Mary Ann Colclough

Mary Ann Colclough (née Barnes; 20 February 1836–7 March 1885) was an early New Zealand woman's advocate, journalists and lecturer. She contributed to many newspapers and editor columns under the name Polly Plum.

Quotes

• I aspire to be an author, and a fair criticism, conducted without prejudice of sex, I am willing to submit to.
  • Quote from: Coleman, Jenny. (2017). Polly Plum: A Firm and Earnest Woman's Advocate. Dunedin: Otago University Press. ISBN 9780947522476.
• The right, as thinking, reasoning beings, to decide for themselves what is best for their own happiness. If they were satisfied with man’s decision, this agitation for change would not be.
  • Quote from: Clarke, Chanel. "Meri's parliamentary chest and Mary Ann's chair", Auckland War Memorial Museum - Tāmaki Paenga Hira, Published: 14/11/2018.
• And then how black, how bitter, how real the yoke it, none can know but those who feel it. What a risk there is in marriages! What a perilous step to take.
  • Quote from: Coleman, Jenny. (2017). Polly Plum: A Firm and Earnest Woman's Advocate. Dunedin: Otago University Press. ISBN 9780947522476.
• I said that I did not think that women in any great numbers would ever concern themselves about politics, but I think those who have proved good queens regent and self-helpful women demonstrate the capacity that is in women for government.
  • Quote from: Coleman, Jenny. (2017). Polly Plum: A Firm and Earnest Woman's Advocate. Dunedin: Otago University Press. ISBN 9780947522476.
• The real grievance must be that there are men who object to women having brains or daring to use them.
  • Quote from: Coleman, Jenny. (2017). Polly Plum: A Firm and Earnest Woman's Advocate. Dunedin: Otago University Press. ISBN 9780947522476.
• ...but let a woman once think and be daring enough to give the world the benefit of her thoughts, and great is the indignation of many who can witness quite approvingly all sorts of nonsensical acting in charades.
  • Quote from:Coleman, Jenny. (2017). Polly Plum: A Firm and Earnest Woman's Advocate. Dunedin: Otago University Press. ISBN 9780947522476.
• To the other sex, to whose fault the existence of this terrible class of the community must be charged, are those who have the means; and though they claim to be the protectors of woman, the boast must be considered an empty one in many cases, since it is a notorious fact that fallen women find it easier to make a living than honest ones do.
  • Quote from: Coleman, Jenny. (2017). Polly Plum: A Firm and Earnest Woman's Advocate. Dunedin: Otago University Press. ISBN 9780947522476.
• The truth is, any attempt to teach religion in public schools is an attempt to force our views on others; and, as all should be fairly considered in return for a tax that all must pay, I hope that strictly secular instruction during school hours will in all fairness be upheld in State schools.
  • Quote from: Coleman, Jenny. (2017). Polly Plum: A Firm and Earnest Woman's Advocate. Dunedin: Otago University Press. ISBN 9780947522476.