Materfamilias, M.P.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1030, 27 November 1891, Page 4

Materfamilias, M.P.

What would our \ great-grandfathers say if they cohid rise trom their graves and read the brief but pregnant message that was telegraphed from New Zealand recently ? September 4 will henceforth be a white day in the annals of all the strong-minded, or, to speak less courteously, shrieking sisterhood. The laconic despatch was flashed across the ocean from Wellington in the following terms —‘ The House of Representatives to-day passed a Bill granting the residential suffrage to women, and also qualifying women for election to Parliament.’ What a revolution do these few words unveil in the near future ! ‘ All the idols are overthrown ; Man the end of his reign descries,’ wrote Mr W. E Henley, and, unlike many poets, this modern bard speaks the truth. To be candid, old-fashioned folk are not likely to be especially delighted with an item of intelligence that, so far, has not occasioned quite as much blaring of triumphant trumpets and drums as one would have fancied. When the Married Women’s Property Act became law in 1882, it was anticipated by the supporters of ‘ women’s rights’ that the power to vote must immediately and inevitably be conceded. In truth, it is decidedly illogical that the weaker sex should be allowed the glorious privilege of paying rents and taxes without the so-called advantage of helping to decide whether Mr Brown, Conservative, Mr Jones, Unionist, or Mr Robinson, Radical, shall have a chance of representing his division at Westminster. When Mr Walter Besant wrote of ‘ The Revolt of Man,’ he may not have been so very far out. If the ladies get in, they are likely enough gradually to oußt the male members. They have more leisure, more eloquence, and—it must out—more impudence and self-con-fidence than the tyrant man. Materfamilias, M.P., will not let her lord and master interfere with her foreign any more than with her domestic policy. There is but one chance of salvation. Cannot all the strong-minded aspirants for political eminence be induced to emigrate to New Zealand. It is probable that, like certain other personages enumerated by Mr Gilbert, ‘ they never would be missed.’ But, among all the gallant captains who command the stately vessels of the ‘ Orient’ and the ‘P. and 0.,’ is there a daring wight who would venture on the high seas with such passengers 1 We live in strange times ani see straDge changes. Women’s suffrage is very close .at hand, and bv-and-bye such men as are left in the land will be Othellos—their occupations gone.—llfracombe Observer.