THE CHARITABLE AID QUESTION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3995, 7 October 1897, Page 3

THE CHARITABLE AID QUESTION.

— - — DEPUTATION TO THE MAYOR. At noon to-day a deputation from the Women's Political Association, consisting of Mrs W. Thomson and two other ladies, waited on the Mayor of Christchurch, and presented a resolution passed by the Association, to the effect that his Worship should be requested' to uso his influence to secure the appointment of not less than three women to the Charitable Aid Board, and also to approach the various County Councils with that purpose. The deputation expressed the opinion that before better administration of charitable aid could be obtained, competent women must take part in the deliberations of the Board. One of the deputation said that Mrs Grace Neill had stated that the appointment of members of the Board rested with the Mayor. The Mayor said he would bring the matter before the City Council, with whom the appointment of city members of the Charitable Aid Board rested. He himself had' nothing to do with the question. As to bringing the matter before the County Councils, he would advise the ladies to send circulars to the Councils themselves. He thought that the best means of secui'ing a reform of charitable aid administration was by obtaining an amendment of the law, so as to provide for the Board being directly elected by the people, and he would, therefore, urge the deputation to do their best to educate public opinion in that direction. He thought that, in the meantime, good would be dono if about ten or twelve ladies, of position, and with time on their hands, were appointed to act as honorary inspectors in connection with the work of the Board. When he had been a member of the Board he had proposed a motion for the appointment of two or three such ladies in each district to report to the Board. That motion had cot been carried. He had also moved for the appointment of a paid lady inspector, and, though such an inspector had been appointed since, the male inspector had been dispensed with, and the whole work of inspection had been thrown on the lady, which was not what he had intended. The deputation thanked his Worship and withdrew.