WOMEN’S SOCIETIES

White Ribbon, Volume 3, Issue 29, 1 November 1897, Page 4

WOMEN’S SOCIETIES

SOUTHERN CROSS SOCIETY. On October 4th the“ Young Persons Protection Bill ” was discussed, and the following resolutions were passed and forwarded to the Premier:—“That the S.C.S. considers that boys who are found in houses frequented by prostitutes and gamblers should, for the first offence, be taken to their homes by the constable who arrests them, who should inform their parents or guardians of the circumstances of their arrest.” 2. “That whipping is calculated to harden boys.” 3. “ That persons harbouring either boys or girls for immoral purposes or gambling, should be punished by a penalty not exceeding £2O, or by a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years.” An animated discussion took place as to the desirability of the Salvation Army being appointed Rescue Officers and Managers of the Reformatories “ The Public Health Amendment Act ” was then discussed. The following resolutions were passed “ That the S.C.S. considers that it is cruel and harsh that persons who may have contracted consumption in other parts of the world should be prevented from re-joining their relatives in New Zealand, and that it is not desirable that soldiers and sailors, and persons accredited to the Government, should be exempt from the provisions of the Health Act. The following resolution was forwarded to the Premier—“ That it is inconsistent with democratic principles that admission to the Ladies’ Gallery of the House of Representatives should be by ticket, and that the Government be requested to grant free admission to the Gallery during the evening sittings.” The following petition was dratted and handed round for signatures : respectfully request that there should be free admission to the Ladies’ Gallery of the House of Representatives during the evening sittings.” Oct nth—Mr T. R. Fleming read a most interesting paper on “ Some Characteristics of Tennyson.”

Oct 25th —Replies in reference to “ Young Persons Protection Bill,” and “ Health Act ’’ were received from the Premier. A most interesting paper on “ The Life and Works of Lord Bacon,” which was full of instructive information concerning the character and attainments of the great philosopher, w T as read by Mr Bell. Miss

yrk moved a hearty vote of thanks to It Bell for his able paper. Canterbury Women’s Institute. — An extraordinary meeting was held on November i, to consider the suggestions of the Canterbury Medical Society, with regard to the treatment of conagious disease. Dr Symes was present, and explained the purport of the suggestions at some length. It was resolved —“That the Institute, having read and considered the draft of the Contagious Diseases Bill prepared by the Canterbury Medical Society, and having heard Drs Symes and Campbell in explanation of the supposed advantages of such a Bill, hereby declares its opposition to the measure for the following reasons(i) That it contains ill the worst features of the present Act in its violation of constitutional law; in its system of espionage; in the unlimited powers given to magistrates to cause vomen to be subjected to gross indignity ; in that it proposes to place the modesty and fair fame of any woman or girl at the mercy of an official who may be neither intelligent nor scrupulous. (2) That from the wide experience of the highest and most reliable medical and police authorities in the older countries, it has been conclusively proved that examination is useless as a safeguard against venereal disease.” There were three dissentients to the passing of this »esolution. It was further resolved : d “ That the Government be asked to take such steps as will compel the hospital authorities to establish separate wards for the treatment of venereal diseases, where patients who may voluntarily present themselves may be freely and efficiently treated. (2) That medical men and all who treat venereal disease be compelled to report cases of venereal patients.” The last two resolutions were passed unanimously, ind a hearty vote of thanks to Dr Symes for his explanations was also passed. Wanganui Women’s Political League.—A largely attended meeting of this League passed a resolution requesting the Government, in view of the dissatisfaction with the administration of charitable aid by bodies composed entirely of men, when subsidising hospital and charitable aid boards to reserve to itself the right to appoint two w omen as members of each board, Pending an alteration in the law making hoards directly elective by the people.