The Feilding Star. Published Daily. THURSDAY, SEPT. 28, 1893. WOMEN'S FRANCHISE.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 77, 28 September 1893, Page 2

The Feilding Star. Published Daily. THURSDAY, SEPT. 28, 1893. WOMEN'S FRANCHISE.

The meeting hold last night hy the women of Foilding in the State School was a representative one, and may be ! accepted as an indication that the}' intend in the future to take a very active part in political matters. The speech made by Mies Dairy tnple, who presided, was clear, to the point, and comprehensive. The other ladies who spoke were also deserviug of praise. What we witnessed at this meeting only confirmed the opinion wo have so often expressed, i.e., that the women of the country have the salvation of the country in thoir own hands. At first glance tho task may appear an arduous aud a heavy one, but for all that we have the most perfect confidence in their ability as well as thoir willingness to complete it without interfering, in any appreciable degree, with their ordinary occupations or pursuits in life. As was pointed out by tho Rev. G. Clement, their souud common sense, and natural instincts iv tho direction of right, will help thorn to send representatives to Parliament who aro honest and upright men of good repute, while the professional politician, or " political loafer " of shady reputation, will receive scant mercy at their hands if ho has the temerity to solicit their suffrages. Mr Carthew, in his speech, also made a (food point when he said thut •' We (the married men) had now tho dual vote," which put those who were thrifty on a better footing than under that electoral system which placed a drunken profligate on the same level as that of an industrious and respectable citizen. Tho Rey. Mr Watkin did not believe in women sitting in Parliament. Neither do the women tuemseives— ac lease not jot. Th«jwould prefer to wait a little in order that they may become accustomed to the exercise of their new power, or, as the Reverend gentleman would say, " until thoy have proved their armour." It is understood that the meeting now under consideration will only be a precursor of others, at which organisations for tho forthcoming political campaign will be formed. In the meantime, the suggestion of Mr Shearer to sub-divide the town into districts to be canvassed by sub-com-mittees to secure the enrolment of every elegible person, will be carried carried out in its entirety.