WOMEN JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17808, 6 July 1923, Page 7

WOMEN JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

BILL PASSED SECOND READING IN HOUSE. (SPECIAI. TO "THB PEESS.") ■WELLINGTON, Jute 5. In the House of Representatives this afternoon Mr T. M. Wilt'ord moved the 3econd reading of the Justices of the Peace Act Amendment Bill, which provides for creating -women Justices of the Peace. Last year, he said, the Bill passed the Lower House, but was killed in the Legislative Council, and he did not have much hope for its greater success this session, because it emanated from the House of Representatives. One thing which c.iused him to be hostile to the Legislative Council was the fact that they had thrown out a Bill which was thoroughly Liberal in principle, and in accord with modern views. There was keen interest in the Bill, and he had been deluged with requests from all classes to endeavour to get the measure through Parliament. The Bill was supported by Sir John Luke, Messrs Sidey, Wright, Savage, Nash, T. W, Rhodes, Bartram, and Isitt. The Hon. C. J. Parr said the general attitude of the Government towards women taking up important positions was one of complete sympathy. As a case in point he proposed shortly to appoint several women as school inspectors. He was prepared to give the present Bill his hearty support. Mr Holland said as there waa complete unanimity in the House, the Bill should be taken up by the Government and made a Government measure. There would then be no doubt about it passing the Legislative Council. Mr Forbes said he thought, this would hardly, be fair to Mr Wilford, who had fought for the Bill, and he should get whatever credit .was coming to him for it! The Bill was read a second time on the voices.