PROTECTION OF WOMEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17457, 29 April 1920, Page 7

PROTECTION OF WOMEN.

ACTIVITIES OF THE SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of the Society for the Protection of Women and Children and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held yesterday.

Mr. J. H. Gunson, who presided, congratulated the society on a year of activity and success.. The time had not yet come when this vork could he left to the Government, ha said; and there was still a definite place in the community for the services of the society. He made special reference to the work of the Ladies' Committee, and their efforts in regard to a dance last year, which had greatly aided the finances of the society and had enabled a isnm of £150 to be set aside as the nucleus of a fund to provide a second inspector., "*

During the afternoon Mrs. Gunson presented prizes lo the winners in the children's essay competition, congratulating them upon their success. The annual report of the committee contained appreciative reference to the work of the chairman, the Hon. George Fowlds, and of the honorary treasurer, Mr. Frank Bodle, both of whom had resigned their positions. The Ladies' Committee had contributed to the income of the society U. .the extent of £232 10s by means of the ball held last July, and in other ways bad advanced its work. Tie records of the vomen and children's department showed that 37 cases had been taken to Court, orders being granted by the magistrate in 16 cases, these amounting to £942 10s. A special appeal was made for funds to .enable a special inspector to be appointed in the prevention of cruelty to animals department Fines for cruelty amounting to £72 8s had been imposed by magistrates during the year. The society had given 628 cautions, and 163 animals had been humanely destroyed. In the Kindness to Animals competition for children, 290 esscys had been received, and a number of special prizes awarded. Subscriptions and donations to the society had increased by nearly £100 during the year. The balancesheet showed a surplus of .£220 over expenditure. Dr.. R. M. Beattie was elected president, and the Hon. Geo. Fowlds honorary treasurer. The vice-presi-dents, with the exception of the Rev. H. K. Kempton, who has resigned, were re-elected, as also were the honorary officers and members of the committee, with the exception of Messrs. C. J. Ellerbeck and J- Fleming, resigned.