LADY ASTOR M.P.

Gisborne Times, Volume LI, Issue 5345, 4 December 1919, Page 5

LADY ASTOR M.P.

PREMIER INTRODUCES NEW MEMBER, TO HOUSE. NEW CANDIDATE MAY WEAR HER HAT. SPECIAL BOUDOIR AND WRITING ROOM PROVIDED. 'United Press Association—OoDirright. (Received Dec. 3, 3.10 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 29. Even the Opposition newspapers welcome Lady Astor’s election on the ground that women should be represented in the House of Commons. Mr. Lloyd-George and Mr. Balfour introduced Lady Astor to the House on Monday. The new candidate takes a seat reserved for her directly behind the front bench. Tk Speaker has decided that she may wear her hat, a point which j greatly exercised the members of the ! House. i

Lady Astor says she will not appear in evening dress but in the simplest gown in order not to set an unfair precedent to other women who possibly may he obliged to rely on the £4OO sti pend. An oak-panelled boudoir and writing room overlooking the Terrace has been provided for her use and is labelled “For lady members only.” Lady Astor may use the other clubrooms provided for members except the smoking room. Lady Astor, interviewed after her return for Plymouth Sutton seat, said that a new spirit of citizenship was struggling to the surface. That spirit was necessary for reconstruction. The war profiteers and the Bolshevists, if tlioy had their way, would make the country not a home of heroes but a den of thieves.— A. and N.Z. Cable Assn.