MEETING OF WOMEN.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 14593, 1 May 1918, Page 7

MEETING OF WOMEN.

INTERRUPTIONS BY MEN.

(Per Press Association)

CHRISTOHURCH, last night. A mass meeting of women called to against tlje Government's refusal to increase the allowance to wives of the second ' division men was held at the Choral Hall to-night. There was a moderate attendance. In the early stages of the meeting the proceedings tbok a lively tone. . Dr. Thacker moved thai, the meeting shoufd form a Soldier Dependants' League. Mrs R. D. Martin immediately rose, and moved that a petition, should ho circulated calling on the members of Parliament to assign and go to the country for a general election. In response to a query from th© chairman as to whether she was seconding Dr. Thacker's resolution, the speaker declared that the meeting was a women's meeting, and that the men were not entitled to speak at it. Several men here attempted to speak, but were cried down, and Mrs Martin's resolution was oarriea.

Dr. Thacker : That only strengthens my resolution. A lady member of thie audience then assured Dr. Thacker that the women could, run their oAvn affairs, and, " after (Bomo consultation with the chairman, Dr. Thacker withdrew his motion.

Upon the chairman caJJing for questions, half of the audience rose to speak, and some very divergent views were expressed, few of them bearing upon the original objects of the meeting. A man: I propose that this meeting of Ohvifltchurch women demand a rofer-

endum before taking" our "husbands" from "us." (Uproarious laughter). Tho resolution wa<> seconded and carried.

Another man: I move that Mrs Martin take the chair.

Aftejr some discussion Mrs .Martin took the chair, and ;i colleotion was taken up. A Dunedin visitor (a conscientious objector) then addressed the meeting. After considerable delay a. committiee A-as elected to deal with the resolutions

carried