WOMEN IN POLITICS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 10, 11 December 1930, Page 11

WOMEN IN POLITICS.

“TIAIE TO ORGANISE.” NAPIER, Dec. 10. “The time lias come when we should organise the votes of our women for the benefit of our country,” said Airs E. J. Herrick in addressing a Reform Party gathering of about 300 women to-day at the residence of Air F. S. Budd under the auspices of the Hasting auxiliary of the Reform League, of which the speaker is president. The gathering took the form of a garden meeting, and was addressed by Airs J. G. Coates, the Leader of the Opposition, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, Air J. A. Nash, AI.P., and Air H. Al. Campbell, AI.P., of Hawke’s Bay. “Wo must realise our responsibilities,” said Airs Herrick. “Too many of us know far too little about politics.”

“It is necesasry for women to take an interest in the Government of the country,” said Airs Coates, “and the way in which the country is run is so important that ■women should take as much interest as men. It is hoped we shall be able to form auxiliary women’s branches throughout the whole country, for it is very important we should get together and discuss our difficulties and problems. Half our difficulties are overcome if we understand one another’s problems. “We women have real political power.” continued Airs Coates. “Reform is still the strongest force in the country, and we want your help to build it up. We should take our place and do our work. When we see what immense achievements we have been able to accomplish in our social work we have proof of the work that we could do in politics. The Reform Party’s policy is open to all. There is nothing hidden in it. We want you to feel the Reform Party is vour own party and that New Zealand is your very own country. If you feel that and if you understand what your wants are, you can do a very great deal of valuable work. “There is much talk of new parties —there is no need for new parties. They succeed only in splitting up political influences and do nothing beyond strengthening the Labour Party. We must not work in sections, but as one big whole in one big effort.”