PREVENTION OF CRUELTY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16215, 28 April 1916, Page 7

PREVENTION OF CRUELTY.

SOCIETY'S ANNUAL MEETING

£AST YEAR'S GOOD WORK.

The annual meeting of the New Zealand Society for the Protection of Women and Children and Prevention of Cruelty to .Animals was held in the Art Society's Gallery, Coburg Street, yesterday afternoon. Dr. Averill, Anglican Bishop of Auckland, presided.

The annual report, a summary of which was published yesterday, was read by D.- Beattie, who made special mention of the splendid work done by the secretin-, Mr. Henry Wilding. It was pointed out that Mr. Wilding had performed many kindly deeds and done an immense amount of good in a quiet manner, working at all times, and at great personal sacrifice, on behalf of those in need. These remarks were endorsed by Mr. Bodle, treasurer, who. spoke of his long acquaintance of 40 years with Mr. Wilding, and his regret that, fading health rendered it imperative that in- be relieved of at least a portion of his duties by the. appointment of an assistant. The chairman also expressed appreciation of Mr. Wilding's long service, and a vote of sincere sympathy was tarried unanimously.

Iu moving the adoption of tho report, the chairman commented upon tho good work the ..society was doing among the unfortunate and suffering. The hardships suffered by women and children as tho result of war had roused sympathy for them throughout the world, and possibly this was one reason why subscriptions to the society had increased instead of falling off during the year. There was sometimes a tendency to forget the suffering at one's own doors in thinking of the sufferers in, far bills, hut fortunately such had not boon tho case in regard to the society's wr.rk in Auckland. Ho also spoko of the good work done by the society's inspector, as evidenced by the. fact that in addition to 54 prosecutions, no fewer than 664 cautions had been given, thus appealing to tho men themselves instead of bringing them to court. The need of a second inspector was greatly felt, and it was to be hoped another would ho appointed as soon as funds permitted. Votes of thanks were passed to tho retiring president, Dr. Averill, to the Ladies' Committee, Mr. Wilding, and Miss 1. L. Burton, secretary, and also to the honorary officers.

Tim officers and committee) for tho ensuing year were appointed, the Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gunson. having accepted nomination as president. The following were elected as vice-presidents:--Bishop Averill, Bishop (,'leniy. Revs. Geo. Bond, G. B. Monro. A. R. Knowles Kompton, and H. StcelcCraik, Hun. Arthur M. Myers, M.P.. Messrs. (loldie and Wilding. Several new names were added to the committee, thoso elected being :—Mcsdames I. Alexander. L. N. Benjamin, Preston Chambers, A. E. Devore, Seymour Thome George, Louis Myers, Miss Outhwaile, Dr. Beattie, Miss Jackson, Rev. Father Cahill, Messrs. G. J. Garland, H. Wilding. R. R. Lusk, H. 0. Nolan, J. J. O'Brien, W. Thorno, Robt. Wright, Isaac Gray.