SOCIETIES.

White Ribbon, Volume 9, Issue 97, 1 June 1903, Page 3

SOCIETIES.

Canteibury Women’s Institute.

A general meeting of the Canterbury Women's Institute was held on May 29th. The Women's Christian Temperance Union wrote, asking the Institute to join in giving a farewell social to Mrs Sheppard. It was decided that the president and secretary should attend the next meeting of the Union to assist in making the necessary arrangements. The following resolution, forwarded by the Progressive Liberal Association, was carried: “ That in the interests of the people this Institute considers it desirable that the State shall obtain possession of the Bank of New Zealand, with the object of making it a State institution, and that this Institute is also of opinion that the management of the bank should be vested in a Board, the members of which, together with the manager of the bank, should be appointed by Parliament.” Copies of the resolution were ordered to be forwarded to the Premier and the members of Parliament for the district. The perusal of a letter addressed to one of the members of the Institute led to discussion regarding the training anu organisation of dcmestij helps. It was pointed out that a home was necessary for those temporarily out of work, as we’l as an institution where girls could be trained and receive certificates of efficiency.

It was recognised that properly conducted housework entailed much forethought and labour, such as could not be adequately recompensed by the usual rate of pay. Girls should become specialists in housework 01 in special portions, and w’ould then command much respect and consideration. It was resolved—“ That domestic helps be invited to attend the next general meeting of the Institute, when the question of training and oiganisalion could be considered, and that the Trades and Labour Council should be asked to send delegates to assist in the meeting.” A letter was received calling attention to the late distressing case of infanticide at Napier, and after a debate, in which the number of cases of indecent assault brought before the recent criminal session held in Christchurch and elsewhere, was deplored, it was resolved—“ That this Institute considers that in all cases in which women and children are being tried women should serve on the jury, and the cases should be heard in camera, the presence of the jury and of the representatives of the Press being sufficient safeguard for the attainment of justice.” A copy was ordered to be forwarded to the Minister of Justice.