MUNICIPAL POLITICS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2144, 9 May 1914, Page 11

MUNICIPAL POLITICS

. WHAT WOMEN ARE DOING. There lias just been formed in London a Women's Municipal Party, whoso objects are to elect moro women to positions in municipal government. At present there are two great parties in London municipal affairs, but neither will accept the candidature of a woman. The consequenco is that on tho London County Council only ■ five of tho 137 members art/ women. The council deals with affairs concerning the health of millions .of women and children. The work lias been good, but there is felt to be need for more.

Realising this need, a Women's Municipal Party lias been formed, and' the first meeting was 'held recently at Bedford College, when mauv prominent women spoke, including tho Duchess of.Marlborough, Professor Caroline Spurgfton', ,'Lady Frances Balfour, and Miss Lena Ashwell. It was decided to organise women to give a woman candi-date-the same backing as tho men's organisations give to men candidates; to form local committees to see that all qualified women were placed on the register, to canvass women, and to select suitable candidates. There is to he an elfection fund to help those candidates who are unable to' defray their own expenses. In her speech, tlio Duchess of Marlborough' emphasised the fact that it was not a feminist organisation, for they invite the help of men. It was simply an organisation to women to act in the capacity for which they are fitted/and in positions where their point of view is needed. She spoke, too, of the insufficient housing accommodation in London, of tho many oue-

roomed tenements, of the need of a pure milk supply, of more playing spaces, and of more women inspectors and health visitors, and of more economy of life as well as of public resources.