LADIES AND POLITICS

Temuka Leader, Issue 9429, 11 July 1882, Page 3

LADIES AND POLITICS

The following appeared in the New Zealand Times of a late date :—lt is impossible to observe night after night .the patience with which numbers of ladies sit out the debates in the House of Representatives. and then entertain for one moment the absurd idea that women are unable to take an intelligent interest in political questions. It is true that the fair ones are generally busy with their crochet, knitting, or crewel work,, while listening to the words of wisdom that fall from our legislators, but their presence is cheering to all, and particularly to the younger members of the House, who may be excused if they sometimes ‘play to the gallery.' And the custom of offering floral tribute to those orators who find favor in the eyes and ears of their auditors is a charming one. A few days ago a veteran politician, who represents an Otago goldfields constituency, entered one of the lobbies, his countenance careworn, and his gait heavy and slow. A large official-looking envelope was handed to him by an orderly, and with an impatient gesture he tore it open. Then what a change was seen. As he drew from the packet three white rosebuds he literally beamed on that orderly through the wellknown gold-rimmed spectacles, and made for his old reception room with the step of a three-year-old.