WOMEN IN POLITICS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6785, 23 September 1893, Page 2

WOMEN IN POLITICS.

LARGE GATHERING IN THE RINK FREE POLITICAL ASSOCIATION FORMED. The meeting held in the City Rink yesterday afternoon was unique. Never before has there been such an assemblage of ladies in Gisborno for the discussion of politicftj subjects. It was evident from the very large attendance- some where about 200 — that a large portion of the newly enfranchised half of the community are determined not to be behind hand in the exercise of the rights which have been conferred upon them. Knots of ladies gathered on the footpath before the doors were opened, and soon after three o'clock the seats in the body ,of the hall slowly filled, until tLe assemblage attained quite large proportions It was interesting to watch the faces of the ladies as they entered the building. Mosfe of them came in the door looking very shy of their new privileges, and others with an apparently bold confidence that the eyes of the world wera upon them and that they were determined to fulfil the duties of an elector as well as any person of the male persuasion. Some came in great curiosity » and a few looked as if they were wondering whether they appeared foolish in thus publicly associating themselves with politics. One or two, who may have gone with the intention of making tv speech, looked " flabbergastcred " (as Mr Isitb calls it) iv seeing amongst thafc feminine assembly a young man who had been bold enough to go in there for the purpose of reporting the proceedings. Whilst waiting for the proceedings to begin ihose in the hall were entertained with piano music in an adjoining room, and visions floated through one's mind of new and enjoyable features to be introduced into politics, when our political gatherings, instead of being the wild, excited, cheerlesg meetings -that they used to be, would be lightened by women's smiles, brightened with selections of music, and everyone present refreshed with afternoon tea. At last they got to business. Mrs Canon Webb proposed that Mrs Charles Dunlop take the chair, and put the question, " Those in favor of it say aye ; those against it no. — The ayes have it." The chairwoman rather nervously took her place, and began what proved to bo a remarkably well-thought-oub common-sense speech. She said that as one of the ladies who had called them together she had to address that crowded meeting and felt very nervous in doing so, but they must excuse that as it was natural. Several of them had met and agreed to call the women of Gisborno together for the purpose of considering the advisability of forming some free Association of women voters. They proposed to form an Association, the chief point of which was that it should be entirely free from party bias of any descriprion, an Association which women of all classes could freely join without pledging themselves to any distinct party, but forming themselves as quite independent of that. This was a most important- question for all of them. The eyes of the world were upon them. There was no community in the world of the size and importance of New Zealand where such an experiment had been tried. Ifc had been perhaps tried in some instances, but never on such a scale. It rested with them to show themselves worthy of the dignity which had been imposed upon them. They should show no apathy, but use the vote and be worthy of it. It was their duty to inform themselves upon politics and questions of legislation. It was with that object they called the meeting. Ladies should make themselves well informed and become a useful party in the State. It appeared to her that party government was really most harmful to the State. There was nothing in the terms " Liberal " and " Conservative " as they were used. They had little mean* ing. There were many advanced men who would agree with her. Iv Switzerland they managed very well with a form of non-party government called the Referendum. Local government was carried on very well without the element of party politics. There would be an immense saving of expenditure, because so much time was wasted in talking now. In the present form of government measures were really not carried by the majority of the people. The opinion of the majority was set at defiance. It would be a step in the right direction if women— 130,000 of whom were now brought into the arena of politics— were to stand aloof from party. It was a question to which they might well turn their attention and form themselves into bodies entirely free to vote for any good man no matter what his politics might be. It would be far better than to tie themselves to a party, calling itself either Liberal or Conservative, which they knew had no meaning whatever. Let them not tie themselves to any party, for if they did they were liable to have men whose characters they did not approve of and be bound to vote for such men. That appeared to be entirely contrary to true Liberalism and to true liberty. Let them be free electors, to vote for the candidate whom they considered to be the best man. It was most delightful to see such a large party of women assembled, especially after such an obscure summons as they had been able to give. Ib showed the interest that was really manifested. She was delighted to see such a gathering. Many women possessed no interest whatever in women's franchise, but she considered that now that they had received the franchise, whether all wished it or not, it was the duty of women to show themselves worthy of ic. Many of their sisters took no interest in politics. They did not realise that it was politics that governed their homes and their children. It would be their duty to look up those women who professed to have no interest in politics, and to stir them up to exercise the franchise. There were many questions which affected the domestic hearth, social and moral