National Council of Women

Southland Times, Issue 13428, 14 April 1896, Page 3

National Council of Women

By Telegraph.

Chbistchurch, April 13. A Convention of women promoted by the Canterbury Women's Institute opened its sittings this morning, Miss Sherriff Bain, president of the Institute, being in the chair. The delegates were welcomed, and the Ptesident stated that for the first time in history enfranchised women, representing political and social organisations in a country, had met on affairs of State. The declared objects of the Convention are— (l) To consolidate the Women's Liberal Leagues throughout New Zealand ; (2) to educate the women voters of New Z-. aland ; (3) to arrange for a Elatfoiin ior the coming elections ; (4) to asten the time tor a fuller realisation of the brotherhood of man. A deputation from the Progressive Liberal Association conveyed congratulations to the Convention. At the afternoon sitting Mr E. Tregear read a paper on federation of women and Lady Stout read a paper on the National Council of Women. On the motion of Mrs Williamson (Wanganui) seconded by Mrs Tasker (Wellington), it was unanimously re*olved."tnat this Convention resolves itself into the National Council of the women of New Zealand.'* The following office-bearers wereelected : — President : Mrs Sheppard (Christchurch) ; Vice-Presidents : Lady Stout (Wellington), Mesdames Sievwrigbt (('isborne), Hatton (Dunedin), and Schnakenberg (Auckland) ; Secretary : Mrs Wells (Christchurch) ; Treasurer: Miag Sherriff Bain (Christchurch)} A committee consisting of Lady Stout, Mesdame-i Sheppard, Fleming and Wells was appointed to consider the constitution and bv-laws of tbe Council to be -presented at a later stage of the proceedings. A motion was carried thanking Mr Van Der Velden, artist, for explaining his pictures to the delegates and expressing the opinion tbat his picture "A Sorrowful Future" should become pub'ic property. Lady Stout protested against the latter port of the motion. They had met for business connected with women's work and had no right to dictate to either municipal or general government in a matter of the expenditure of money. She moved that the resolution be reversed. This was seconded by Mrs Daldy and carried without dissent.

Professor Bickerton gave an address on unitary homes.