LADIES’ LAND LEAGUE MEETING.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 975, 3 September 1881, Page 2

LADIES’ LAND LEAGUE MEETING.

Amusing Scene in the House of Representatives. A meeting of ladies who sympathise with the wives and families of the men imprisoned in Ireland, was held at the Dixon-street school-room, Wellington, recently. About twenty-five ladies were present, and apologies for nonattendance were received from Miss Hutchinson, the Mayor’s daughter, and Miss O’Keefe, a young and blooming lady, who apparently objected to have greatness thrust upon her. The object of the meeting was explained by Miss Lundon, the daughter of Mr. John Lundon, M.H.R., and the following ladies were elected for the purpose of receiving subscriptions to be forwarded to Miss Anna Parnell :—President, Mrs. Madden, Vice-President, Mrs. Keon ; Secretary, Miss Fitzgerald ; Treasurer for Thorndon, Mrs. Fisher ; Treasurer for Te Aro, Mrs. Hedley. The ladies then formed themselves into pairs for the purpose of receiving subscriptions. When these female pairs had paired off, they marched in double file down the streets to the Honorable House of Representatives to start upon their depredations, and at once swarmed into the teetotal strangers’ room, where they succeeded in getting a free luncheon at the expense of a well-known “ Lord ” distinguished for his ready money. This was the first step towards aiding the wives and families of the imprisoned in Ireland, and, no doubt, they thought it but fair that charity should commence at home. In order, however, that it should “ finish abroad,” the pairs (pairs are, of course, quite in place in the House) set to work to inveigle honorable members into their net. They sent in a messenger to individual members to say they were wanted in the strangers’ room, and as each victim popped his nose in at the door, he was pounced upon by the little duckeys inside and asked to fork out. At last, however, it came to the ears of Mr. Bunny, the Chairman of the House Committee, that “ Ladies” were occupying the strangers’ room, intent on getting money out of all and sundry ; he (evidently considering the loss Bellamy’s might undergo), ordered the fair creatures to desist from their unhallowed task, and leave the building. Miss Lundon declined, and appealed to the Speaker. The Speaker said Mr. Bunny was Chairman of the House Committee, and must use his own discretion. Mr. Bunny then hinted that a constable would be brought into requisition if necessary, and the heroines of Ireland “get them gone ” withou further parley. Thus has the advecacy of a noble cause received a stinging rebuff at the very outset.