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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 74

Constitution ... and minutes of the first meeting held in the Provincial Council Chambers, Christchurch, April, 1896

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Constitution of the National Council of Women

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Smith, Anthony, Sellars and Co., Limited. Christchurch

MDCCCXCVI
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Constitution of the National Council of Women of New Zealand.

The Council shall be called the National Council of Women of New Zealand.

Objects.

I. To unite all organised Societies of Women for mutual counsel and co-operation, and in the attainment of justice and freedom for women, and for all that makes for the good of humanity.

II. To encourage the formation of Societies of Women engaged in trades, professions, and in social and political work in connection with which no organised union at present exists.

National Policy.

This Council is organised in the interest of no one propaganda, and has no power over the organisations which constitute it, beyond that of suggestion and sympathy; therefore, no Society voting to enter this Council shall render itself liable to be interfered with in respect to its complete organic unity, independence, or methods of work, or be committed to any principle or method of any other society, or to any act or utterance of the Council itself, beyond compliance with the terms of the constitution.

Honorary Officers.

The Honorary Officers shall be a President, four Vice-Presidents, an Honorary Secretary, and Treasurer, who shall be ex officio members of all committees, and who shall be elected annually.

Members.

All organised Societies of Women in sympathy with the National Policy, and which shall be invited by the Executive Committee to send representatives.

Honorary Members.

Ladies and gentlemen shall be admitted as honorary members on payment of an annual subscription of 10/6. They shall be allowed to speak at meetings, but no voting power shall be given them.

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National Council.

The National Council shall consist of the President, four Vice-Presidents, the Honorary Secretary, and Treasurer, and the delegates representing the various societies.

Delegates.

Delegates shall be appointed by the various societies throughout New Zealand, to attend the meetings of the Council.

Basis of Representation.

Each society represented upon the Council shall be entitled to send one delegate for every one hundred, or fraction of one hundred members; two delegates for every three hundred members; three delegates being the maximum number to be sent from any society however large its membership may be.

Delegates by Proxy.

When a society is unable to send a delegate to the Council meeting! it may appoint a proxy delegate from the tow where the Council meeting is being held. No delegate may re present more than one society.

If an officer acts as proxy delegate, she shall retain her own vote as well as her delegation vote.

Meetings.

The National Council shall meet annually in one of the four centres—viz: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

Finance.

The affiliation fee for each society shall be £1 annually, Each society shall pay £1 for every delegate whom it appoints to the National Council.

All moneys payable to the Council shall be paid to the Treasurer, and shall be acknowledged by such form of receipt as the Treasurer shall direct. All accounts shall be authorised by the President and Secretary.

Bye-Laws.

Executive Committee.

I. The Executive Committee shall draw up Regulations for its own guidance in the conduct of its business.

II. The Executive Committee shall have the entire management of the business of the Council, and of the income and property thereof, for the uses, purposes, and benefit of the Council. The Executive Committee shall and may meet together when and as often as they shall think fit, at such times and places as shall be page 3 precribed by their Regulations. Special meetings may be summoned by the Honorary Officers as occasion may require. The Executive Committee may appoint such sub-committees, and delegate to them such duties, as from time to time shall seem expedient.

III. The Executive Committee shall once in every year pre-pare a general report of their proceedings for the year preceding, and shall attach thereto a duly certified statement of accounts, and of the finances of the Council.

IV. The Accounts of the Council shall be audited annually by an auditor, or auditors, who shall be qualified accountants, and shall be appointed by the Executive Committee.

General.

V. No new bye-law shall be made, nor shall any standing bye-law be altered, or annulled, except by a majority of those present at a General Meeting of the Council, nor unless notice of such proposed addition, alteration, or amendment, shall have been placed upon the notice and agenda paper convening the said General Meeting.

VI. Six weeks' notice at the least shall be given of every General Meeting of the Council.

VII. At any meeting of the Council, or of any Committee, or sub-Committee, the person for the time being occupying the chair shall, in case the members voting upon any question are equal on either side, be entitled to give the casting vote.

VIII. The travelling expenses of Honorary Officers shall be paid from the National Fund. Postage, stationery, &c., for correspondence connected with Council work shall also be a charge on the National Fund.

