SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2368, 20 July 1899, Page 9

SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

The usual monthly meeting of the Committee of the Society for the Protection of Women and Children was held on Wednesday, and was attended by Messrs R. Chisholm (president), Rev. W. Cur-zon-Siggers (vice-president), and Mesdames Denniston, Brown, Mapdonald, Dr Siedeberg, Rev. W. Sinclair, and Misses Rigg and Statham. Apologies were received from Mrs Reynolds, who was out of town, and Ensign Sparkes, Miss Whitehorn, and Mr G. L. Denniston, who were detained through important business.

Correspondence was received from the secretary of the Wellington branch, Mr Wildey (chairman Auckland branch), and Miss Porter (secretary of the same branch). — The secretary was instructed to reply. Mr H. F. Bastings wrote inviting the committee to a meeting of the Fabian Society, to hear Mr J. F. M. Fraser's address on " Indigent and Criminal Children." — It was unanimously resolved to thank him for the invitation to hear opinions on a matter of so much interest to the society, and that as many of tho committee as possibly could would attend.

A letter from the Ministers' Association, left over from last meeting, was brought up, and the secretary was instructed to write to the Rev. A. Poole (Invercargill), asking what steps were being taken in the matter.

Mr Murray Aston wrote asking the society to take action with regard to the insufficient protection afforded to ladies using railway steps', and the liability to accident to them. — The secretary was instructed to write thanking him for his evident desire to assist the society, but that a matter of this kind' wa3 scarcely within their province.

The secretary's report showed that several cases had been dealt with during the past month, and that in one case no less than seven interviews had been necessary, showing that the matters were being dealt with most thoroughly. The society again desire to thank all those who have kindly assisted them during the month.

Subscriptions were received at the meeting amounting to £2 17s 6d, but in view of the fact that there have been many lists going round lately, and that heavy tax has been thus imposed on the many charitably disposed people in the city, nothing of an active naturo has been attempted in this way; but the society will be glad to receive subscriptions at ?ny tint a.