Ruth Atkinson (activist) facts for kids

Ruth Atkinson (1861–1927) was an important New Zealander who worked for social change. She was involved in the Temperance movement, which aimed to reduce alcohol use. She also fought for women's rights, especially the right for women to vote.

From 1910 until she passed away, Ruth was the leader of the Women's Christian Temperance Union of New Zealand (WCTU NZ) in Nelson. In 1919, this group chose her to attend a special meeting called the Inter-Allied Women's Conference. This conference happened at the same time as the big 1919 Paris Peace Conference after World War I.

Ruth's Early Life and Family

Ruth Atkinson was born in 1861 in New Plymouth, New Zealand. Her parents were Jane Maria and Arthur Atkinson. She was one of five children in her family.

In 1867, her family moved to Nelson. Her father became a lawyer and was active in business and politics there. In 1871, her family moved into their new home called Fairfield on Trafalgar Street.

Family Values and Education

The Atkinson family were Unitarians, which meant they had progressive ideas. They strongly supported education for girls and believed that women should have the right to vote. All family members were also active in the Temperance movement.

Ruth and her sisters first went to school in Nelson. In 1877, Ruth's mother took her three daughters to England for more schooling. Ruth attended a boarding school run by Octavia Hill. After finishing school in 1879, Ruth and her sister Mabel traveled with their mother. They visited places like Bristol, Germany, Florence, and Venice. They then sailed back to New Zealand, arriving in Wellington in January 1881.

Ruth's Work for Change

When Ruth returned to Nelson, she became very active in the Prohibition movement. This movement worked to stop the sale and use of alcohol. She also helped with projects for the Baptist Church.

Political Involvement

Ruth was also involved in politics. In 1896, she helped her brother campaign to become a Member of Parliament. In 1908, she was a strong supporter of the No License campaign, which aimed to stop alcohol sales in certain areas.

In 1910 and 1911, she was the vice president of the national Women's Christian Temperance Union New Zealand (WCTU NZ). At the same time, she started leading the Nelson branch of the WCTU.

War Efforts and International Conference

Ruth's mother passed away in 1914, and Ruth became responsible for their home, Fairfield. During World War I, she organized charity events at her home. These events raised money for important causes, like helping people in Belgium affected by the war. Newspapers often reported on her efforts to raise funds.

By 1916, Ruth was serving as Vice-President of the national WCTU. However, she went to England in December of that year for health reasons. She stayed in England until December 1919. While there, she hosted New Zealanders who were on leave from the war. She also helped distribute materials for the British Women's Temperance Association.

In early 1919, while in France, Ruth was chosen to represent the New Zealand WCTU. She attended the Inter-Allied Women's Conference in Paris. This was a very important meeting that happened alongside the 1919 Paris Peace Conference. During one of the sessions, Ruth proposed a motion on behalf of women's groups from British countries. She asked that the women delegates demand several things from the Peace Conference. These included giving women the right to vote and improving working conditions. She also asked for an international group to be formed to deal with issues affecting women and children. Ruth stayed in Paris until the conference ended in April.

Later Years and New Home

In 1920, Ruth returned to her role as president of the Nelson WCTU. She also became involved in a campaign against gambling. Her sister Mabel returned from England in 1921 and lived with Ruth at Fairfield until 1922. The sisters then sold their home to Nelson College for Girls. They built a new house called Cranford on Brougham Street.

Ruth's Passing and Legacy

Ruth Atkinson passed away on May 19, 1927, at the Queen Mary Hospital in Hanmer Springs. She had been ill for several months. Many members of the WCTU attended her funeral. She was buried on May 22 at the Wakapuaka Cemetery, alongside other family members. Ruth Atkinson is remembered for her long involvement in projects that helped improve society.