THE W.C.T.U. AT THE EXHIBITION.

White Ribbon, Volume 12, Issue 140, 15 January 1907, Page 9

THE W.C.T.U. AT THE EXHIBITION.

The Children s Rest is proving a notable success. (in holidays the capacity of the building is taxed to it> utmost—in fact, a small piece of ground has had to be enclosed where the toddlers can safely play. Forty, li 1t v, and even seventy babies have been taken charge of on holidays, and many a mother blesses the kindly women who lirst mooted tin* question of providing the Rest.

The Posters prepared by the Committee in charge of the Day are educating both men and women on the question of women’s disabilities. Subjoined is the text of one of these Posters, showing What New Zealand Women wish to Gain. The removal of all past legislation which hinders any woman from occupying any civil, social, or commercial position for which her natural Godgiven powers and education may lit her.

At present women suffer under legal disabilities in the matter of : The Guardianship of their ( hildren. I'nequal Pay for Equal Work. Economic Inequality of Husband and Wife. Trial by dory. Visiting .Instices to Prisons. Tin Regulations of tin* Education Dusiness Partnerships. Laws of Illegitimacy. Having to obey laws which are framed by men only, the N.Z law forbidding the election ol any woman to Parliament. Wert* these disabilities removed, women would have greater power to work for other reforms which they hope to gain, such as : Reformation of the Criminal by newer and more Scientific Methods in Reformatories and Prisons. The Prevention of Pauperand Criminal (’lasses by more Scion ti lie Methods of Charitable Aid, ineluding Segregation of tin* I ntit. Improvement in our Educational Methods, Secondary Education to be absolutely I* ret*. The giving of Scientific Temperance Instruction in our Public Schools. Raising the Age of Protection for both sexes to twenty-one years. Abolition of Capital Punishment. The Introduction of the Initiative and Referendum, thus giving the People power to legislate and to reject ill-advised legislation. The Substitution of the Elective Executive for the present Cabinet chosen by one-Partv system