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Prior to Convention the following circular was distributed throughout the Colony :—

To Members of the Canterbury Women's Institute, and the Public.

The Programme of a Convention to be held in Christchurch, New Zealand, during, the week beginning April 13th, is herewith submitted to your consideration. Each address will be followed by debate.

We, the Executive, cordially invite your attendance:—president : Miss Sherriff Bain. Vice-Presidents : Mrs Sheppard, Mrs Blake, Mrs J. T. Smith, Hon, Secretary : Mrs Ada Wells. Hon. Assist. Secretary : Mrs Ross. Hon. Treasurer : Miss A. E. Hookham. Committee : Misses Atkinson and Garstin, Mesdames Darling, H. Smith, Wallis, Black, and Henderson.

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Condensed Minutes of the Women's Convention

The he Women's Convention met on the morning of April 13th, at 10a.m., in the Provincial Council Cliambers, Chrietchurch. Miss Sherriff Bain, President of the convening society, the Canterbury Women's Institute in the chair.

The following societies were represented :—Canterbury Women's Institute, by Mrs K W. Sheppard; Malvern Women's Institute, by Mrs Alley and Mrs Isherwood; Wellington Women's Institute, by Mrs Fleming; Southern Cross Society, Wellington, by Lady Stout; Women's Christian Temperance Union of N.Z., by Mesdames Schnackenberg and Widdowson; Auckland Wo men's Political League, by Mrs Daldy; Wanganui Women's Political League by Mrs Williamson; Gisborne Women's Political League by Sievwrigth; Christchurch Women's Political League, by Mesdames Izett and Cooper; Dunedin Women's Franchise League, by Mrs Hatton; Womens Social and Democratic Union, Wellington, by Mr Tasker. The two delegate the Malvern Women's Institute were allowed to record their votes alternately; the same consideration was extended to the two representatives of the Christchurch Women's Political League.

The Presidential address, setting forth the [unclear: occuer] of business for the week ending April 18th, and deciding the times of meeting, was delivered by Miss Sherriff Bain.

Apologies were tendered for the absence of Mrs Wolstenholme, Sydney, and Mrs Hendre, of Auckland.

Mrs Sheppard then placed before the meeting the desirability of resolving the Convention into a National Council of the Women of New Zealand; and of future affiliation with the International Council of Women.

Miss Jessie Mackay, on the invitation of the President, read the poem composed by her for the occasion, " The Women's Battle March."

A deputation from the Progressive Liberal Association, Christchurch, was received. It congratulated the Convention on its programme, and emphasised the claims of our more unfortunate sisters.

On the adjournment of the Convention, the ladies, by invitation of Mr Van Der Velden, visited that gentleman's studio.

Monday Afternoon.

The Convention met in the Provincial Council Chambers for the afternoon session, at 2.30 p.m. Miss Sherriff Bain in the chair. The roll was called, and the following delegates answered to their names: Mrs Sheppard, Mrs Scbnackenberg, Lady Stout, Mrs Isherwood, Mrs Daldy, Mrs Williamson, Mrs Izett, Mrs Widdowson, Mrs Alley, Mrs Tasker, Mrs Sievwright, and Mrs Fleming. The minutes of the preceding meeting were read by the Secretary, Mrs Wells, and confirmed.

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Arrangements were modified to render Mr Tregear's paper on " Federation of Women " first item on the programme. Lady Stout followed with her paper on "The National Council of Women." Lady Stout's paper eventuated in the following resolution, proposed by Mrs Williamson, and seconded by Mrs Tasker: " That this Convention resolve itself into the National Council of the Women of New Zealand." The motion was carried unanimously.

The appointment of officers was then proceeded with, and the following ladies were appointed:—President, Mrs K. W. Sheppard; Vice-President, lady Stout, Mesdames Schnackenberg, Sievwright, and Hatton; Honorary Secretary, Mrs Wells; Honorary Treasurer, Miss Sherriff Bain Mrs Fleming then moved, and Mrs Alley seconded: " That a Sub-Committee be appointed to consider the Constitution and Bye-laws of the National Council, to be presented at a later stage of the proceedings." The resolution was carried. Mrs Sheppard proposed, and Mrs Schnackenberg seconded, the names of lady Stout, Mrs Fleming, Mrs Wells, and the mover, as Sub-Committee. The motion was carried.

