Women In the House of Commons Women in the House of Commons have been more discussed than previously since the possibility of the extension of voting power to those aged 21 has come in or consideration. Even the most indifferent women in the country are turning their attention to politics, and asking whether the election of women to the House of Commons thas been successful or otherwise. Their attention has been centred chiefly on things affecting children, temperance, war, and subjects that concern their own sex. Women members have developed their knowledge of affairs, and through much practice have become so Proficent that it seemi probable the number will increase. Progress has been marked during the year just concluding. The six women who have sat in Parliament have res-pondo to Parliamentary duties—attendance, debate, and lobbying, sometimes in party interests and in causes that appeal most. speci tically to their sex.
The Duchess of Atholl The Duchess of Atholl made several speeches on education with precision and with full "knowledge of her subject, and she was frequently upheld when industrial questions were on an experimental basis. The Duchess, Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education, will presently act as chairman of the Department Committee on examinations for part time students. She has been appointed to fill the position vacated by the Hon. Edward Cadogan in view-of his appointment to the Indian Statutory Commission, 39 that' a woman will fill a post "for which a man has hitherto been elected, Viscountess Astor Lady Astor, M.P., the first woman to take her place in the House of Commons, has, for more than one reason, been the most prominent of the women members. She has always een active in debate, and more than once has proved herself a thorn in the side of the Government. Her characteristic independence has given her an outlook that sets her free from the party trammers that so frequently rule the attitude of men. Her speeches are recognized as good House 6f Commons stuff from "the Chairman's point of view for her remarks mise debate and often stir her opponents into activity, thus b bringing clearer vision on subjects that demand much consideration Temperance reform is one of her special subjects, and she -has made a distinct niche for herself in the House in this respect. She is cons tantly on the alert at question hour and during debate to see that the temperance interest is kept in the forefront.
Three Socialists complished politician. Her distinct development on Parliamentary lint greatly nothing of the "eternal feminine" about her; her dress her style generally, ax well as her constant have won for her the of all with whom she shares responsibilities, She stands always for her own sabjects—temperance and the cause of women, unemployed and children.
Special ability marks the three women of the Opposition, Miss Margaret Bondfield was a member of the Socialist Government, and is fust as efficient in her department as the Duchess of Atholl in the Conservative ranks. Miss Bondfeld is a first-rate speaker.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.