questions, questions of education of their children, laws of marriage and divorce, and it was desirable that towards these women should turn their attention. (Applause). They wanted to inform themselves a great deal more and to take up these subjects. It was not given to most women to grasp great financial questions — though ib was to many — but it was within the scope of every woman to take some interest in legislation which affected their well-being and the well-being of those belonging to them. Upon women devolved the training of men— that was their strongest argument for female franchise — the training of their sons, and it was most important that they should have laws for the welfare of their sons. It had been considered by some that they had better invite men to their meetings. The meeting was in no sense to be regarded as a movement antagonistic to men. She was quite in sympathy with the idea that men and women should work together on these questions, and that they would strengthen the sympathy between man and woman in every way. They thought it better to have thafc first meeting to themselves, and it would be afterwards for them to say whether or not they should call gentlemen to meet with them. Though they were called a Free Association of Women Electors they might invite men to assist them in opposition to party government. They should be then a much greater power. They should seek to get a candidate free from party bias, a man of good and honest character, whose views were nearest to their own with respect to the question of party government. They would thus make themselves a power at elections. It would be far better than joining themselves to some party where someone might be put up for whom they had no respect. The speech was received with downrighb hearty election applause, viz., stamping of the feet and tapping of the umbrellas on the floor. Then Mrs Townley rose and proposed that they form a Free Association of Women Electors.— Mrs Haache seconded. Mrs Webb came forward, and delivered a fluent and clear-headed speech. She said she would like to support the motion. One or two ladies thought they should not do any good, unless they attached themselves to some party, but a few of them met and did nob wish to do that. If the ladies wished them to join any party she would not like to have anything to do with it. If it was to be free and tied to no party, Liberal or Conservative, but formed to support the best man they could get to represent the interests of women and children, she would be glad to join it, and to support it in every way. (Loud applause). There were many who thought that women would not vote with independence, but would simply vote for a man,

because they personally liked him, but those private considerations should bo put on one aide. The main idea of union was that as units they had little influence, but directly they united together they would have a very large voice. If a candidate did not come forward to represent them fairly they could surely try to get another candidate. They would be a sufficiently influential body to cet any candidate that might be in the field to come and address a meeting of women only They should aak him e;eneral questions on matters affecting the welfare of women and children (applause). She thought it ft narrow-minded view to say that women should be confined solely to the homo duties. Those who were most faithful in the home should take the greatest interest in matters political affecting the welfare of the home. If they formed themseives iuto an Association they might at a future meeting draw up a programme of the measures on which they thougnt legislation necessary. There was a terrible inequality between man and woman in the eyes of the law. The best men were quite conscious of it, and were willing to help. There were many questions affecting education, and morality and temperance which were essentially women's questions (applause). Mrs Sievwright rose and spoke, but her remarks were quite inaudible, except to one or two sitting close to her. She proposed an amendment, "That party government being necessary under present conditions, and it being desirable that women should vote together, this meeting resolves that the women present join such one of the present associations in this district as they may think fit." Mrs Scott : I beg to second the motion. In response to a general request, Mrs Sievwright explained what she said, speaking louder. She said that for 25 yeara she had taken the utmost interest in politics, lo of those being in the colony, and she could not bring her mind to join any such association aa that proposed. Non-party government wa3 a consummation she should greatly wish, but it was far too large for any such company as they might form to deal with. She considered herself to be a Radical. Mrs Scott : If a candidate comes before us he is either a Liberal or a Conservative. Mrs Webb : No, we have a few independent members. A voice : What's the good of them ? Mrs Scott: You will have to wait till these men come forward. We should go for measures, not men. - If their measures— The Chairwoman : I propose "men and measures." Mrs Scott : Igo for measures, not men, and anything that is to elevate the masses let ua women go for it. (Loud applause.) Purity and social reforms we should go for. We have seen men muddled in some argument, as we are now. If this is for the masses I say lam in it. (Applause.) Some of us have to live by our daily bread being earned honestly. Some in the colony try to earn honestly and can't. Supposing I were to have eight of a family, family not strong, very delicate. We have to strugle on with ill-health, and out of work sometimes. My husband comes to 00, and so do I. He lies down on lm sick bed. There is sickness to fight against, with poverty, for the man has been unable to save for his family with £3 per week. He has got nothing ; he