FRANCHISE DAY.

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 256, 18 October 1916, Page 5

FRANCHISE DAY.

LECTURE BY LADY STOUT

Franchise Day was commemorated by holding a meeting in Trinity C hurch, Newtown, when an inspiring address was given by l.ady Stout on “Woman’s Opportunity.” After a hr iff musical programme and a few introductory remarks by l)r. PlattsMills, who was supported on the platform by Mrs Evans, M.A., Dr. Edith Huntley, and Mis lloulder, Lad\ Stout commenced her lecture by saying that although women in this country had possessed the Franchise tor j.t years, they had not yet realised the ir responsibilities or their power. 'l’he work that women were doing I*l every direction in Great Britain was reviewed, including that of the women police. Of all the countries that were engaged in the war, said the speaker. New Zealand was practically the onl> one that had done nothing, or next to nothing, to protec t its soldiers against drink. In England the* Government had taken over the* control of numbers of hotels and distilleries, where a nonintoxicating liquor was supplied. Why could not the same thing be done here? In France there was not only restriction of the sab* of liquor, but it was prohibited altogether. What a difference here! Women here in truth were asleep, or e lse* had forgotten their homes and their children, or they would not have allowed other countries to have set the pace and not follow themselves. At the close of the address. .1 resolution was proposed by Mrs A. R. Atkinson to the effect that this meeting of Wellington women urges the Minister of Justice to appoint immediately women police to visit the railway stations and wharves, to patrol slum areas, and the* vicinity of military camps, to keep a watchful eye upon houses of ill-fame*, to visit public parks, to prevent young women from being molested, and also to put detective’s on the* trick of persons suspected of endeavouring to de - coy young girls for immoral purposes. Dr. Edith Huntley seconded the resolution, which was passed with enthusiasm. Mrs Wright moved a hearty vote of thanks to the* lecturer, and also spoke to the resolution. A deputation, consisting cf Lady Stout, Dr. Edith Huntley, Dr I’lattsMills, Mrs Evans, M.A., and Mrs Houlder, will wait ujk>** the Minister of Justice to present the resolution.