LABOUR IN COUNCIL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9709, 3 February 1910, Page 5

LABOUR IN COUNCIL.

SHALL WOMEN SIT IN PARLIAMENT.

EXCITED 'FEMALE DELEGATES.

United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph , Copyright. Received February 2, 10.50 a.m. SYDNEY, February 2.

At the Political Labour Conference, the Women's Organising Committee of the local branch recommended an mendment of the State Constitution to enable women to sit in Parliament and to be eligible as jurors, magis tratea and judges.

The Platlorm Committee recommended rejection of the motion, as it was undesirable to cast any further burdens on women.

One lady delegate characterised the male members as narrow-minded, and deserving of a good "slating.'' Women were only asking for what men had promised them —equality of opportunity. T.:e speaker urged the conference to practice what it preached. A male member stated that there had been 25 per cent, more divorces since women got the franchise. It was woman's place to look after the comfort of her husband and her home, instead of wasting time over parliaments and municipal councils.

A number of ladies excitedly denounced his speech as an insult, while another lady thought there were too many old women in Parliament already, without their seeking to get more there. The debate was aijourned.

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED. Received February 2, 10.15 a.m. SYDNEY, January 2. The Political Labour Conference agreed to a motion in favour of raising the school age from fourteen to sixteen. The idea was that the last two years should he devoted to technical educatiun.

A motion was also carried in favour of a reduction of the State Assembly to 54 members.