WOMEN'S NATIONAL COUNCIL

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 202, 21 May 1920, Page 8

WOMEN'S NATIONAL COUNCIL

ANNUAL REPORT. The third annual report of the Wellington, branch of the Women's National Council 6tates that the year closed with- the following 17 societies affiliated: (1) W.C.T.TI. (Central), representing 100 women (Mcsdnmes Cnngliley and Evans); (2) W.C.T.TI. (Newtown), representing 140 women ;Mesdames.J. Wright nnd Webb); (3) Socicty for Protection of Women and Childrei., 504 (Lady Stout, Mrs. Chapman); (4) Free Kindergarten Association, representing 250 women (Mrs. J. G. Anderson, Miss England); (5) Women Teachers' Association, representing 1(10 women (Misses Coad and Edwards); (G) Women's International League, representing 50 women (Mrs. Stables); (7) Y.W.C.A., representing 1250 women (Mesdames Taylor and Morpeth); (8) Wellington Softgoods Employees' Union, representing 557 women (Miss Williams); (9) Housewives' Union, representing 50 women (Mrs. Ford); (10) i'emalo Prisoners' Welfare Group, representing 30 women (Mrs. Henderson); (11) Reconstruction League of the Thcosophical Society, representing 12 women (Mrs. Schofield); ■ (12) Girls' Friendly Society, representing 500 women (Mrs. Sprott, Miss Jenkins); (13) Civic Group, representing 30 women CMiss Gone); (It) Home Economics Group, representing 10 women (Mrs. Chatfield);- (15) Trained Nurses' Association. 200 (Mrs. W. A. Thomson); (1G) National Reserve (Stratford)' -; (17) National Reserve (Wellington), representing 500 women. Total, 3829 women. There still remain Outside the council several large societies. It is hope.l that shortly these will bocomo affiliated, so Unit the object of tho National Council will be realised, viz., "The uniting of all organised societies of women for mutual counsel and co-op-eration, and for the attainment of Justice for women, nnd for all that makes for tho good of humanity." The year, from the point of view of public movements, marked a distinct advance for woman, in so far as her right to represent her country in Parliament has been recognised. The National Council since its inception Jjas worked towards this aim, and this year «ees its acliievement. In making appointments of women health patrols the council is of opinion that the co-operation of women'.? organisations slnuld be sought. An open letter was sent to the Prime Minister, nnd members of the Cabinet ro cost of living. Valuable information as to prices and profits wns collected by members of the council, nnd sympathetic replies were recoived from Cabinet Ministers. The reply <>i the Prime Minister especially was detailed and instructive. He asserted, among other things, that the cost of New Zealand woollen goods was to be investigated. The prices, however, are still soaring as high .as ever. Mainly as the result of representations by the council (which were made continuously) the Wellington City Council decided to appoint a woman sanitary inspector. On last advice the council was preparing to call applications for , tho position. Strong representations were made about tho proposal to establish at Point Hnlswell a prison for women offenders. The council has since been assured (hat tho present arrangement is only a temporary one. The policy of this council is that prisons should bo situated in country districts, conveniently near a railway centre, and that thev should bo run on self-support-ing linos. Othor matters the council interested itself in were a protest against tho 6elec"rion of Jam Tin Gully ns a sit- for tho proposed new Girls' College, advocacy of communal kitchens, markets for fish, fruit, and vegetables, beating arrangements in shops. In connection with tho Parliamentary olections, questions were sent to candidates regarding their nttitude on certain mattors. and the answers received wore with one or two exceptions in accord with tho polioj of, tho Women's National Council.