Kate Sheppard (1848–1934) was the most prominent member of the women's
suffrage movement in New Zealand, and is one of that nation's best-known
historical figures. Born in Liverpool, England, she migrated to New
Zealand with her family in 1868, joining religious and social
organisations there, including the Woman's Christian Temperance Union
(WCTU). In 1887 she was appointed the WCTU's National Superintendent for
Franchise and Legislation. Sheppard promoted women's suffrage by
organising petitions and public meetings, by writing letters to the
press, and by developing contacts with politicians. She was the editor
of the White Ribbon, the first woman-operated newspaper in New Zealand.
Through her skilful writing and persuasive public speaking, her work
culminated in the grant of the vote to women on 19 September 1893,
making New Zealand the first nation to grant universal suffrage.
Read more: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Sheppard>
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Today's selected anniversaries:
1692:
Salem witch trials: As Giles Corey was being crushed to death
for refusing to enter a plea to charges of witchcraft, he reportedly
kept telling officials, "More weight!"
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giles_Corey>
1940:
Polish resistance leader Witold Pilecki allowed himself to be
captured by German forces and sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp
in order to gather intelligence.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witold_Pilecki>
1970:
The first Glastonbury Festival, the largest greenfield festival
in the world, was held at Michael Eavis's farm in Glastonbury, England.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glastonbury_Festival>
1982:
:-) and :-( were first proposed by Scott Fahlman for use as
emoticons.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emoticon>
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Wiktionary's word of the day:
Jolly Roger:
The traditional flag used on European and American pirate ships, often
pictured as a white skull and crossbones on a black field; the
blackjack.
<https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Jolly_Roger>
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Wikiquote quote of the day:
There is a spell of unresisted power In wonder-working weak
simplicity, Because it is not fear'd.
--Hartley Coleridge
<https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Hartley_Coleridge>