WOMEN POLICE AND THEIR WORK

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3173, 25 August 1917, Page 8

WOMEN POLICE AND THEIR WORK

! ♦ ; HON G. CARSON SPEAKS. A meeting called by the AVomeu's National Council of .Neiv Zealand (Wellington branch) was held in the Y.W.C.A. itooms in Herbert Street last evening to consider the matter of women police. Miss England presided, and in introducing the Hon. Gilbert Carson, who was to speak upon what he had learnt of the work done by women police in Australia, she briefly outlined some of the aims of the Women's National Council. One of these aims was that it was to be the mouthpiece of women and subjects upon v;hich they felt strongly they were encouraged to discuss at meetings of the council. Outside speakers would also be asked to come and lecture to tho organisation upon topics of the day. , . Mr. Carson told his audience that when he was in Australia some time Inst year to attend a conference of tho Y.M;C.A. he made a point of acquiring as much information as possible, among other matters, of the work done by women police. In Adelaide, he found that there were three policewomen, in Sydney two, and in Melbourne there were none. Since then, however, Melbourne had followed the cxariiple of the other cities and had established tm

The special work of Hie women police was to shepherd young girls, to prevent them from straying into dangerous ways, and if they had gone astray to rescue them before they joined the army of the women in the street. To patrol the streets and t.lio parks was an important part of their work. In the Ms cities there wero many dangers for young girls, and it was very essential that they should be kept off "the streets. There was fur moro preventative work to be done since the war than before, bec-auSe unfortunately there were girls v;ho made themselves very cheap to soldiers. Of course, most of these girls came from Homes that possessed but few salutary influences, and for that reason there was all the more reason that they should be. shepborded. Sir. Carson then proceeded to give specific instances of tho good work, these policewomen had done for girls who had gono astray, work that could not possibly have been done by a man.

The essential qualities for the policewomen to possess were, in Mr. Carson's opinion, strong common sense, kpowledgo of human nature, especially girl and woman nature, ami ft kindly heart.

Tho policewomen did not wear uniforms, but a metal badjrc worn under the lapel of their coat indicated their status. In Adelaide they had the power to arrest, and the policewoman had no stated hours. So long as she saw something to be done she did it, one of Ihem told Iff. Carson. In Sydney they did eight hours' duty. In that city they wero not established for the detection of crime or for purposes of arrest, and they, had nothing to do with men. It was very largely patrol work, frequenting stations, wharves, parks, everywhere where girls arrived in the city. Mr. Carson made a point of talking to the Commissioners of Police, tho sergeants as well as to- the policewomen themselves, so that lie might gain an insight into the.women's v;ork. He furthermore told his audience that the .Minister of Public Health in Kew Zealand will in all probability be 1 bringing down-a Bill to introduce women patrols in this country, and have them under the Public Health. Department. Some discussion followed the address, and a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Carson was passed by the meeting. HATPY -HOMES. AND HOW TO MAKE THEM, When an artist paints a picture depicting ideal home life lie usually shows a. brilliantly lighted and tastefully furnished room, a group of children playing games or studying, the mother knitting •ir sewing, while the father reads his newspaper. To give an impression of brightness and cheerfulness a brilliant light is essential. The. samo refers in tho works of poets and writers, a sunny smile or a sunny face typifies happiness. Lord Byron,- in his famous description of "The Eve of'" Waterloo," says, '/And bright tho lights shone on fair women and bravo men—a thousand hearts beat •happily." A ball or. social gathering canliot bo a success without a bright light, and all through life brightness and happiness go hand.in. hand. How many people, especially in the country, fail (o recognise this fact, and are content, to pass, their long evening hours in dimly-lighted rooms, when an outlay, of a few pounds on. a "Wizard Lighting System" would place in their homes a light that would make life brighter and more cheerful in every way. Children particularly, are effected by environment, and a brilliantly lighted home, makes young follSs bright.and happy, just' as brilliant sunshine makes folks smile. It is 60 easy io be happy in a bright light. Wherever the "Wizard Light is installed the result is always the same. Messrs. Early Bros.. Ltd.. 187 Feat.herston Street, Wellington, the New Zealand agents, are constantly receiving letters of appreciation from satisfied customers, and every day orders are received through tho mail from people who 'have been recommended to purchase "Wizard Lightill? System" by their friends. The'great success of the "Wizard" light has produced a. largo crop of imitators, but the vital parts of the Wizard lamp are patented and cannot be copied. The Wizard is the only lamn manufactured that can be lighted with an ordinary match, has an automatic needle to keep the jet clean while the lamps are buruiu;.', and is absolutely fly and moth nroof. These features are essential In an efficient lighting nlant. Over 2500 "AVizanl" Lighting Sy-tems have already been sold in New Zealand, and country and suburban residents should write Jo Messrs. Early Bros., Ltd.. for particulars of the "Wizard" before arranging -to have some other light installed in their homes.--Advt.