WOMEN’S SOCIETIES.

White Ribbon, Volume 2, Issue 19, 1 January 1897, Page 4

WOMEN’S SOCIETIES.

Canterbury Women s Institute.— A meeting of tne Committee was held in Chancery Lane Hall on Saturday, Dec 19. Correspondence was received in reference tothe unemployed question, ?.nd the following resolution wasunanimously passed : Women’s Institute thanks Mr Charles Lewis for his promise to support, or, failing anyone else, to make a suggestion that the various colonies should be represented at a conference which should determine upon a line of action which must be of such a nature that no one colony shall offer greater advantages than any other.” The sub-com-mittee appointed by the Institute to act in the case of alleged official cruelty reported the steps that had been taken, and suggested that there should be a more efficient classification of the inmates of the Asylum The sub-com-mittee was empowered to act further if necessary. It was decided that a committee of ladies and gentlemen should be appointed to discuss the question of the economic independence of married women, and to take any action that may be considered desirable. —At the general meeting which followed (the President, Miss SheriffBain, in the chair), the subject of “ Nobody’s Daughters” was considered Mis Blake opened the discussion by reading a leaderette which had lately appeared in the Lyttelton Times. She said the Nineteenth Century had done well in emphasising the need of 14 equality of opportunity,” which, when it has passed, as it will pass, from theory to practice, shall l>e for the “ healing of the nations." M r s Cunnington spoke to the effect ti at as the degradation of women was largely an economic question, every means should be used to open up ways and means for the daughters of the working classes to earn good wages. She also urged on

all women, married, and single, to help their lefs fortunate sisters by friendship and hospitality. Miss A. E. Hookham urged that the people are the noblest asset of the State, whose prime care should lie concern for the welfare of the children. Mrs May, who has returned from England, on rising was very heartily received. She said that the term “ fallen ” was one that should never be applied to a certain class of women. Had we not all “fallen,” in that we had continually missed our ideal ? It was love only that would help our sisters. She quoted from the honoured Mrs Josephine Butler, who affirmed that she had found the kindest hearts in that sad sisterhood amongst which she worked. Mrs Wilkinson urged that physiology should be more carefully taught. Much might lie done if gymnasia and social halls, under suitable management, were established in the poorer parts of the town where the young could find pleasant surroundings and cheerful society. Mrs Fraser said the little ones must be taken before the evil days came. There should l>e a home where the tenderest, most vigilant mother-care should be bestowed upon the poor child-waifs. Resolutions w’ere passed to the effect that Government should be approached in the matter of instituting experimental homes for neglected children, and that various parliamentary representatives and others interested should be invited early next year to jiscuss the matter. On the suggestion of Mrs Cunnington, Mrs Wilkinson moved the following resolutions, which were carried : 44 That Parliament be asked for a Young People’s Protection Act.” 44 That all reformatory homes be under State inspection.” “ That a woman constable be appointed in every police station.” One new member was elected. At the close of the meeting the President wished all members a happy New Year, and announced that it had been decided to go into recess till the first Saturday in February. Auckland Women’s Democratic Union. This Union held its fortnightly meeting at the W esley Hall on Dec. Ist, the President, Mrs Codings, in the chair. A letter was read from Miss Mackay, Trentham, thanking the Union for the stand taken on the Armenian question. A resolution that the Union adjourn until after the holidays was carried unanimously. The meeting dispersed early, as many of the members were anxious to attend another meeting addressed by one of the city candidates.