WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14188, 11 October 1909, Page 6

WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE.

THE LIQUOR QUESTION.

SIR JOSEPH AND LADY WARD.

While in America Sir Joseph and Lady Ward were both interviewed on the effects of female franchise in New Zealand. The Prime Minister and his wife agree that they have not been so dire as critics predicted. Sir Joseph said, according to a New York paper:—" I assure you there is no more quarrelling between husbands and wives about politics than there is about the fashions, ; the wife's new bonnet or the husband's new hair-cut. Very often there is a peaceful discussion of political questions, and of course as the interests of husband and wife are identical they often vote the same way. But when they differ, it is without quarrelling. Our polling booths are as quiet and orderly; as a church, and our women are not at all exposed on election day. As a matter of fact, Lady Ward is not half so much involved in politics as if she were the wife of an English Prime Minister, and had no vote of her own. For in England she'd be expected to electioneer for her husband, to make speeches, etc. My wife has never done anything of that kind for me." .-" ."■' .' •■

A tribute to the won. canvasser was paid by Lady Ward, who said: — Our elections are interesting, and the women do a great deal of electioneering, just as they do in England. But we do our votegetting in a quiet, lady-like manner, We win over, doubtful women voters by personal calls, afternoon teas, and all the little artifices a woman can command."

It is interesting to note that Sir Joseph and Lady Ward showed a difference of opinion as to the effect of women's vote on the licensing question. Said Sir Joseph;—" Women are almost as much divided on the liquor question as men are. Perhaps the general trend of the woman's vote is toward prohibition, but not nearly so much as was anticipated. As a matter of fact, there is no sex division on any question, although,- of course, women have greatly improved the condition of their own sex among us by the vote." On the other hand, Lady Ward said :— " The women are a powerful factor in the affairs of. New Zealand. They can practically make or mar " a candidate, and the men running for office realise it. That makes them walk the chalk-line. Women have been factors in many great victories for ' righteousness. Recently we have practically stamped out the liquor vice.. We hope to see the day when there will not be a saloon in the land."