WOMEN’S CONGRESS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1923, Page 3

WOMEN’S CONGRESS.

DELEGATES RECEIVED BY POPE. A GREAT PROCESSION. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIATION. ißeceived this dev at 9.20 a.m.) ROME, May 21). The Pope received twenty-five French, British and American delegates to the Women’s Congress. He said he favoured the Congress though he could not approve of all the items in its programme, particularly the divorce aims. A feature of the closing day at the Women’s Congress was a great procession of women, representing the nations of the world, from the Palazzo Dell Esposij-.ione to the office of the Minister for the Interior* their purpose being to band to Premier Mussolini the Congress’s resolution on women’s suffrage. The procession was beaded by the Kalian Mag and alliance hanuer, and consisted of Mrs Catt. Madame Schiavoni llosio. the Italian women’s leader, official Government delegates, members of Parliament, enfranchised and unenfranchised women, with 1 -aban women in the rear.

Large crowds watched the progress of the procession through the stieecs. The deputation was introduced by the Secretary for Stale, Signor Aserbo, who carried the symbols of old Roman times bundle of sticks and a hatchet, denoting unity and power. Premier Mussolini reaffirmed bis promise to grant Italian women municipal franchise with eligibility for office.