SOCIAL AND POLITICAL LEAGUE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVII, Issue 2640, 15 October 1895, Page 2

SOCIAL AND POLITICAL LEAGUE.

Tho first “ social ” of tho Women's Social and Political League was held last night in Thomas’ Hall, and was a great _ success. There wns a large number present, including the Premier, Hon J. G. Ward, Hon j. Carroll, and Messrs W. McCullough, M.L.C., Collins, Willis, Pirani, Mills, Joyce and Guinness, M’s.H.tfc. Mrs Seddon, as president of tho League, introduced the Premier, and requested him to open the first “social” of the League. Mr Seddon said he had very great pleasure in obeying the commands of the president, as he had been in the habit of doingfor the last 27 years. He was exceedingly gratified at being present on this occasion, be recognised the vast importance of the women of the Colony organising themselves for the discussion of social and political questions. The only fear ho ever had with respect to granting the franchise to the women was that they had not had the opportunity of .educating themselves on great politlcivl < questions, and with the best intentions they might come to a wrong decision. V-Jliat fear-had been dissipated by the result; of .the last election, for without the aid of women last election it would have been impossible for the Liberal Party to have been returned, with- such a sweeping majority. Mr Seddon then _ referred to the social questions... to which it was essential that associations like the League should give special . attention, and expressed his own personal satisfaction at the high, compliment' which had been paid Mrs Sodden in-inviting her to take the presidency of the League; In conclusion, ho pointed out the necessity; for keeping clear of those great evils which existed in the Mother Country, largely arising from the extremes of vast wealth and deepest poverty. It should bo the aim of the women as well as tho men of tho Colony to so act as to create a public opinion which would enable Parliament to pass laws haying tho effect of preventing the ills which all deplored to sec in older lands. It was our duty to make this young country as perfect in connection with *ta legislation as nature had made it beautiful. Mr Seddon congratulated the Social and Political League on tho bright future which he believed was in front of them, and concluded a very earnest and eloquent speech by hoping that the largo gathering present- would thoroughly enjoy the first “social” of the League. Dancing was then indulged in. and was kept up until an early hour this morning. MiniQo’s baud supplied excellent music, and the refreshments were provided by the committee, who also had charge of the other arrangements. A word of praise should be given to Mrs G. A. Schoch, tho secretary of the League, to whom much of tho success of the “ social ” is due..