The Daily News. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1903. THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 198, 7 September 1903, Page 2

The Daily News. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1903. THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN.

The meeting of the National Council of VCoiaon of New Zaalind is honouring Taranaki by meeting this year in New Plymouth. Tho meeting of this Council, which may be termed the Women's Parliamant, its a matter of considerable interest. In the first place it is fully representatiye of the women of New Zealand beicg truly national ia character, in the next place it gives an indication of what is passing in the minds of the woman of the colony, telling of their aspirations and what they deem their disabilities. Further, tbe New Zealand Council of Women is a branch of the gra-t International Council, which meets once every five years, and consists of delegates from National Councils of Women from nearly every civilised country on the Globe. This gives the Council a wider and more important significance than a merely local Council would | have. The last International Council was held in London, New Zealand j being very ably represented by | Mrs Pember Kesves, Mrs Sidney Webb'and Mrs J. McOosh Clark, At that Council, which was presided over by Lady Aberdeen, delegates were present frpm twenty-two countries, including all the ' British Colonies. Amongst all the National Councils which were represented at that Conference tbe women of New Zealand hold a unique position is they alone are enfranchised nnd ai 3 able to back tip the views expressed and held by them by their vote at the bollot-box. This fact alone attracts more than usual attention to the proceedings of the New Zealand Council. The fact that nearly 140.000 womsn recorded their votes at the last general okotion gives an interest to proceedings of the National Coutcil of New Zealand women not to be found elsewhere. Tnat such a gathering must have a considerable educational effect goes withont saying and naturally these meetings would influence the female mind. Politicians, social reformers, and others, follow the proceedings cf the Council very closely. During the present week the eyes of many throughout the colony will be on Now Plymouth, The Council will be p. esided over by Mrs Siovwiight, of Gisborce, who has long held a prominent position amongst the women of New Zealand, and hnr address at tho opening meeting may be depended upon to ba of an interesting character. As her subject is "the aim and objects of the Council " we have purposely refrained from touching up:.n this aspect (f the organisation, but would take this opportunity ot extending a hearty welcome to this distinguished woman and her fellow delegates who will assemble from all parts of the colony. We sincerely hop i they will have an f-r joyable time in New Plymouth and that their deliberations may help to promote the well-being of the men and women, the little children and the whola colon? j of New Zealand.