IN THE FIRST ROUND.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1305, 7 December 1911, Page 9

IN THE FIRST ROUND.

HOW FIGHTS SHE? The first rouud of the most strenuous political campaign that has been fought for many years in New Zealand will be concluded at the close of to-day, a battle in which no woman can, by nny possible chance, excuse herself if 'she "does not vote, by saying that "One vote cannot make any difference."

The stake is momentous, and the woman who could but will not vote is liko a soldier who, in the hour of battle, refuses to fight for his country, who betrays tho trust that is placed in his faithfulness to dutv, in his courage, and in his honesty. On the one hand there is a policy that makes for an infinitely cleaner, purer government, while on the other ia an unscrupulous, desper-ite struggle for the retaining in the hands of a few all the powers of patromge, and of position, regardless of all that makes for tho country's welfare. It has been said that the placing of the power to vote in the hands of the women would undoubtedly help to raise the standard of political life in the country, and it is now for them to show that this statement is true. Women are said to have a love for sincerity, for honesty, for .courage, for all that, makes for right dealing. Have they seen these qualities ■displayed in the past, actions of tho Government? No -intelligent-woman could nnswer "Yes." The chance for change is hers to-day.

Thore are, oddly enough, women to be found who resent with all their heart tho fact that such a charge has been handed into their keeping. Unasked, unsought, it has como to them, and nothing can absolve them from their responsibilities of doing their best for the country, and for those who are living in it. The interplay of human life is too great for anv to think that tliev can shirk the burden of being to a greater or lesser degree each others' keepers. !' - After all. a thin" such as the franchise that wa? bought long years ago with life and freedom cannot be too highly valued," nor too lightly, used, and in a world where women have now to take such an important, such a strenuous part, it is only to be txpectod that they should estimate such a power at its true value, and do the best, as they see it.