WOMEN'S FRANCHISE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19838, 7 January 1928, Page 13

WOMEN'S FRANCHISE.

EXTENSION IN BRITAIN. ATTACK ON MR. BALDWIN[FEOJI OUR OWJf CORRESPONDENT. 3 LONDON, Nov. 26. Armed with a heavy weapon in the shape of the Daily Mail and other newspapers, Lord Roihermere, for some unexplained reason, is carrying on a vigorous campaign against the Prime Minister. For some time he has concentrated on th« subject of votes for women over 21. This is the sort of thing that is appearing in Lord Roihermere's newspapers:— "How much longer will the rank-and-file of the Conservative Party be content to be led by a Socialist ?—for that is what Mr. Baldwin undoubtedly now is. What moasure of help to industry does anyone suppose will accrue from the unwanted and unsolicited votes for Sappers proposal? This proposal has elicited grave misgivings in the party, but' it has beta received with silent joy by the Socialists, who see in it an inspired instrument for increasing their poll at the next trial of strength. "Young women, inexperienced in political life and public affairs, are certain to be subject to a temptation to vote against the party in power, if only for the sake of variety. There is no sense • in taking such a risk, especially as ho valid reason for taking it has even been given. It is nonsense to say that those on whom it is proposed to confer the flapper vote are clamouring for it. To alter the balance of the Constitution in this unwarranted manner is the most fatuous and dangerous gamble that ever entered into the mind of a responsible statesman. "The Prime Minister needs to be told plainly that his Socialistic achievements are gravely endangering the interests of his party, of which he is the trustee. If he persists in his gratuitous folly b? will prepare for his party a crushing defeat at the polls, and one of the safeguards of our national prosperity i»nd security will have been cleliberaiiely thrown away. How long, we ask again, will the rank-and-file be eontent to follow a Socialist leader, and by so doing acquiesce in the disaster that his leadership is preparing ?" 1 Sir William Joynson-Hicks, speaking at a Conservative meeting, said:—"l am satisfied that there is no great feeling against extended franchise for women, and that the party is prepared to grant this measure of justice which Lord Rothermere's friend, Mr. Lloyd George, is equally pledged to support. My noble friend's objection is really to votes for women at ail. He is really an old-fash-ioned Whig, not even a Liberal, and Whiggism is the quintessence of selfishness. The Act of 1919, which gave women their liberty, was passed, I remember, by a Coalition Government. Lord Rothermere was a supporter, and at one time a Minister of that Government. "By Mr. Lloyd George's Act, women of 21 may serve on juries, they may decide the fate of a man charged with murder—life or death is in their hands. Women may enter'business or any of the professions, bnt they may not vote for the election of their own representative in Parliament. "To say that five millions of the _ women are trade unionists is absolute rubbish. But supposing they are trade unionists, are they to be debarred as voters? Its that to be the policy of th* new liberalism? Is that what Lord Rotherraere wishes the Tory Party to adopt? If it is, certainly the Conservative Party will be beaten at the polls.