FEMALE FRANCHISE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2250, 5 September 1891, Page 2

FEMALE FRANCHISE.

The Female Franchise Bill has passed through the Lower House by another overwhelming majority. A most extraordinary step was taken to practically render it a dead letter by proposing that the measure should not come into operation until after next election. The grounds on which it was proposed to render in inoperative for next election were absurd. It was that the electors should be consulted before such a change was effected. In effect this was as much as to say : " The men of this colony have kept the women in the bonds of political slavery hitherto, and it is only right to consult these slave masters, as to whether they are willing to release their slaves or not." That is really the sum and substance of the argument of those who are not disposed to admit women to the Franchise for the next election, and we must say that nothing could be more unjust than that. The house has declared that women have a right to vote, and therefore it is nothing more nor less than tyranny to delay extending that right for one hour. But though the Bill has passed the Lower (House we are greatly afraid it will be thrown out in the Legislative Council. That body is beginning to show the cloven hoof a bit, and it will be found that before long the Government will find it absolutely necessary to bring them to their senses.