MRS McCOMBS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 287, 15 September 1933, Page 3

MRS McCOMBS.

TRIBUTES IN AUCKLAND. (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, Sept. 14. Miss Ellen Melville, president of tho Auckland Branch of the National Council of Women, said it was fortunate that the firSt woman elected to Parliament should be one of such'undoubted capacity and experience in public work and one who would be able to convince the public that women were as well suited as men for Parliamentary work. Miss B. Carnachan, former Dominion president, expressed delight at Mrs McCombs's election, saying that she was the right kind of wornam to be elected. It had now been proved that her worth had been recognised, not only by women (who had long known it), but by men.

Dr. Hilda Northcroft said it was very appropriate that Canterbury, which was the pioneer in all women's movements, should send the first women to Parliament.

NOTICE OF MOTION REQUIRED.

CITY COUNCIL'S CONGRATULATIONS.

AUCKLAND, September 14

Permission to move without notice that tho Auckland City Council should forward to Mrs E. R. McCombs its congratulations upon her being the first woman to gain Parliamentary honours in New Zealand was requested by Cr. A. Rosser at a meeting of the council. He said that were he compelled to give notice, it would involve a delay of three weeks, which would make the resolution an absurdity.

Cr. A. Donaldson moved that Cr. Rosser bo given permission to move the motion. He thought it would be a fitting one for the council to pass. Its endorsement would bear no shade of political opinion.

Cr. Ellen Melville seconded Cr. Donaldson's motion, and the Mayoi (Mr G. W. Hutchison) called for a show of hands. Fifteen voted for it and six against. The Mayor declared the motion lost. Ho .said the standing orders would not permit a motion to be put without notice unless such action were agreed to by not less than three-quarters of tho members present. Including tho Mayor there were 21 members of the council present, so the 15 members who voted in favour of Cr. Rosser's motion being moved failed by three-quarters of a vote to establish the requisite major, ity.