INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 118, 24 June 1914, Page 4

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN.

At the International Women's Congress held in Rome last month it was announced that Queen Mary had consented to become a patron of the English council. Lady Aberdeen was re-elected president for five years; and Mrs Henry Dobson, one of the Australian delegates, has been.elected one of the vice-presi-dents. Dr Kate Barrett, of the United States, received a warm ovation from the other delegates, since she was present as a representative of the United States Government, who were paying her expenses. She was the only delegate at this congress who officially represented the Government of her country. The delegates from Australia and from the other countries where women exercise the vote were received with special acclamation on the opening day. A resolution in favour of woman suffrage was unanimously adopted at the close of the congress. Other important resolutions passed by the congress dealt with temperance, the protection of women and children, and the establishment of courts foi-|juvenile offenders in which women could practise as advocates. The necessity of vigilance in the employment of women was also urged, and the establishment of employment agencies and the supervision of emigration. The national councils of women were asked to endeavour to obtain laws from their respective Governments by which the civil capacity of married women in regard to personal rights and property would be guaranteed and the equal rights of both parents with respect to the control of children would be recognised, and, in the case of parental division and dispute, the State would be empowered to intervene and to adjudicate them.