the House.
So finally on 19th September 1893 Kate had her victory, and was able to declare;
"The news is being flashed far and wide, and before out earth has revolved on her axis every civilized community within the reach of the electric wires will have received the tidings that civic freedom has been granted to the women of New Zealand."
But what to do after such a victory? Kate Sheppard's story continues in part two.
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5.
Jun 23, 2006 6:13 PM
In response to kate posted by telesia:
iam doing one on this topic to ...
-- posted by the
4.
May 10, 2006 6:06 PM
well im doing this project and i came across dis site its agreat help so fanx
-- posted by telesia
3.
May 10, 2006 6:06 PM
well im doing this project and i came across dis site its agreat help so fanx
-- posted by telesia
2.
Mar 23, 2006 1:17 PM
I live in the US, and Im researching Kate Sheppard! Theres little info here and you guys helped me so much! Thanks!
xoxo ...
-- posted by NHDGIRL
1.
May 15, 2001 6:23 PM
Awesome webpage!! i learned sooo... much about new zealand history!! keep up the great work. HINT FOR BETTER WEBPAGE: MAKE IT MORE COLORFUL! IT WILL MAKE PEOPLE MORE INTERESTED! ...
-- posted by hottie25
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