BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1926, Page 1

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

INTERESTING DEBATE. [Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON. May 18. “Is woman becoming too obtrusive?” provided an engaging debate in the House of Commons between Miss Ellen Wilkinson and Major Elliot, .M.R.’s. Major Elliot maintained that, women, afc present, were concentrating, not. merely on sex equality but on sex privilege. A masculine reaction, ho said, was long overdue. Women should again accept the subordinate position of ail equal, instead of a dominantposit ion.

3riss Wilkinson opened by saying; Imagine the result of a general strike housewives, who shouldered their

brooms and refused to carry on their jobs, obtrusively insisting on their rights! That general strike would he settled speedier than the last!” She was amazed, she said, at the gentleness of the women, who had been the beasts of burden in man’s civilisation. The wife was an underpaid drudge. Women, she said, demanded to he treated as human beings. She added: “Are plus fours unobtrusive? Isn’t women’s dress more sensible than the collection ol light-fitting tubes encompassing men?” INDIAN FE3IALE RULER.

“ T am glad now that I abdicated.” said the Regum of Bhopal, who is sail-

ing from London to India to-day, to a “ Daily Express ” interviewer. Commenting on her abdication, which was tho sequel to the Government’s decision ns to her heir, she added: “ I shall live in the Palace near my son, and shall devote my time to matters with which T was too busy to deal yliile ruler. T

m very interested in infant welfare, ygiene, cooking, sewing, and the roper training of servants. T hope to tart an institute where girls will he aught household sciences.”

Asked whether she would remain veiled, she replied: “Yes. T shall be purdah until I die. I am opposed to women becoming unveiled. When that happens in India-, if it ever does, I feel that lots of trouble will begin.”