Forming a Woman's Suffrage Association.

*THE WORKER*

Brisbane March 3, 1894

WOMANHOOD SUFFRAGE MEETING.

A public meeting was held in the Protestant Hall, Ann street, on Wednesday evening last, for the purpose of forming a Woman's Suffrage Association. A very large proportion of ladies were present and the hall was well filled by an interested audience. A very incompetent gentleman, a member of the Upper House (Dr. Taylor), occupied the chair. When he had spoken, Mrs. Cooper after a very good address, moved the following resolution:

That this meeting of Brisbane citizens is of opinion that the time has come when the electoral laws of the colony should be so altered as to extend to women the privilege of a political vote.

Mr. J. A. Clark seconded the motion.

Sir Charles Lilley, in a most excellent one-woman-one-vote speech, only requiring one thing, that it should be supported by action, supported the motion.

Miss S. A. Bailey, who had distributed copies of a circular throughout the hall, courageously ascended the platform to move her amendments. The circular ran as follows:

EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL!

Ladies and Gentlemen,- As it appears to me the resolutions to be moved at this meeting are not definite enough, and would give many sympathisers the impression that there is a desire on the part of the promoters of this meeting to give some ladies two and more votes, and some women no votes at all, if you and the chairman will permit me I will move the following amendments, in order that all doubts may be set at rest:

1^st Amendment, - “ That there be inserted in the motion, after the word 'altered,' these words: “ to extend to all women the right to one vote each, and one vote only, in parliamentary and municipal elections.”

2^nd Amendment, - “ That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable to form an association to be called ' The Woman's Equal Franchanise Association.'”

Trusting that you will support me in my efforts to secure equal rights for all,

I am, yours faithfully,

Sarah A. Bailey.

Mr. James Martin proceeded to second the amendment, but the chairman declined to allow him to speak.

Mr. W. G. Higgs dissented from the chairman's ruling, and hoped the chairman would allow Mr. Martin to speak in favour of the amendment.

“Speak to anything,” said martin, and then proceeded to advance arguments in favour of equal rights for all. His remarks were received with loud cheers.

Sir Charles Lilley advised the meeting not to press the amendment, but Mrs. Miller considered that the matter might be settled amicably by a show of hands on the question of one-woman-one-vote.

Mr. J. Willard protested against the chairman's refusal to put the amendment.

Mrs. Moginie in a strong speech urged that the amendment be not pressed, and the Labour Party present, wishing to avoid anything approaching a disturbance, allowed the amendment to be suppressed by the chairman.

The chairman then put the resolution, which was declared carried. The larger portion of the audience refrained from voting.

Mr. W. G. Higgs immediately called for a show of hands in favour of the amendment, and eight of every ten present held up their hands, no one voting against.

The amendment was declared carried.

Mrs. Moginie moved:

That, in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable to form an association to be called the Woman's Franchise Association.

Dr. Little seconded the resolution, which was carried.

The large and enthusiastic meeting then dispersed, many persons having joined the association before leaving.