WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2812, 5 February 1908, Page 25

WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE.

MINISTERS BOMBARDED.

DEMONSTRATORS PUNISHED.

LONDON, January 30.

The suffragettes made a noisy demonstration before 9 a.m. to-day outside the houses of Mr Baldane, Sir Edward Grey, Mr" John Sinclair, Mr "Earcourt, Mr John Burns, and Mr BirrelL

They expressed extreme disgust at th« fact that women's suffrage was -not mentioned in the King's Speech at the opening of Parliament. Seven arrests "were made, and four of the accused were sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment.

Amid brilliant sunshine, as the Koyal coach was emerging from Buckingham Palace, a member -of the Women's Freedom League, holding a petition, darted forward. A policeman hustled her back.

Other members /carried banners inscribed with the words "Vote for women."

One of these was mobbed, her coat and hat being destroyed, while the bannerr were stripped to shreds.

Mr Asquith informed a deputation from the National Union of Women Suffrage Societies, headed by Mrs Henry Fawcett and Lady Francis Balfour, thai the question was not prominently befora the electorates at the last election. The Government was unable to sacrifice any urgent measures entrusted to it for the purpose of initiating such a great change. The initiation of female suffrage during this Parliament would not be justified, even if the Cabinet was unanimous on the question, which it was not. Four of the peaoe-dMurbers were fined 40s, with the alternative of a month's imprisonment, for participating in a demonstration on Mr Asquith's doorstep.

Of 23 patients admitted to the Melbourne Hospital during six days, suffering from heat-stroke, no less than 15 died. Fortunately a cool change came, or tbe mortality would have been heavier.

The Tailway stations of Berlin are shortly to be provided with automatic machines which on the insertion of "2s and Id will deliver an umbrella. A ticket will also drop out, and on presenting it within two days to an office of the automatic society la 8d will be paid back in return for tho umbrella.