PROTECTION SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 33, 9 February 1937, Page 12

PROTECTION SOCIETY.

EXECUTIVE MEETING. The first executive meeting: of the year was held recently in the society's rooms and presided over by Mr. J. B. Donald. A cordial welcome was extended to the Rev. Father G. M. Colgan. who has been absent on a tour abroad, anc also to Mr. C. \V. Gordon, a visiting representative of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (Great Britain). Mr. Gordon has been associated with the Londonderry branch of thie society for 40 years and gave an interesting account of his work in that connection. The secretary reported that just before Christmas a welcome gift of money was received from the Friendly Road for the express purpose of dispensing a little Christmas cheer to those in need. This was accompanied by a letter of appreciation of the eociety's work, and was very gratefully received. On the question of maternity services, the deputation Wiilch waited upon the Minister of Health, the Hon. Peter Fraser, reported having had a most profitable and encouraging interview with the Minister and his advisers, so that the society now has every reason to believe that the question of the improvements to our maternity hospital system will receive the sympathetic attention of the Government A letter has been sent to the Minister of Justice urging the appointment of women police and detailing some ways in which they could be of service in the interests of women and children. The secretary's report for the two months, December and January, showed a total of 17!) cases dealt with, involving 1201 office interviews. Of these, 21 cases were sent to the solicitor, one of carnal knowledge being handed to the police for prosecution. Many cases involved young girls at a difficult age, from 16 to 18, which quite clearly indicates the necessity for further legislative protection for girls of this age. Inspectors' visits to homes, institutions, etc., totalled 223; attendances at Magistrate's Court, 10; Children's Court, 6; Supreme Court 1. Maintenance money received and paid to clients amounted to £426 12/1.