WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10689, 16 July 1912, Page 5

WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE

OABLE NEWS

(United Press Association— By Mec~ trie Telegraph—Copyright.)

PREMIER'S ABSURD POSITION

SPEECH BY MR BALFOUR.

(Received July 15, 8.20 a.m.)

LONDON, July 14. The Right Hon. A. J. Balfour, speaking during the Franchise Bill debate, said the Premier occupied an absurd position. While his colleagues defended the measure on the ground that it gave everyone an equal right, the premier was of opinion that to grant women the vote would be a national disaster. If the House accepted women's suffrage the Premier would bo bonnd to use the Parliamentary machinery to effect what he considered would be a disaster..

The Premier (Mr Asquith) repudiated the charge that the Bill was introduced to catch votes. He expressed a policy which the Liberals ,had advocated for thirty years. He did not think the House would stultify itself in reversing its previously expressed judgment on women's suffrage. Sir Edward Grey, Lord Robert Cecil and several Liberals have tabled amendments for the admittance of women to the franchise.

INTENDED INCENDIARISM,

(Received Last Night, 8.20 a.m.)

LONDON, July 14. Helen Craggs, the suffragette who assaulted the Home Secretary (Mr R. M'Kenna) in the King's presence at Llandaff, has been arrested near Mr Lewis Harcourt's mansion at Nunc ham. She had in her possession some methylated spirits and some tow. She has heen .charged with incendiarism.

LLOYD GEORGE STRUCK. (Received July 15, 8.5 a.m.)'

LONDON, July 14. A male suffragist struck Mr Lloyd George when he was entering a "ticket" meeting at Kennington Theatre. Other male suffragists were ejected owing to their internm+.ions.