WOMEN’S SOCIAL AND POLITICAL LEAGUE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1260, 23 April 1896, Page 15

WOMEN’S SOCIAL AND POLITICAL LEAGUE.

The following is a copy of the second annual report of tho above organisation : ALks President and Ladies,—l have again much pleasure in presenting herewith tho annual report of tho Women's Social and Politic:-: 1 League, and in doing so to congratulate the members on the great progress the League lias made during the past twelve months. Tho number of members now is 130. The treasurer will submit to you a balance-sheet which shows the finances of the League to be in a satisfactory position. Meetings were held regularly every week, at which the attendance was always good, and a large amount of business was transacted.

The following members road papers:— Aliss Lee, on “ Undesirable Immigrants Bill.” Airs AYoiss, on “ State Farms,” and on “A Dispensary for AYeilington.” Airs Sodden, e:a “Aims and Objects of tho League.” Airs Seddon, on “ Women's influence of Politics.” Airs Fulton, on “ Social AVork.” Aliss Williams, on “A few Words to Women,” arid “ Comments on a speech by Sir Robert Stout.”

Mrs Schocli, on “ The Drink Question,’ \ “The New Woman,” and “The Political Outlook.” Mrs 11. 13. Mason, on " Unity amongst Women,” and on “The Cash Purchase Association.” Mrs Downes, on “An Asylum for Inebriates.” Miss Jones, on “Women in their Homes and Social Spheres.” Public addresses were given by : Mr O’Regan, H.I-1.R., on “ Protection and Wages.” Mr Mercier, on “ A Domestic Servants’ Union.” Mr G. A. Schoch, on “Freotrado and Protection.” Mr Tregear, on “ Women of Ancient

History.” Dr Chappie, on “ The Influence of Law on the Moral Faculty.” Mr Yerex, on “Prohibition.” Mrs K. A. Evans, M.A., on “ Women’s part in Politics.” Mr Hustwick, on “ Food Adulteration.” Mrs Scott, treasurer of the Gisborne Women's League, also gave an address on “ The Aims and Objects ” of their Society. Delegates were appointed to attend the following movements : The Anti-Chinese League, the Workers’ Union, the Michael Davitt Reception Committee, the Workers’ Electoral League, the Unemployed Committeo of the Forward Movement.

Resolutions on a variety of subjects were passed and forwarded to the Government, the City Council, tho Hospital Trustees, and to Political Societies in other parts of tho Colony. In May last year, mainly owing to the interest taken in the matter by Mrs T. K. Macdonald, we secured a lease of room No. (5, in which the League has since regularly held its meetings. A new loaso has lately been entered into for another year. Thus the Leaguo will practically have permanent quarters, and tho advantage will also bo greatly appreciated during tho coming general election. On tho 22nd of May Mrs R. J. Seddon was elected Vice-President, and in Juno MrsT.K.Macdonald, Mrs Ximbell and Miss Scott were elected members of tho Council.

Owing to a resolution passed on September 2nd, and confirmed again on September 9th, in reference to tho Southern Cross Society, several members resigned. The resolution was necessary in order to give members and tho general public distinctly to understand that the Women’s Social and Political Leaguo is a Liberal organisation, and in favour of the present Liberal party and administration, which were put into power by an overwhelming majority at the last general election in 180:3. At tho end of September, Mr M. Player resigned as President and as a member of tho League. The resignation was received with regret and sho wars thanked for her services.

In October, Mrs R. J. Seddon was elected President of tho League, Mrs T. K. Macdonald one of the Vice-Presidents, Mrs Dobie treasurer, and Mesdamos Wei.ss and Miss Harvey and Miss Burns, members of tho Council.

During tho session of Parliament, a deputation waited on the Speaker, Sir Maurice O’Rorke, to ask him him to put aside a portion of tho gallery of the House of Representatives for women, to bo admitted without having first to apply for tickets of admission. The deputation was introduced by Mrs R. J. Seddon, and tho request was granted, to apply during the afternoons. Thus, through the efforts of our League, a great benefit was conferred on tho women who take an interest in politics. Last January two very interesting public meetings wore held in Newtown, with tho intention of starting a branch of tho Leaguo there. But as tho Nowtown mem-

bers declared themselves willing to attend tho meetings in tho city, the project was abandoned for tho present. In order to promote social intercourse a series of open meetings were held during tho winter months, to which members could bring their friends. Sewing bees were also held. These were initiated by Mrs Kimbell and Dobie. Useful articles were presented by Mrs T. K.

Macdonald, Mrs Dransfield and Mrs Dobie, kindly lent a sewing machine. A concert was given in tho Opera House under tho auspices of the League, at which many prominent local artists very gener-

ously assisted, and which, owing to the valuable help rendered by Mrs Fulton, and especially by Mrs T. K. Macdonald, in financing the venture, turned out a great success in every respect. On October tho 11-l.h, a ball was given in Thomas’ Jlall, at which several Ministers and Members of both Houses took part. This was also a most unqualified success,

chiefly again duo to the untiring efforts of Mrs T. Iv. Macdonald, and other prominent members of the Leaguo. On March 11th last, tho President took tho members on a trip round tho Harbour, and a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Sirs Seddon for the treat.

The thanks of the Leaguo wore also given to Sirs E. Wilson, for presenting the Question Box to tho League ; for having the name of tho League painted on tho door and for paying registration fee. Also to Mesdamos Downes and McGovern for the presentation of a table. The Leaguo has been registered under tho Unclassified Societies’ Act, and thus acquired a legal status. In concision, you will agree with me when I say that tho above record shows that the Leaguo during the past year has accomplished a vast amount of useful and valuable work, of which wo may bo justly proud. It is to bo hoped that the amount of interest taken by members in tho League

Organisers of entertainments should take note that they can get programmes or tickets printed in a better style and with more despatch at tho Times Oitioe than in any other place in Wellington.

and the good feeling and harmony which have prevailed, and to which the great success of the League is chiefly due, will be continued during the ensuing (our third) year of existence, and that we shall always act up to our lately chosen motto—- “ Advance with courage.’’

It. A. ScHOCir, Hon. Secretary AI. Hutson, Chairwoman. Wellington, April 7th, 180(1.

The second annual election resulted in the following officers being returned: — Mrs. It. J. Seddon (president), re-elected unopposed; Mrs T. K. Macdonald and Mrs 11. 13. Mason (vice-presidents) were re-elected the voting being Mrs T. K. Macdonald 55 votes, Mrs 11. 13. Mason 5-1; Mrs It. A. Sclioch (secretary), re-elected, 58 votes; MrsDobie (treasurer), unopposed ; Council —Mrs Weiss, 51 votes ; Mrs Wilson, 52; Mrs Ellison, 48; Mrs Harvey, 17; Mrs Herbert, 14 ; Miss Burns, 8.

There were 13 informal votes cast for the vice-presidentship, 1 for the secretaryship and 5 for the Council membership. A Fund for the Brunner Belief Fund is being subscribed by the members. Miss Seddon is treasurer, and members aro responding most liberally. £7 was collected in the room last weak.