FEMALE SUFFRAGE.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7964, 11 September 1891, Page 6

FEMALE SUFFRAGE.

REJECTION OF TTTB? BILL.

[By Tejwkaph.] [kruc oits Bpbcial cokkbsvokdiirt.] WELLINGTON, September 10. My gloomy anticipation* as to the fate of the Female Suffrage Bill have been fulfilled. It was thrown ont to-day by the Council os division by 17 votes to 15—a majority of two. The fifteen Ayes comprised those I indicated laat Dr. Grace, who voted with the Noes, and Mr Stereos, who did not vote, with the addition of Captain Kenny, Mr Martin, Mr McLean, Dr. Pollen, and Mr Wilson, who were marked as donbtfuls. The Noes comprised my list of last night, with the addition of Dr. Grace (classed as an Aye) and of Means Hart, Mantell, TaUuroa, and Wahawaha, who were marked at doubtfuls. Two vigorous and well-directed efforts were made by Mr C. Johnston to save Female Suffrage, but were defeated through what looks rather like half-heartedness oa the part of the suppoiters of the reform, who apparently were inclined to resent a rejection of the Bill especially devoted to the question. Mr Johnston first proposed when the Electoral Bill mi in Committee to amend the interpretation clause by making "persons" include women. The supporters of the Bill, however, took up the position that the question had been fought out and decided against them, consequently they would not, try the issue over again. Mr Johnston held that what he proposed was materially different from that which the Female Suffrage Bill enacted. The latter empowered women to sit in the House. He proposed to give them the right to vote at Parliamentary elections. However, they w*dd not listen to the suggestion, and tfce opportunity passed. Next, when the Council restored the property qualification (freehold and leasehold), Mr Johnston urged that an opening was here afforded for making a beginning with female franchise by conferring it on that class of women whom almost everyone admitted to be entitled to the franchise—to women possessing real property in their own right. It was still objected that the Council had decided the main question, and that this ought not to be raised again by a surprise or side wind, that not being the way things were done in the Upper House; so MrJohnston'a endeavors failed, and femaje franchise was lulled for fixe session.

tffie public health i* endangered by net •one whe vend eoenterfeita of WOW* Schnapps.