THE WHITE SLAVE TRAFFIC.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 277, 20 November 1913, Page 8

THE WHITE SLAVE TRAFFIC.

MENACE IN A YOUSO COUNTRY.

An address on "Tat* White Slave I Traffic" was delivered by Lady Stout yesterday afternoon in ibe Albert. Street Hall under the auspices of the W.C.T.U. There was close on 300 ladies present, 'Mrs. Fudney presiding. Lady Stout referred to the -benefit New Zealand women possessed in the enffrage, and mentioned they were seeking to have -altered legislation in respect to the adequate protection of women and children. The matter had been, placed before the Premier ('Hon. W. F. Massey) by a deputation representing 40 societies of women, which submitted a number of resolution as to what was needed. Lady Stout said Mr, Massey bad. in response to that deputation, promised legislation dealing ■α-ith the matter in the near future. Araorrget other : hinge asked was 1 thp raising of the age of cons? Nt, raising the as*** of marriage •from 12 to 16 yea-re for girl? md from 14 to IS years for boys. More severe punishment was asked for assaults on eeble-m girls, also thai farm colonies should be started for -morally irresponsible girls. Other requests made for were that magistrates be given power to order employers to deduct from a man's wages •fees for the maintenance of bis wife and of illegitimate children. The deputation asked for the appointment of women inspectors for gaols, also women doctors for mental hospitals dn the female department. Lady Stout referred to the grave menace of the /white slave traffic even in a younocountry like New Zealand. The resolu" tions -to which Lady Stout -had referred were then endorsed by the meeting.