The woman who asked Timaru’s women to act
Dates unknown; active in Timaru in 1882
Timaru harbour, Black Sunday, lifeboat
Women’s organising
Civic advocacy
On 14 May 1882, the wrecks of the Benvenue and City of Perth and the ensuing rescue attempts brought death and grief to Timaru. Contemporary reporting recorded ten deaths associated with the disaster.
Two days later, a woman signing herself E. A. Hacon wrote from Le Cren’s Terrace.
Her letter was published in the Timaru Herald on 17 May. She argued that, once immediate relief had been provided for those affected by the disaster, the women of Timaru and South Canterbury should organise to obtain a properly equipped lifeboat.
Hacon offered £5 to begin a subscription and proposed forming a women’s working committee. She envisaged women contributing money, time and practical work rather than remaining spectators while men faced danger at sea.
She referred to the example of Baroness Angela Burdett-Coutts, who had funded lifeboats in Britain. Hacon was using an international example of women’s philanthropy to argue that South Canterbury women could claim a place in local decisions about public safety.
The letter establishes that she spoke publicly and proposed collective action. It does not yet prove that the committee was formed, that money was collected or that a new lifeboat resulted from her appeal.
Nor do we yet know who she was. Her full names, family, age and connection with Le Cren’s Terrace have not been securely identified.
That uncertainty should remain visible. E. A. Hacon’s importance currently lies in one clearly documented act. At a time of public grief, she did not simply offer sympathy. She proposed a plan, contributed the first money and asked other women to organise beside her.
Read the WuHoo story: Heroines Who Asked, Gave and Had to Face the Sea
Sources
Timaru Herald, 17 May 1882: An Appeal to the Ladies of Timaru and South Canterbury
The primary source for Hacon’s signature, address, donation and proposal for a women’s committee.
Otago Daily Times, 16 May 1882: The Timaru Shipwrecks
Contemporary reporting on the disaster and loss of life.
To the Editor of the Timaru Herald. published 17 May 1882