WOMEN IN POLITICS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1163, 15 June 1894, Page 42

WOMEN IN POLITICS.

Palmerston, May 24. The " social" given by the lady electors of Waihemo in honour of the Hon John McKenzie was very largely attended, and the proceedings were of an enthusiastic character. Fully 350 people were present, of whom the half wero ladies. The " social," which was remarkably well managed by the committee of ladies, took the form of a capital light tea with plenty of choice fruit, and for the toasts temperance beverages and light wines. Mrs W. Eobertson occupied tho chair, and on her right the Minister of Lands and his wife and daughers were seated. Mrs Muir filled the vico-chair, and was supported by the Premier and Mrs Seddon. The Hon J. G. Ward and Messrs Hutchison, Mcintosh, Morrison, Earnshaw and Millar, M's.H.R.,

were also present A cordial reception was given to the Premier, who responded to the toast of the Ministry, defending the Government against the accusations of rashness and wrong-headedness. He said that in the interests of industrial peace the Government were determined to pass a Compulsory Arbitration Act, so that the innocent should not suffer from the wrongful conduct of either employers or employed, but that disputes which were far-reaching in their effects should be settled in a judicial manner in the public interests. He also referred to the serious financial difficulties in which many of the farmers of the country had become involved owing to the payment of heavy rates of interest, and said that something should be done for their relief. Bank returns were quoted to show that his previous statement regarding the conduct of financial institutions had been verified, and he intimated that the matter would have to be dealt with by the Government as one affecting public interests. The Hon J. G. Ward and other members of Parliament also spoke. A very complimentary speech was made by the vice-chairwoman in proposing the health of the gnest of the evening, and, in responding, Mr McKenzie took occasion to say that he had data to hand whicl* proved that a mistake had not been made regarding the Cheviot, Pomabaka and Te Neraki purchases.