The Wairarapa Daily. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1887. WOMAN SUFFBAGE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2544, 9 March 1887, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1887. WOMAN SUFFBAGE.

It is said that the Ministry propose to bring in a Woman Suffrage iißiU next session. A measure of this kind will open up a wide field of speculation, and may lead to changes in our political condition; which aro yet undreamtof. If women are allowed elootoral rights, and there is no reason why they should not possess them, they must also bo admitted to. the privilege of sitting in the .Assembly, should any gallant constituencies vary the monotony of a general election by returning a few ladies as their repre-' seufcatives. The tone of the House no doubt would be immonsely improvod by the presence of a few lady legislators ; vulgar members who swear and talk-dang, and drinking members who are fo t})§ habit of abusing the privilego .of BaUaro-y'o,, would havo to reform themselves or be hoy/sotted by the fairer seotion of the Assembly, Whether the reputation .of the House as a talking shop would be .enhanced" by the adoption of Jady members is ; somewhat an open'pestipn. If the Ministry do bring in the Bill thoy are said to be about to introduce they will at the outset have to encounter sonj,e. .practical difficulties. If woman should have a vote ought all of them to exercise it, or should married women be excluded. It' will be a bold member possessing a vote of his own who will dare to advocate the latter view, and yet it is one that is .considered equit-1

able by a large section of those who have studied the momentous question. To double the electorate of New Zealand at once by granting .universal suffrage to women would be what Sir Julius Yogel calls" a big order," and it is ■ a question whether the House could be got even to face such a proposition. If however, some forward step can be taken in the direction of recognising women's claims to political privileges,we shall not be.sorry. To place political responsibilities upon the other'sex will tend to create in their minds an interest in the good government of the country, and .will make women the comrades as well as the companions of the lords of creation.