WOMEN’S NATIONAL COUNCIL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11225, 24 March 1897, Page 5

WOMEN’S NATIONAL COUNCIL.

The second annual Convention of the Women’s National Council of New Zealand will open this morning at the Provincial Council Chamber, and, remembering the orderly and business-like procedure of last year’s gathering and the thoughtful and auggestive treatment of many subjects of deep interest, we have pleasure in once more welcoming the women’s delegates to our city. Our congratulations are dashed with regret,* for we are aware that there has been disagreement on the subject of the place of meeting this year, and in consequence several Associations will not be represented at the Convention that will open today for a session of ten days., It seems desirable that the Convention should be a movable function, as thereby the interest of women all over the colony can best be sustained in its proceedings; and the meeting here must cause inconvenience to North Island residents, some of whom lose nearly a fortnight in travelling to and from Christchurch. Wo trust, however, that the misunderstanding which has been apparent in this matter will not interfere with the deliberations of the delegates now in our midst. The subjects set down for consideration are numerous and important, covering practically the whole field of contemporary politics and reaching forward in some instances to reforms that lie in a probably remote future. If, in their sanguine enthusiasm, women are prone to ignore the practical details of the politics of to-day in their aspirations after ideal conditions, we have every confidence that the Convention about to start will display the same moderation of language and reasonableness of action as gained such credit to the gathering nf a year ago. The cause of social reform, with which the politics of the day are largely taken up, is dear to the heart of the woman, voter, and if these annual conferences should ead to the adoption of concerted measures, whereby woman’s political influence can be brought to bear to secure the passage of ameliorating laws, 'the whole community will be benefited.