The Electoral Bill in the Council.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6478, 22 September 1892, Page 3

The Electoral Bill in the Council.

(from our owx correspondent.) Wellington, last night. The Lords had before them the Electoral Bill this afternoon, and made fair progress with tho measure. Before going into Committee, Mr Stevens urged the postponement of the interpretation clause iv order that tho principle of female franchise might not be decided upon until a vote had been taken upon the system of electoral rights proposed by tho Select Committee. He said unless special machinery of that kind were introduced a number of gentlemen could not give their rotes in favor of woman suffrage. If women were to be entrusted with the suffrage they ought to have practically equal rights, and it would be impossible for them to have equality unless special provision were made to enable the women of the country districts to vote with the same facility as the women of the towns. Dr. Grace took up the position that it was impolitic for women to exercise the franchise, though theoretically they were entitled to it. If the right to vote were given it was not reasonable to expect women to ride 15 miles to vote, or women working in factories to wait half »n hour in tho rain outside polling booths. He would be quito prepared to grant the franchise if thought were taken for their physical health, and they were treated with the same tenderness and consideration as the Legislature seemed anxious to extend to shearers, commercial travellers, and seamen. Mr Downie Stewart said the electoral rights proposed were optioual, not compulsory, though it would be mostly the women in the country jvho would vote by that means. Mr Oliver denied the electoral rights were being extended because of a fear that women would be molested at the polls. He said the presence of females at the polls would conduce to good order being observed. Mr Pharazyn warmly supported the amendment proposed by the Select Committee, stating it was absolutely necessary, and would work with simplicity. If carried it would give the proper practical effect to the reform of which he was a very strong advocate. The Council then wont into Committee. Mr Stevens moved to postpone clause 3 of the interpretation in order that the machinery clauses be first discussed. Sir G. Whitmore objected, considering the principle should first be decided. Mr Downie Stewart thought no member should be compelled to commit himself to the question until it had been decided in what manner this reform should be carried out. Sir G. Whitmore said it would be monstrous if women were compelled to vote under the same conditions as men. The Attorney - General thought the machinery should not take precedence of the principle. He was not prepared to accept any of the amendments of the Committee, and would put it through as it was, and in no other way. Mr McLean said if the shearers were given electoral rights, why should not harvesters be giveu them also, and why not ladies ? The postponement was carried by 16 to 7. The amendment of tho Select Committee to clause 8, to disqualify inmates of public and charitablo institutions, was diacussed at some length. Sir P. Buckley considered it a heartless proposal. Capt. Morris thought that paupers were entitled to rote as well as women, being governed by the same laws. Mr Oliver said they did not pay taxes. Dr. Pollen said whilst the suffrage was universal these children of misfortune uhould not be excluded. The amendment was accepted by 15 to 8. Mr Swanson moved to amend the clause in the new order, that women might be qualified to be Parliamentary candidates. This was negatived on the voices. A motion by Mr Reynolds that women be eligible for appointment as Legislative Councillors was carried by 16 to 7. Sir P. Buckley opposed the Committee's alteration from one to three months' residential qualification as necessary upon a transfer from district to district, but it was sustained by 14 to 9. Clause 41 provides that names of persons who do not »ote be struck off. The Select Committee moved to Btrike this out, butSirP. Buckley objected on the grounds of purification of the rolls, and the clause was not struck out. When clause 48 was j reached, progress was reported. The j Council rose at 4.40. j BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE. The Manures Adulteration Bill passed its second stage in the House this afternoon after a brisk but commendatory debate, the Minister of Agriculture explaining that it was designed to protect farmers against fraud in an article which was being used mora largely every year, and which entailed the expenditure of considerable sums! The Settlers' Land Re-valuation Bill, giving settlers outside the Act, but who should come within its scope, the right of-re-valuation, has been read a second time in the House. The Friendly Societies Act Amendment BUI passed its second reading in the House. It proposes to permit the registration of Juvenile Friendly Societies. The Premier intimated that he could not agree to incorporate Sir G. Grey'sBill in the Laud for Settlement Bill, which passed its third reading with but little comment. :- <