WOMEN’S FRANCHISE

Otago Witness, Issue 3103, 3 September 1913, Page 26

WOMEN’S FRANCHISE

SUCCESS PREDICTED. ZURICH, August 25. In the course of an interview Mr Keir Hardie said that women would gain the vote after the next general election. The new House would adhere to the principles of women’s suffrage. The present House was favourable to it, but Mr Asquith was opposed to a discussion. He added that Mr Asquith was unlikely to continue as Premier, Sir E. Grey succeeding him. August 28. When Mr Asquith and his daughter were playing on the Lossiemouth golf links two suffragettes suddenly appeared and knocked off the Prime Minister’s hat, then seized and dragged him about. Detectives quickly arrested the aggressors.

The spectators were indignant, and shouted “Duck them in the sea.” The women declined to give their names and addresses. August 29. The assault on Mr Asquith by a couple of suffragettes was made when the Prime Minister was at the seventh 'hole. He finished his game, and was heartily cheered by the crowd of visitors The assailants were Winnie Wallace, of Dundee, and Flora Smith, of Edinburgh. They were remanded. When the sheriff requested Wallace and Smith to stand up in court they refused, Miss Smith saying that they could hear as well sitting down as they could standing. When the request was repeated Miss Smith said ; “ We had better stand up to please them.” .The amount required for bail (£5) was not forthcoming. September 1. It is believed that Miss Sylvia Pankhurst has gone to Denmark.