Kōrero: Referendums

Zealandia, a representation of New Zealand, is saving the nation from the perils of alcohol in this 1905 cartoon. The scroll she carries, marked 'People's vote', indicates that alcohol should be abolished through the licensing poll referendum. The 'shades' (ghosts) of ancient civilisations supposedly destroyed by alcohol look on approvingly. The cartoonist may have intended Zealandia to particularly represent women voters. The Women's Christian Temperance Union had led the campaign for women's suffrage in New Zealand, and most female voters were thought to favour prohibition.