PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22269, 23 May 1934, Page 2

PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN

SOCIETY’S ANNUAL REPORT The thirty-fourth annual report of the ’ Dunedin branch of the New Zealand So- ' ciety for the Protection of Women and Children, which will be presented at the j annual meeting next Monday, states, inter alia:— This year’s balance sheet, shows a de- ! licit on the year’s working of £l4O, largely due, as was the case last year, S to the withdrawal of the Government subsidy. It is a matter of regret that the Government cannot see its way to reinstate this subsidy, as the work done by this society is important social work, co-ordinated with various Government departments, such ns the Child Welfare Department, the Pensions Department, the unemployment relief, and the Police ! Court, particularly with the maintenance officer, A large sum of money passes through the secretary’s hands in the uplifting and disbursement of maintenance moneys, pensions, and unemployment relief wages, amounting to £2082. This is an increase of £432 on last years amount, and entails a great deal of extra work. The society is not in any way engaged in granting charitable relief, its work being largely advisory. The committee records with regret the loss suffered by the society by the death of .two valued members —Lady Sim (the late president) and Mrs R. Jones, Lady Sira had been president for nine years and a-half, and Mrs Jones had been an active and valued member of the committee for ’some years. It is noted with pleasure that the Marriage Act was amended last year, raising the marriage age to 18 years for both sexes. This is a reform which this society has been advocating and urging the Government to put through for many years. It is a matter for congratulation, therefore, that owiiw to the combined efforts of this and other societies and the National Council of Women, Parliament has at last passed legislation placing this very necessary amendment on the Statute Book. t An important part of the secretary s work is the collecting of wages due to certain relief workers, where maintenance has to be paid under a separation agreement. This work has boon to the wives and children, who thus get their maintenance money regulany. _ A valuable part of the work of the society lies in the mutual co-operation between the various branches throughout hiew Zealand. Deserting husbands are found in i other towns through the instrumentality of the societies in those towns, and maintenance can also be forwarded through this society to wives who may be living in other towns. The secretary also attends the court during the hearing of maintenance and separation cases, and is a help, and comfort to the unfortunate women concerned. Cases to the number of 1X54 were dealt with during at the office totalled 4856. and 1020 visits were paid._ The work involved in the investigation of these cases has been strenuous, and the secretary (Miss Coe-Smith) is to be congratulated upon the able and tactful way in which she has carried it out. Recognition of the secretary’s work is received from time to time from members of the public who are acquainted with the cases dealt with, and the committee wishes to place on record its appreciation of the valuable work done by her. Miss Coe-Smith is also honorary secretary to the Women s Unemployment Committee, which brings her into personal touch with the single unemployed women and girls.