Page:Outlines of the women's franchise movement in New Zealand.djvu/65

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Movement in New Zealand.
45

above humanity. On the other hand it seemed impolitic to refuse what might be the first step towards justice. It was a conflict between principle and expediency. Mrs Sheppard, therefore, took counsel with the principal Unions, and asked for telegraphic replies. The result was that the Auckland, Christchurch, Ashburton, Wellington, Rangiora, Lyttelton, Dunedin, West Taieri, Roslyn, and Invercargill Unions voted for womanhood suffrage, the Napier Union voted for the property qualification, and the Port Chalmers Union agreed to accept this latter, if womanhood suffrage were unattainable.

The Wellington Union added a recommendation that the