The following resolution, moved by Mrs Izett, and seconded by Mrs Wells, concluded the afternoon's session: " That the National Council of Women desires to thank Mr van Der Velden for his courtesy in showing his pictures, and for his valuable explanatory remarks. At the same time it wishes to express its opinion that the magnificent picture, 'The Sorrowful Future,' should become public property, both on account of its artistic worth, and for the ethical purpose so powerfully pourtrayed." Mrs Daldy spoke in dissent of this solution, pointing out that such property should be acquired by private individuals for public benefit. The motion was carried.

Evening Session.

The National Council met in the Provincial Council Chambers for the evening session at 8 p.m. The following ladies were present: Lady Stout, Mrs Isherwood, Mrs Daldy, Mrs Williamson, Mrs Alley, Mrs Tasker, Mrs Sievwright, Miss Sherriff Bain, and Mr s Wells.

Professor Bickerton addressed the meeting on "Unitary Homes." The address evoked considerable discussion, in which both Council and the public took part.

April 14.

The National Council met at the Provincial Council Chambers at 10 a.m. Mrs Williamson was voted to the chair. The roll was called, and the following ladies answered to their names: Mrs Sheppard, Lady Stout, Mrs Fleming, Mrs sievwright, Mrs Tasker, Mrs Widdowson, Mrs Izett, Mrs Daldy, Mrs Alley, Mrs Isherwood, Mrs Hatton, Mrs Schnackenberg, Miss Sherriff Bain, and Mrs wells.

Miss Sherriff Bain-moved the following resolution: "That this Council is of opinion that sweating in various forms does exist in this country; and considers that a Masters' and Apprentices' Bill should be passed, also an Eight Hours' Bill, and that a minimum wage should be established by law," and sup-ported it by a long and illustrative address. Mrs Tasker seconded the motion. The resolution was carried.

Mrs Williamson then requested Mr Tregear to read the paper on a State Back by Mr Sievwright, and the following resolution eventuated: "That Mr Sievwright's paper on a State Bank be received and acknowledged, with the cordial thanks of the National Council; " proposed by Mrs Izett, seconded by Mrs Sheppard, and carried unanimously.

The following notices of motion were tabled: Lady Stout gave notice to move "That in the opinion of this Council a return of the wages paid, the ages of employes, and the length of time they Have been employed, should be furnished by employers, and published in the newspapers once a month." Mrs page 6 Schnackenberg gave notice to more "That this National Council of New Zealand women heartily thanks Mrs Sheppard for her earnest work towards the political enfranchisement of women."

Afternoon Session.

The National Council met at the Provincial Council Chambers in the afternoon, at 2.30 p.m., and the following delegates answered to their names Mrs Sheppard, Lady Stout, Mrs Fleming, Mrs Sievwright, Mrs Tasker, Mrs Wells, Mrs Widdowson, Mrs Izett, Mrs Daldy, Mrs Alley, Mrs Isherwood, Mrs Hatton, and Mrs Schnackenberg.

The resolution, re a return of wages paid, the ages of employes, etc, already tabled by Lady Stout, was seconded by Mrs Schnackenberg. After a short discussion it was lost on a show of hands.

Mrs Schnackenberg's motion, also tabled in the morning was seconded by Lady Stout. The resolution: "That this National Council of New Zealand women heartily thanks Mrs Sheppard for her earnest work towards the political enfranchisement of women," was carried unanimously.

The President then called on Mrs T. E. Taylor to read her paper on " Marriage and Divorce." The following resolutions eventuated: (1). Proposed by Mrs Alley, seconded by Mrs Widdowson, "That this Council is of opinion that the marriage Laws of New Zealand should be rendered remedial, not merely palliative, of disabilities at present grievously affecting married women, and that to this end the whole law relating to marriage founded on the exploded doctrine of ' possession ' or ' coverture' should be repealed." Carried. (2). Proposed by Mrs Sievwright, seconded by Mrs Tasker, "That in all cases where a woman elects to superintend her own household, and to be the mother of children, there shall be a law attaching a certain just share of her husband's earnings or income for her separate use, payable, if she so desire it, into her separate account." Carried. (3). Proposed by Mrs Schnackenberg, secoaded by Mrs Izett, "That in the opinion of this Council, no guardian may be appointed by either parent to act alter the death of one parent with surviving parent, unless the Court shall be satisfied that the survivor is incapable of acting alone." Carried. (4). Proposed by Mrs Isherwood, seconded by Mrs Sheppard, " That in the opinion of this Council the conditions of divorce for man and women be made equal." Unanimously carried.

