COUNCIL OF WOMEN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 220, 17 August 1937, Page 8

COUNCIL OF WOMEN

MANAWATU BRANCH. PRISON REFORM. Mrs H. Paterson (Pahiatua) presided over the monthly meeting of the Manawatu branch of the National Council of Women, which was held yesterday in the Y.W.C.A. elubrooms. Also present were Mesdames A. E. Mansford, T. Green (Stanway), BridenJones, W. Stevens (Marton). W. G. Short (Cheltenham), W. A. Boniface, K. Ross (Feilding), D. Simpson (Marton), Misses C. Jamieson, C. McKenny (Pahiatua), Mathcson, Simpson (Bonny Glen), M. Grant, and P. Hindle.

There were apologies for absence from Mesdames J. Williamson (Taonui) and A. McCorkindalc (Feilding).

An invitation was received from the Palmerston North Townswomen’s Guild to send two representatives to a public meeting to consider the question of a public building as a memorial to the pioneer women of the city mid district, this effort to be made in conjunction with tlio jubilee of the city. Mrs Patersen and Miss Jamieson will represent the council. Headquarters forwarded a copy of a report from the Auckland branch inspired by a resolution from the Tamaki Women’s Progressive League as follows:—“That the National Council of Women be urged to go into the matter of prison reform, so as to bring our prisons in the same lines as English Prisons Reforms; also we urge that the Habitual Criminal Act he abolished and the English Crimes Prevention Act be substituted.” The question had been considered by the civic and national committees with the recommendation that legislation bo sought to enable prisoners to be represented by counsel when their eases were before the board; that district prisons boards be established and prisoners and counsel ho entitled to have access to the reports of the prison authorities on tlieir cases.—Members desired time to consider the questions raised before passing an}' opinion. The secretary of the Scottish Development Council forwarded leaflets relating to the Empire Exhibition to be held in Glasgow in 1938 hoping to have the opportunity of welcoming members should they bo attending tlio jubilee meeting of the International Council of Women in Edinburgh. The resignation of Miss Hindle as secretary was received. Voicing' the appreciation of the members and thanks for the fine work Miss Hindle had done, Mrs Paterson said her resignation- would only be accepted with the greatest Endorsing these remarks, Miss McKenny said shefelt Miss Hindle had been the real support of the council. Mrs Simpson added her tribute to Miss Hindle’s capabilities and after some persuasion Miss Hindle agreed to hold the matter over till next meeting. Mrs Paterson was appointed delegate to the four-yearly conference in Auckland during the last week in September, subject to the confirmation at the next meeting. A suggestion advanced for a member to be appointed at each meeting to lead the discussion on the various reports circulated among members was approved, Mrs Simpson agreeing to lead next month’s discussion.