FALLEN GIRLS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8095, 27 April 1906, Page 2

FALLEN GIRLS.

WHO SHOULD PBOVTDE FOB THEM ? PREMIER DENIES EESPONSIBITITY. PBB PBESS ASSOCIATION. Wellington, April 26. The vexed question of maternity homes for the accommodation of single girls or " fallen women," was placed before Mr Scddon by a deputation today. The Rev, T. E. Elliott said it seemed extraordinary to him that no pro/ision was made in the State Maternity Homes for cases of the kind. He did not think the homes were accomplishing what the public thought they would. He suggested that there should be a wing added to the State homes for such cases. Dr Edith Huntley said the interests of tho children mado necessary the establishment of a home where every woin-n, no matter hoiv degraded or how many previous lapses might be charged against her, would meet with competent and humane treatment in her urgent necessity. Mr Seddon, in roply, said it was a most reprehensible thing that unfortunate women should be placed in the position they were in Wellington, .rlieu the Legislature had intended that provision should be made for them, and had even provided the money. Considering the wealth of the Charitable Aid destrict which included the City and Wairarapi, thero ought to be ample provision. He wanted to know why. the Charitable Aid Board of this, the wealthiest district in the colony, had not done something to meet such emergencies. The Government's answer was that there was ample power and money ready provided to meet such cases. Tho State hospitals were intended for cases entirely different. Such cases could not be treated in the State homes where respectable women were sent, even to the extent of adding for that special purpose. Still, girls who had been misled were entitled to assistance, and no city was properly equipped which did not possess an institution for that purpose. Parliament granted 24s for every pound voluntarily subscribed, and 20s for every pound of rates collcoted by the local body. Surely the wealth of tho community was entitled to find something. It was the duty of the Charitable Aid Board to doal with the matter.