22 Jun 2017

The Connon Girls: pioneers of womens' tertiary education in NZ

From Afternoons, 1:38 pm on 22 June 2017

Helen Connon of Christchurch was the first woman in the British empire to gain a university degree with honours, in 1881.

Fifteen years after her death Helen Connon Hall was opened at Canterbury University in 1918. It was a hostel for women students. Initially there were just 6, but the numbers steadily grew.

Pat Syme was one of the residents of Connon Hall, and has contributed to a book, called Connon Girls, which tells the story of this womens' hostel and the early pioneers of women's tertiary education.

The first 6 residents in 1918. Image courtesy of MacMillan Brown Library

The Cannon girls in 1923 Five years after the hostel opened with 6 residents the number had grown to 30. Miss Thomson the matron is in the middle. Image courtesy of MacMillan Brown Library

Group of residents on the verandah 1928 - image courtesy of MacMillan Brown Library

Group of residents outside the cottage 1941. Image courtesy of MacMillan Brown Library

Collecting for Charity during Capping Week 1961 - image courtesy of MacMillan Brown Library

The Connon girls entry in the Avon river bike race during capping week 1959. Image courtesy of MacMillan Brown Library

Connon girls and partners at the ball 1960. Image courtesy of MacMillan Brown Library

Rear View of Chester House which opened in 1930. Image courtesy of MacMillan Brown Library

Anyone who wants to purchase the book can contact connongirls@gmail.com

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The Connon Girls: pioneers of womens' tertiary education in NZ

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