WOMEN'S FRANCHISE.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7949, 25 August 1891, Page 5

WOMEN'S FRANCHISE.

THE DEBATE IN THE HOUSE.

(By Teleuraph.)

[*BOM OUB BPSCIAL OORBKSPOXDENT. ]

WELLINGTON, August 24.

There were some amusing incidents during the debate on the women's franchise question. For instance, Mr Fish, in the course of his throe hours' speech, was referring to Mr Bryce's advocacy of the female franchise and said that although he (Mr Fish) was not so handsome as he was at one time, still he ventured to say that if females were allowed to vote, he could captivate three women to /every, one that would foli.a victim to the leader of the Opposition. The House fairly roared with laughter, and Mr Bryce appeared to .enjoy the. joke as jnuch as anybody. ' 'later, on /Mr Taylor was opposing the Bill in his usual .characteristic style. ■ AVith spectacles in hand, and pointing towards - the crowded ladies' gallery, he said, "I don't think there is a lady there." This was received with cries of ''Oh" from several members, and peals of laughter from the House as' Mr Taylor made an awkward'pause. He continued, however—" Not a lady there but possesses a certain amount of influence," and then resumed his remarks.

While the debate on Sir Jdhn Hall'a Female Suffrage Bill was proceeding'an address vre&' handed to Sir John which had been signed- by aU the Qccup*nt3 of v tho Mta'.galleryi aixty-eight in Uio of Premier- Tf lie that -££l^ sisjners had attendetl that." evening On the ..y...i l( ••ho tiHiHMici into oioiinif on Clio assured hope 6£ seeing Sir John's noble and persistent <jSprte on ttieir behalf crowned with success. They utterly repudiated the statement that they regarded the question *wj.th oir. &r& unwilliiig to be they hope this address, together withtlie womon'i petitions received from the women of New Zealand, will abundantly disprove those unfounded allegations. They are convinced that all true men desire to do justice, and they hope that the' Houso would night demonstrate its superiority and that of Zealand to old world. judicefl, and its resolution to grant eqiial justice; to all; irrespective of ccx. In ' con* elusion they desire to thank Sir John Hall most heartily (or his unwearied exertions in their cause, through him all those -who had advocated it. ■' ' ■■;•'•• ■■■■'■ r -'; ■

' ; On the division being taken, the motion for the eecond reading Was carried by »•**»■■"■—•■-■ -■■'■;;•*■;■■-■■•'■■■ • " ■