WOMEN JUSTICES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17345, 18 July 1924, Page 12

WOMEN JUSTICES.

FUN OVER AGE LIMIT. (Special to the “ Star.”) WELLINGTON, July 17. The House of Representatives ha 3 again sent to the Legislative Council an amendment of the Justices of the Peace Act, introduced by Mr Wilford, making it clear that women may be appointed justices. There was an amusing experience in committee when Mr I.ysnar, who fought a minority battle, sought to limit appointments to women not less than forty years of age. H© moved an amendment on these lines. A member: How are you to know? (Laughter:) Nlr Lysnar : There are more ways of ascertaining her age 1 hat that of judging by appearance. Women are capable of producing birth certificates. (Laughter.) J. do not think tho Bill is a, wise measure, but if the House thinks it necessary then it- should include only those ladies who are of mature mind. 1 do not wish to reflect on young ladies (laughter), but it would require a mature woman’s rnind to deal with the duties. "When Mr Young, chairman of the committee, put fhe question to the House Mr Lysnar’s voice Mas the only on© heard in support of his amendment, and members laughed heartily when he protested that it had. been carried and called for a division. After the doors had been locked and he had had time to reflect upon tho predicament into which he had put members of the House Mr Lysnar suggested “ Take it on the voices/’ and a hubbub arose as to whether a division was wanted or not Mr Lysnar finally secured eighteen votes for his amendment, with 41 against.