WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17828, 8 July 1921, Page 8

WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT.

"NOT A SUITABLE PLACE." Addressing members of the Toorak branch of the Australian Women's National League, the general president of the league, Mrs. F. G. Hughes, said Some criticism had been directed against the organisation because it had not advocated the election of women to Parliament. She recognised that it was necessary to advance with the times, and there might be many members who would like to see 3uch a course followed: but her personal view was that Parliament was not a suitable place for women. (Hear, hear.) All night sittings and the strain of political life generally would deprive their representation 0 f much of its value. She had long cherished the hope that associated with Parliament there would be a women's council, the members of which would be elected by women, and given proper status, whose" duty it would be to advise on questions affecting the home and the welfare of woipen and children. Women would thus be enabled to retain the true spirit of womanhood while exercising a direct influence on legislation. Reforms could be suggested to Piarliament, "and any Bills drafted with the object of bringing them about might be submitted to the council for approval.