ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING IN DUNEDIN.

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 258, 18 December 1916, Page 9

ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING IN DUNEDIN.

On December 6th a meeting was held in the Town Hall, Dunedin, to urge tin* appointment of women police. It was organised by the W.C.T.U., and was thoroughly representative. Members were present from 20 kindred societies. 1 he chair was taken by Canon Curion-Siggers. The first resolution was moved by Mr Mark Cohen, Editor of the “Evening Star,” and seconded by Mrs Peryman, Editor of the “White Ribbon.” It was: “That this meeting of representative citizens of Dunedin, in view of the fact that the appointment of women police ha-> given great satisfaction wherever tried, urge the Minister of Justice to immediately appoint women police.” This was carried unanimously. The second resolution was proposed by Mr Gilkinson, and seconded by Mrs M. A. Jackson (President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and a member of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board) : “That for every centre a woman should be appointed as a ‘prote< tor’ and adviser of young women and children, with the authority and standing of a Justice of the Peace; that such a ‘protector’ should be authorised to attend all Courts' in all cases where any woman or c hild is concerned, and to interfere if she considers it desirable.” Mrs Major Colvin and Dr. Edith Siedeberg >j>oke in support, and it was carried unanimously. The third r» solution was proposed by Rev. W. Hay, and seconded by Mrs Don (Dominion President of the XV.C.T.U.: “That copies of these resolutions be sent to the ActingPrime Minister and the other members of Cabinet, and that the co-operation of all organisations aiming at social

reform in the Dominion be invited to obtain these necessary reforms.” Mrs Galloway supported the resolution, which was carried unanimously. Mr C. K. St at ham, Ml'., thought a very good case had been made cuit, and the result of his enquiries into the i bjections raised by the AttorneyGeneral might well be that he would cast his lot in with the advocates of reform ar.d do his best to have these reforms Riven effect to. Mr J. M Dickson and Mr Walker, M P.’s, also expressed themselves in sympathy with the movement.