Miss Higginson’s Withdrawal: Sir – Will you kindly allow me to state in your columns my reasons for not going to the poll in the Edgbaston Ward, although my name has been before the electors ever since the first list of candidates appeared in the papers on July 19, and a further definite announcement of my candidature was published in the Press on October 3. In view of the repeated statement in the Press that Mrs. Hume Pinsent would be one of the Liberal Unionist candidates for Small Heath (while other prominent Unionists were spoken of for Edgbaston) I could not in the least anticipate her standing for this ward. The action of the liberal Unionist Association in now adopting her for Edgbaston (in conjunction with two Conservatives has rendered the continuance of my candidature impossible for the following reasons: — (1) On this occasion, when almost the first attempt is being made to put a few women on the City Council, it is obvious that they should not compete against one another. (2) Mrs. Hume Pinsent’s expert knowledge of one of the most pressing and far-reaching social problems of the day renders her presence on the Council of unique importance. I, therefore, trust that my many friends and supporters in Edgbaston will forgive my withdrawal and agree that I am acting for the best interests of the community. E. Dora Higginson. 25, Portland Road Edgbaston. Oct. 15, 1211..
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0245 Devonport: Ellen Frances Parker: 1866 – 1949