MAORI BREACH OF PRIVILEGE.

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 542, 6 July 1880, Page 3

MAORI BREACH OF PRIVILEGE.

The Upper House has begun its session badly by a (partial admission' of'theprinciple of female'“suffrage nay, v more, female representation. The only ..lady present; in.'the. Council galleries yesterday was a Maori dame, who, on observing a friend, the Hon Mr Kohere, in the distance below, immediate^' opened a livel} r and animated discussion, her part of it being conducted in a very high key. Mr Kohere was palpably embarrassed, and endeavoured ly rapid gestures and stage whispers to convince the lady of the impropriety of her proceedings. She, however, was new to civilisation, and being unable to perceive the enormity of her offence, increased •t by asking for explanations. The majority of the members present sat back aghast at the gross breach of privilege, while the hair of the officers of the Council showed a tendency to stand on end. Several, however, appeared to appreciate Mr Kohore’s embarrassment, which caused that chief to blush as much as-a-Maori gentleman of the oldest, most conservative, and most tatooed school could possibly be expected to. But, of comse, the idea of an old woman being allowed to‘take part in the debates of the Legislative Council was not to be entertained for a moment and the lady was ultimately induced to hold her peace until, the regular proceedings had ended. She then started afresh, but Mr Kohere had in the meantime deliberated upon the best course to take with Ills troublesome friend, and on again hearing her Amice he rose and fled from the Chamber.— Times.