THE WOMEN'S NATIONAL COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10409, 6 April 1897, Page 3

THE WOMEN'S NATIONAL COUNCIL.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,—The resolution upon the subject of marriage just passoil by the women iu Council at Christchurch affords a clear proof that we are only beginning to learn our political alphabet, and chat the women who hare formulated these resolutions are persons of limited experience, very little education, and narrow views. Hence they make eccentric exhibitions of themselves. Women have only enjoyed the franchise for a very brief aeason — meu have exercised thta privilige for thousands of years, Women may therefore claim time and opportunity for training in political government, and during this stage ot our education many mistakes will be made, and very ridiculous things will often be done, as in the case of the resolution upon the monetary arrangements between husband and wife. This absurd resolution will bring the women of New Zealand into ridicule, and very likely contempt, amongst civilised people. Mean husbandi and wasteful wives cannot cure their troubles by law. Every worthy wife knows that ilit can now enjoy if necessary, not half, but the whole of her husband's property, and that without any absurd legislation. All sensible husbands are only too glad to endow their wives with all tlieir worldly substance. The women of the National Council (as they are pleased to call their assembly) appear to have been exceedingly unfortunate iu their experience. Doubtless, they hare known some marriage failures, but it is foolish to expect any law to cure selfishness. The great majority of men idolise their wives, and the wives adore their husbands. The attempt of these few self-elected women to hold us up before the world as stupid cranks is simply an outrage to the women of New Zealand and shonld be resisted with scorn and indignation. The speeches of these women, as reported in the papers, are a smattering of Yankee bluster, repugnant to the opinions and feelings of English and the best colonial women. It must be confessed that up to the present the granting of thewomen's franchise has failed to bring to the front the beet of our women. However, there is a good time comior, and if we have to wait awhile it is all for the best. In Auckland, and all over New Zealand, there are hundreds of noble women of character, education, and experience, and as time goes on they will arise and come to the fore, and after brushing away the self-elected silly chatterers, will lead us upward aad onward, so that instead of being a laughingstock we shall be a praise in the world, and our sons and daughters will love and honour u« in the dayi to come.—l am, etc.,' Hankih M. Adams. Vermoat-itraet, Pouwnby, April 3, 1897.