can't do much. We working people should lean shoulder to shoulder. If we are to go in for these matters let us have no drags in our army ; no class in our army, if we are to go for the moral welfare <jf one another. Let us deal honestly with one another ; no shuffling. No saying we dont belong to party when we do. Be out and out straight. If this Association is to be a free Association upon what grounds shall we work ? Is there is any sister in the crowd able to say how it can'be done. If we are to meet candidates for election they ought to say upon which feats of the House they will sit. They can only be on one side or the other. There are no other seats. Let's go for measures, not men. Let's go for social purity. Mrs Reynolds agreed with Mrs Sievwright If they were to call themselves free they should be free to vote for parties if they desired. The Chairwoman said that they would be in no way bound. Mrs Webb : If we formed a body we could get a candidate to come before us and state Bis views. Mrs Reynolds : We are at present free to vote as we think right. Mrs Webb : It is unity we are striving for. Mr 3 Reynolds : Not as a divided body. Mrs Webb : There are # many questions upon which all women are interested. Mrs Sievwright : Women must join a party if they are going to exercise any influence. Mrs Webb : If a candidate comes as a Liberal and we think him the right man for us then we shall vote for him. Mrs Sievwright ; What's the objection to having men and women together. We have men and women in our ball-rooms, concerts, and in our churches — everywhere. Mrs Webb : We are not very bright speakers and if men were present we might be liable to ridicule. It is trying work speaking to an assemblage of women, and it would be much more difficult if meu were here. Mrs Sievwright : If we could not speak we could make men our mouthpieces. Mrs Webb : They would not say half we wanted to say. (Laughter.) The Chairwoman was of opinion that they should hold their meetings fortnightly, and improve their politics. Mrs Sievwright said that she proposed that women should join Liberal or National Associations as they desired. She did not mean that they should not resolve themselves into societies or clubs for any purpose whatever, but for the great political work of the House it would be better for a woman to take a side in politics. She had the programme of an association that was being formed in Gisborne, to be called the Democratic Association. It was formed with the idea that when women had the vote it might be useful in that way to gather them together and talk over these subjects. She then proceeded to read over a few of the articles of that Association, and after getting some distance, The Chairwoman said that she did not know whether, as they had called the meeting irrespective of party or class, they should allow the programme of a particular party to be set forth. It did not appear to have any bearing on the meeting. If they wanted this read, please say so. (Applause.) Mrs Sievwright said that she was only reading it because it here on the referendum, which subject the Chairwoman had introduced in her opening remarks. It seemed to be the system coming in the early future. However, she would sit down. Mrs Scott: This meeting was called "no party," and I ask the Chairwoman why she defends the other side. Do you belong to the other side ? • The Chairwoman : I belong to no party. Mrs Scott : You said everyone could express their views. If this is a free association she was quite justified in reading that. If we are to be like men let us be fair and straight. No shuffling. I don't think it looked well for the Chairwoman to do it. When we started you said that it was to be no party and we could say what we liked. I hope it won't occur again that anybody has to stop in their speech. It might have been for the moral welfare of the masses. I propoße that Mrs Sievwright continue if she is able. (Applause.) Mrs Reynolds : I x^opose that the views of the Chairwoman be carried out. (Applause.) The Chairwoman then read the amendment, and asked for the voices in favor of it and against it, but being unacquainted with the form of voting only a few gave utterance. Then the Chairwoman went into a lengthy explanation of what motion and amendment meant, and this led to another discussion. Finally, all in favor of the amendment were asked to hold up their hands, and the services of the reporter were requisitioned to count them. Only a few present voted, 18 hands being held up for the amendment and 36 for ' the motion, the latter being declared carried. Then the election of officers was proceeded with, but at this stage " the opposition party," who had suffered defeat, left. Many others in the hall, seeing the exodus, jumped to the conclusion that the meeting was over, and also went out, leaving about 80 present For the office of president, Mrs Dunlop was proposed by Mrs Townley and seconded by Mrs East, and carried. Then came the billet of secretary and treasurer, and it was remarkable what a lot of busy women they all were, for a great many who were asked to accept office all declared, " Really, I haven't time." Finally Miss Baker was elected. It was here suggested that before a committee was formed the ladies present should

enrol themselves as members of the Association, and the services of the reporter were also called into requisition to attest the signatures of a number who wore not already on the electoral roll. The following Working Committee was appointed : Mesdames Townley, Wharton Goldsmith, East, Butt, Eraser, Webb, E. D. Smith, Harris, Johnston, Akroyd, DeLautour, Spence, Griffen, W. Fox, Adeanc, T. Coleman, J. Coleman, Baker, and Miss Moricc. We are requested to state that those ladies who left with a misunderstanding that the meeting was over can enrol their names by applying to Miss B'ker, the secretary. An entrance fee of 6d was decided on.