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Shining a Light: Female Investors in the Australian Gas Light Company, 1836-1940

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Listed:
  • Grant Fleming
  • Zhangxin (Frank) Liu
  • David Merrett
  • Simon Ville

Abstract

A developing literature points to the growing significance of women in the Australian colonial economy, particularly through their role as business owners. We are interested to know whether they were also active company investors, as evidence from other countries such as Britain and America has revealed to be the case. We investigate the Australian Gaslight Company, one of Australia’s oldest and largest enterprises and which has extensive surviving records, to shine a light on the growing role of female investors across a century since its formation in 1836. We examine who these women were, how they traded, and what influence they held within the company.

Suggested Citation

  • Grant Fleming & Zhangxin (Frank) Liu & David Merrett & Simon Ville, 2024. "Shining a Light: Female Investors in the Australian Gas Light Company, 1836-1940," CEH Discussion Papers 05, Centre for Economic History, Research School of Economics, Australian National University.
    • Handle: RePEc:auu:hpaper:121
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    File URL: https://cbe.anu.edu.au/researchpapers/CEH/WP202405.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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