PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18791, 28 May 1923, Page 3

PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN

A STRONG APPEAL. [Per Press Association 1 WELLINGTON, May 25. The Society lor the Protection of Women and Children publish a lengthy statement in reference to statements made by the Bishop of Auckland, in which women are urged to continue to agitate for raising the age of consent. It states that the society has steadily endeavoured tor over twenty years to induce Parliament to raise the age to 18. The x society appeals to older members oi the Dominion, especially members ol Parliament and the Legislative Coun cil, to agree to the request. Regarding the diminishing birthrate, which the society regards as the most regrettable fact in the life of the Dominion, appeal is made to men of the country to join with the society in insisting upon the institution of a and adequate scheme of housing, so that children can be brought up in decency, cleanliness, and health. The statement concluded: The society is greatly in sympathy with the efforts of the Congress to establish a better state of morals throughout Christendom. It is of opinion that if the combined force of both men and women were formed —as women hold so few positions of power or import, ance in the Dominion —that mor-.' might bo accomplished. Therefore h would welcome an appeal to those who do hold high responsible positions for the reforms which have been worked for by women for many years without success.