ONLY TWO COURSES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 11578, 29 January 1913, Page 5

ONLY TWO COURSES.

WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE OR PRIVATE BILL.

Press Association—Electric Teleeraph—Copyright, LONDON, T.uesday.

Mr Asquith said that he had obtained the Speaker's ruling that the Government's own amendments made the Franchise Bill substantially a new Bill, as the original measure did not purport to introduce a new class of elector, whereupon Mr Asquith declared that it became a question whether he -would proceed with the Bill, adding that two million male electors thought that in fairness to the women it should be dropped. Only two courses remained. Either the Government must introduce women's suffrage, which it could not do, or grant facilities for a private Bill.

Mr Bonar Law said that he absolved the Government of evading its pledges to the women. He thought that the suffragist cause would have a fairer opportunity with an independent Bill. He regretted that the collapse of the Bill deprived Mr Lloyd-George of replying to Mr Harcourt. Mr F. Smith suggested that the suffragist supporters form a committee on the Bill to act as temporary executive, to pilot it through, while its opponents should similarly constitute a temporary opposition. Mr Lloyd-George and Mr Balfour approved of a suggestion leaving Ministers to follow their convictions. Sir Edward Grey offered the measure the use of the guillotine. The Labourites demanded a Government measure.