Page:Outlines of the women's franchise movement in New Zealand.djvu/110

 and the final trial of strength took place on September 8th. Mr Bowen's desparing [sic] effort, which took the shape of a motion to read the Bill six months later, failed, and the third reading was carried by a majority of two. The smallness of the majority, in view of the fact that the Government had created twelve new Councillors, left little doubt in most minds that the charges against Mr Seddon were painfully true.

Although the Bill had passed both Houses, the Governor's signature had yet to be appended before it could become law. Beaten in fair fight, the minority in the Legislative Council took an uncommon step. They signed and forwarded to