THE W. C. T. U.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 39, 23 December 1893, Page 14

THE W. C. T. U.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I suppose tlie result of the recent elections came as a surprise ■even to the warmest supporters of the women’s franchise, while it has had the effect of converting some hitherto ■enemies ck the movement into friends. The Hon. H. Eeldwick is reported to have stated in Wellington that the women of Invercargill did not want the franchise, and that the men viewed the matter with open or secret abhorrence. Mr Feldwick was written to ,and asked to substantiate that statement, but no reply was received from him. This is of small consequence now, the women themselves having most emphatically contradicted it at the ballot-box, while the energy displayed by the men —first in putting their relatives of the gentler sex upon the roll, and afterward in conductingthem to the polling-booths—is a sufficient indication of their attitude towards our recent political experiment. Our thoughts are now turningtowards the ballot upon the liquor •question to take place in March. It ■appears to be generally understood that after the parliamentary election the names of all whodidnot vote would he struck off the electoral roll. Many ■of our sisters are not, however, aware that they can now enrol again. I would most earnestly urge all women who are not registered to put in their •claims at once, that they may be in a position to vote against that which desolates their homes and degrades their children.

Now that women are beginning to realise that they are a power in the country, many feel keenly their ignorance of political matters. It may not be known to all that an organisation exists in our midst which has for years taken an interest in politics, especially as regards moral and social questions. I refer to the Women s Christian Temperance Union , which has had a large share in the agitation which resulted in obtaining electoral rights for women. The local branch holds meetings every second week in the Temperance Hall, at three o’clock, on Tuesday afternoon, to which all women interested in the welfare of the colony are cordially invited. The benefits of co-operation are tio well known to reed mention. All classes of society have their organisations, which are found helpful in strengthening the weak, stimulating the careless, and protecting the interests of the wdiole. Surely women should combine together in the interests of home and family.—l am, etc., Miriam.