The McQuarries

The story of the McQuarries is largely based on fact, and outlines the trials, joys and heartaches of a New Zealand shipping family battling through life's many ups, downs and prejudices in the 1800s.

An aging Captain McQuarrie, who is often away at sea, must leave his girls to run the household after losing his wife and daughter to tuberculosis. While dealing with many crises that befall the family, he must also accept that the same disease may yet claim another of his offspring.

Euphemia McQuarrie, a young woman, left to manage the house and children, strives to find her place in life free of the constraints of a man's world. Determined to break free of those restrictions, she sets out to get a job, fall in love, and, for the first time ever, see women win the right to vote!