THE SUFFRAGE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 49, 16 July 1912, Page 5

THE SUFFRAGE.

WOMEN'S FRANCHISE. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, duly 14. Mr. Balfour, during the franchise debate, said that the Prime Minister occupied an absurd position. While his colleagues defended the measure on the ground that it gave everyone an equal right to vote, the Prime Minister was of opinion that to grant the women the vote would be a national disaster. If the House accepted women's suffrage, the Prime Minister was bound to use the Parliamentary machinery to effect what he considered a disaster. Mr. Asquith repudiated the charge that the Bill was introduced to catch votes. It expressed the policy that the Liberals had advocated for thirty years. He did not think that the House would stultify itself by reversing its previously expressed judgment on women's suffrage. Sir Edward Grey, Lord Robert Cecil, and several Liberals have tabled amendments admitting women to the franchise. A SUFFRAGE INCEXDIARt.ST. London, Julv 14. Helen Craggs. who assaulted Mr. McKenna in the King's presence at Llandalf, was arrested near Mr. Harcourt's mansion at Nuncham, in possession of methylated spirits and tow, and charged with incendiarism.

A male suffragist struck Mr. Lloyd George as hu wis entering a meeting at Kennington Theatre, to which admittance was by ticket. The only other male suffragists were ejected for causing interruptions.