WOMEN'S DISABILITIES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 84, 30 March 1914, Page 6

WOMEN'S DISABILITIES.

[Pee Press Association.] Wellington, March 30.

A deputation representing all Wellington Societies which take an inter-' est in matters concerning women waited on Mr Bell (Minister for Internal Affairs), and urged upon the Government to take steps to prevent the introduction of White Slave traffic in New Zealand | make procuration impossible ; provide more careful; selection of assisted immigrant girls; raise the age of consent to eighteen..; and appoint women inspectors to look after young women and children in public parks and places. >-Mi—Bell-; stated that the* young women who came here as assisted immigrants underwent a strict scrutiny by the High Commissioner's officials as possible. He declared he ' would not allow a Word to be said against their character. As to those who paid their own passages, the Government had nothing to do; Matrons, who were' usually women coming out .under engagement as nnrses or mental hospital attendants, did all in their power to look after girls, and state ; they" could not prevent seduction; that could only be done by mothers and the girls themselves; but Mr Bell indicated that the Government was prepared to do everything possible to prevent procuration and anything approaching the White Slave traffic. He favored" making the penalty for illicit commerce with girls under a certain age more severe in cases where the male had responsibilities of guardian, but he pointed out that if the age of consent was raised as requested it would be a source of danger to young men. Mr Bell said that in view of his long experience as Crown Prosecutor, he was in favor of appointing women to look after the safety of young girls, but could not commit the Government.