PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 94, 18 October 1909, Page 9

PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

During the past year the Society for the Protection of VVomen and Children has dealt with 76 now cases (making a total of 738 during its inception), records the twelfth annual report. The eases included those where, through the intervention of the society, maintenance was secured for parents, wives, and children, where neglected children have been cared for and children adopted. In addition, many cases already on the books were dealt with, and help had been given individually by members in cases that did not fal) within the scope of the society's regular work. Mention is made of the good work carried ou at the State school for mentajly defective boys at Richmond, Nelson, 'and the hope is expressed that an equally officiont institution for defective girls may soon be established. Tho committee expresses the hope that during this session it may be possible to have an amondment of the laws respecting tho guardianship of children passed, so that it may be impossible for a man, from mere whim or caprice, to remove his children from the care of his wifa without her consent, or to leave them at his death in the joint guardianship of a person to whom she objects. Neither should it be possible for him to dictato in his will the religion in which they shall bo brought up, without reference to the mothers wishes. It also hopes, that the measure proposed some years ago by the late Premier, making it impossible for a man to sell or mortgage tho family home without his wife's written consent, may be revived and become law. The society acknowledges with thanks the nelp given it by the Benevolent Trustees, Alexandra Home, Salvation Army, St. John "Ambulance Nursing Guild, St. Helens Hospital,. Convalescent Home, Home of Compassion, «nd Ladies' Christian Association ; the police, honorary solicitors, the Wellington daily papers, and to the various firms who have assisted it so liberally. Record is also made ol the loss sustained by the death of Mrs. Hislop. The balance-sheet showed receipt of subseriptionß amounting to £83 10s, while the balance in hand at the end of the year amounted to £33 4s Bd. On the maintenance account £201 11b was received and paid.