Page:Outlines of the women's franchise movement in New Zealand.djvu/69

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Movement in New Zealand.
49

mined to make a reconnaisance in force before the actual battle should take place.

On Aug. 5th, on the motion to go into Committee of Supply, he moved, "That in the opinion of this House the right of voting at the election of members of the House of Representatives should be extended to women." The move was a skilful one. Not only would he be able to test the temper and quality of the Suffrage forces and gauge the strength of the enemy, but he would also be able to bring the question before the whole colony in a practical and prominent fashion. In his speech, Sir John pointed out that the principle on which the Electoral Franchise in the colony was based