WOMEN'S CONFERENCE.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9234, 11 October 1895, Page 7

WOMEN'S CONFERENCE.

A meeting in connection with the Women's Conference was held in the V.M.C.A. Rooms yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of considering soma recent aations of the Legislative Conncil. The Women's Societies throughout New Zealand, with the exception of the Auckland Woman's Liberal League, petitioned both Houses on the repeal of the CD. Acts, raising the age of consent from fifteen years to sixteen (eighteen being requested), and extending the time for appeal against criminal assault from one month to two months (six months being requested). The Legislative Council, however, refused in each casejjto endorse this legislation. Miss A. E. Hook bam, in the chair, made a capital introductory speech. Saveral excellent speeches were delivered, Mrs Cunnington speaking on the conditions which necessitate the raising of the age of consent to eighteen years. She moved— ••That thi* meeting protests against the refusal of the Legislative Council to endorse the action of the representatives of the people in raising the age of consent." Mrs McK-B seconded the motion, which waa carried. Mrs MuirxiSGS then addressed the meet, ing with great earnestness on the CD. Acts. She proposed—" That this meeting protests against the refusal of tbe Legislative Council to endorse the action of the representatives of the people in repealing the CD. Acts." Mrs Wells seconded the motion, which was carried. Mrs Field proposed—" That this meeting protests against the refusal of the Legislative Conncil to endorse the action of the Representatives of the people in amending clause 196 of the Criminal Code Act." Miss Sherkiff-Baik seconded tbe motion, whioh was carried. Mrs N-WTOt* spoke excellently on the need of biological instruction for boys and girls, and on tne evils of sweating. Mrs Blakjs made some forcible remarks on tbe need for solidarity amongst women themselves. The meeting was largely attended, and was characterized by force and unanimity.