12 Facts About Harriet Morison

Harriet Russell Morison was a New Zealand tailor, trade unionist, suffragist and public servant.

Harriet Morison came to New Zealand with her parents in 1867 or 1874 and settled in Dunedin.

Harriet Morison's father, James Morison, was a master tailor, and her first occupation was as a tailoress.

Harriet Morison "threw her whole energy" into the organisation of the union, and took over the position of secretary in 1890, which she held until 1896.

Harriet Morison was largely responsible for the union negotiating a minimum weekly wage of 7s 6d for clothing workers.

Harriet Morison campaigned for women's suffrage, which she considered a natural part of egalitarian Christian principles.

Harriet Morison organised ambulance classes for women, and was a foundation member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union.

In 1896, Harriet Morison was dismissed from her post of union secretary.

For 14 years, Harriet Morison was an official visitor to the Seacliff Lunatic Asylum near Dunedin.

Harriet Morison was active in the Bible Christian Church, as a lay preacher and as a chairwoman of the Unitarian Church Committee.

Harriet Morison retired in 1921 when she was made redundant, and after a period of failing health died at her home in New Lynn in 1925.

Harriet Morison is one of six figures honoured in the Kate Sheppard National Memorial in Christchurch, which was unveiled in 1993 on the 100th anniversary of suffrage in New Zealand.