WOMEN’S FRANCHISE

Otago Witness, Issue 3115, 26 November 1913, Page 27

WOMEN’S FRANCHISE

LONDON, November 21. A s- '■'ragette set fire to and destroyed timber worth several thousands of pounds at Basson Richard’s yards, Oxford. During the progress of the fire the mob wrecked the local suffragists’ offices. The Rev. Herbert Henson, Dean of Durham, refused to sign a protest, promoted by the Bishop of Kensington, against the forcible feeding of women. He declared that it was unworthy of a good Christian to embarrass the Government in suppressing crime, but he confessed that he was unable to suggest any better course. November 23. In reply to women’s suffrage deputations at Oxford, the Chancellor of the Rxchequer refused absolutely to wreck Ihe Government’s prospects and measures for the sake of trying to force on the question of female suffrage. Lie declared that had the Insurance Act been submitted to a plebiscite when it was passing the House of Commons it would probably have been thrown out, owing to the attitude of the supporters of female suffrage. The suffragists must also have a party machine behind them. Forcible feeding was the only alternative to starvation or the abandonment of the wLiole law of social organisation. The Women’s Union is organising a monster meeting to be held at Earl’s Court on December 7 .in honour of Mrs Pankhurst’s home-coming. Efforts are being made in the meanwhile to raise a large amount as a gift to her. It is uncertain whether Mrs Pankhurst will be arrested or not. November 24. The suffragettes partly burned the Blackburn Rovers’ grand stand. They destroyed a boathouse at Eastville Park, Bristol, containing many boats. The damage amounts to £3OOO.