Pioneer of women’s suffrage honoured

THE SON of a naval captain who became New Zealand’s premier and gave woman the right to vote for the first time will be commemorated this week in his home town in Yorkshire.

Sir John Hall, who was born in Hull in 1824, emigrated to New Zealand where he developed one of the first large-scale sheep farming runs. He was soon involved in politics, becoming Premier in 1879. He is best known for moving the Parliamentary Bill that gave women in New Zealand the vote in 1893 – the first country in the world to do so.

High Commissioner for New Zealand Sir Lockwood Smith will unveil a centenary plaque on Wednesday at Hull Central Library, adjacent to where Sir John Hall was born.

Lord Mayor Coun Mary Glew will give a short speech on his life and works before the unveiling of a second plaque at 2.30pm, honouring Margaret Kissling (nee Moxon), a teacher and missionary in Sierra Leone and New Zealand.

The plaques are among a series being unveiled in the centenary year of the Lord Mayor which will eventually form a city-wide trail.

A computer app is being developed so people will be able to download more information about the individuals involved.

Coun Glew said: “There are so many truly inspirational and influential people from this city that we want to celebrate for their impact on people’s lives. I’m delighted that the High Commissioner of New Zealand is coming to our city to remember Sir John Hall and Margaret Kissling and their internationally significant work.”

Three plaques have already been unveiled including one to Spitfire ace, Squadron Leader Ronald Berry DFC.