National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies
Fourth Annual Report of the Oldham Society for Women's Suffrage.
Presented at the Annual Meeting November 13th, 1914,
in the Music Room, Werneth Park.
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Oldham Society for Women's Suffrage
(National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies)
Non-Party .................... Non-Militant
President :
Miss Marjory Lees
Vice Presidents:
Mrs. Bodden, Dr. Olive Claydon, Mrs. Claydon, Mrs. McGowan, Rev. G.S. Osborn, Dr. Pinniger, Mrs. J.W. Taylor, Rev. A.J. Viner, Mr. G.H. Whittaker.
Executive Committee:
Mrs. Clynes, Miss Dornan, Mrs. Ingham, Miss Field, Mrs. Jagger, Miss Hughes, Mrs. Osborn, Miss Hearne, Mrs. Siddall, Miss Sharples.
Hon Treasurer:
Miss A. Mitton, 13 Newport Street,
Hon. Secretary:
Mrs. Bridge, 82, Greengate Street.
Hon. Secretary to The Friends of Women's Suffrage Scheme:
Miss Fox, 25, Osborne Road.
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5.
Fourth Annual Report
1913 November
We closed our third year's work with a Public Meeting in the King Street Co-operative Hall, Mrs. F.T. Swanwick, M.A., being the speaker. There was an excellent attendance, and a resolution asking for a government measure was carried without opposition. Many new members joined, and a large amount of literature was sold and distributed.
December
In December the Right Hon. H.H. Asquith, M.P., Prime Minister, visited the town, and an influential deputation of local gentlemen asked for an interview in order to put their views on Women's Suffrage before him. Mr. Asquith could not find time to receive the deputation but the correspondence was published in the local press, and the reasons were so well set forth that the public could not fail to be interested. It was after this memorable visit of Mr. Asquith that our senior member, Mr. W. Barton, M.P., surprised the country by sending his resignation to the Liberal Executive, the reason he assigned being that his Association was not in sympathy with him on the question of Women's Suffrage, and declaring that to him it was the greatest thing in politics. After much correspondence and discussion, Mr. Barton, by request, decided to retain his seat in Parliament until the General Election.
At the Monthly Meeting of Members in December Mrs. Bridge gave an account of the Women's Suffrage Pilgrimage.
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6.
1914 January
On January 13th, the President (Miss Lees) lectured to members and friends on 'A World-Wide Women's Movement'. The lecture was a most interesting account of the Conference at Buda Pesth.
February
Three delegates attended the Council Meeting held in London, February 12th, 13 and 14, and also represented the Society at a Great Demonstration in the Albert Hall on February 14th, at which over 1,000 men were present as delegates from Trades Unions all over the country, 32 being represented from the Manchester district. During February we had been asked to make a special effort to raise a sum of money to carry on work in the Manchester Federation, and we were anxiously considering ways and means to do so when Mrs. Alderman Lees once more came to our rescue with the handsome donation of £50, which left us free to continue more useful work.
On February 11th Miss S.E. Wright read a paper at an open meeting held in the Music Room, on 'Pankhurstism: its Cause and Cure'.
On February 24th Miss C. Leadley-Brown addressed a joint meeting of the League of Young Liberals and the Women's Liberal Association at Royton. This was the first occasion on which the subject of Women's Suffrage had been discussed before these two Associations, and much interst was aroused. The discussion was most interesting, and the wish was expressed that other meetings should be arranged.
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7.
March
On March 10th Miss Hughes introduced a discussion on 'How Can We Increase the Membership of our Society?' Many suggestions were considered, and a special campaign was favoured.
April
In April a Special Council of the National Union was called to further consider the Election Policy. Three delegates attended, and, after much discussion, the policy as previously declared was almost unanimously confirmed.
May
On May 19th a very successful Social Gathering was held in the Music Room. Members and friends attended in large numbers. The President introduced the question of the Special Campaign to increase the membership. The scheme was heartily endorsed, and many new members joined. Thirty-two volunteered to help, and it was decided to begin the campaign in June.
June
We began the Campaign at the end of June. One thousand leaflets were printed in the National Union colours and distributed to members and friends by about 40 helpers. The result was an increase of 125 new members.
On June 27th we took part in a Joint Demonstration at Platt Fields, Manchester, one of the most successful open-air meeting ever held. Our banner was carried in the procession, and many members gave assistance in distributing literature and collecting.
July
In July the degree of LL.D was conferred on Mrs. Alderman Lees, and the Society sent to her its hearty congratulations.
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8.
August
August found us with our political work suspended in consequence of the European war. A message came from Mrs. Fawcett, the President of the National Union, that "we must show ourselves worthy of citizenship whether our claim to it be recognised or not," and so the services of our members were offered to the Mayoress as President of the 'Women's Care Committee'. Our President (Miss Lees) offered to supply monthers with young children and expectant mothers who are in distress with a daily supply of milk, and invited members of the Society to act as visitors. There was a ready response, and at the end of the financial year 450 families are receiving the grant of milk. A visitor has been appointed to each mother, and the value of these visits can only be known to those in touch with the work.
September & October
Clothing is supplied to the destitute, and it would be impossible to record the many acts of self-sacrifice which our members have shown to the needy. The visits are welcomed and appreciated, and the services cheerfully given. While the Empire is losing thousands of its citizens on the battlefield it is incumbent upon us women to rescue from death, through neglect, poverty, ignorance and disease, the babies of whom the future state will stand in such urgent need. The kindness of our President has given us the golden opportunity, and our members have risen to the occasion.
A few days ago the Lord Chancellor wrote :- " It is a great encouragement to all who believe in Women's Suffrage to note how determined women are to take up their duties as citizens in the present national crisis." Thus for the time being our own work is waiting, only to be renewed when Peace is restored with more vigour than ever. We
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9.
had accomplished much; we hoped to accomplish more. the local Press has helped us by the purchase and publication of a series of specially written articles, and our work among Trades Unions had resulted in resolutions being adopted asking for a Government measure for Women's Suffrage by the :
Amalgamated Society of Engineers
Oldham District Trades and Labour Council
Oldham Loom Overlookers' Association
Oldham and District Weavers' and Winders' Association
and by the Women's Guild of the Industrial Co-operative Society in favour of the enfranchisement of women on the same terms as men.
At the end of our fourth year we are in a stronger position than ever before. We have a membership of over 450, and about 900 Friends of W.S. We are a branch of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies, an association of over 52,000 men and women who have banded themselves together under the leadership of Mrs. Henry Fawcett for the purpose of obtaining the Parliamentary vote for women on the same terms as it is, or may be, granted to men. At this great national crisis we have only suspended our activities to put ourselves, with our Union, at the service of those who are organising the relief of distress caused by the war. We wish to illustrate in our own lives the truth that the Suffragists' demand is for duties rather than for rights, and our ideal is the service of humanity.
Signed on behalf of the Executive,
Marjory Lees, President.