Tuesday Evening.

The National Council met at the Provincial Council Chambers at 8 p.m. The following ladies answered to their names : Mesdames Sierwright, Tasker, Cooper, Daldy, Isherwood, Hatton, Wells, Lady Stout, and Miss Sherriff Bain.

The President called on the Hon. W. M. Bolt to address the meeting on the Bill introduced by him into the Upper House. In a most able address, which lasted an hour and a half, Mr Bolt advocated the advantages of the Co-operative Settlement Scheme. The following resolution, proposed by Mrs Tasker, and seconded by Mrs Hatton, was passed, " That this Council being of opinion that the establishment of co-operative industrial settlements, formed with a farm as a basis, and gradually embracing all kinds of industries, would do much to solve the unemployed difficulty—more, indeed, than any remedy that has yet been applied. We therefore urge upon all labour organisations in the colony the wisdom of bringing pressure to bear upon the Government, with the view of getting such settlements established as speedily as possible."

Wednesday Morning.

The National Council met at the Provincial Council Chambers at 10 a.m. Mrs Tasker was voted to the chair. The following ladies were present: Miss page 7 sherriff Bain, Mesdames Sheppard, Fleming, Tasker, Sievwright, Alley, Wells, Izett, Williamson, Daldy, Isherwood, Hatron, Schnackenberg, and Lady Stout. The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed.

Mrs Blake read a paper on " Pauperisation," and the following resolution was passed. Proposed by Mrs Blake, seconded by Mrs Williamson, and carried unanimously: " That this Council expresses its dissatisfaction with the present system of charitable aid, on the grounds that its tendency is to encourage, rather than lessen, pauperism, and the Council is strongly of the opinion that women should take their seats on all local bodies having to do with the distribution of charitable aid funds."

Apologies were made for Mr O'Regan.

In place of Dr. Strong's paper on " Land Nationalisation," which had not come to hand, Mr O'Bryen Hoare addressed the meeting on this subject. The following resolution, proposed by Miss Sherriff Bain, seconded by Mrs Sievwright, was then passed: " That in the opinion of this Council the land of any country belongs to the people." The motion was carried.

On the motion of Mrs Wells, it was resolved that the time limit should be extended to consider this most important subject.

Mrs Tasker moved, Lady Stout seconded: "That in the opinion of this Council, the private ownership of large tracts of land, and these kept locked up by absentees, is a wrong inflicted on the people, and is detrimental to progress." carried unanimously.

In the afternoon, a garden party was held at the residence of Prof. Bickerton..

Wednesday Evening.

The National Council of Women met in the Provincial Council Chambers at 8 p.m. The following ladies answered to the roll : Lady Stout, Miss Sherriff Bain, Meedames Schnackenberg, Hatton, Isherwood, Dalby, Williamson, Izett, Alley, Sievwright, Fleming, and Wells. The minutes of the morning session were read and confirmed.

Mrs Schnackenberg notified the following motion for subsequent consideration: " That this National Council of Women affirms its strong conviction that every political question should be decided by the majority of voters that go to the poll. That any deviation from this rule, as in the present Licensing Act, is subversive of a great political principle, and a recognition of a supposed right of government by a minority."

Miss A. E. Hookham then read a paper on " Constructive Socialism." At the conclusion of the paper, Mrs Sievwright gave an address on " The New Woman " illustrated by lantern pictures of famous women of our times. Mrs Sievwright was accorded a hearty vote of thanks, which was carried by acclamation.

Thursday Morning.

The National Council met at 10 a.m. in the Provincial Council Chambers. Mrs Daldy was voted to the chair. The following were present: Mrs Sheppard, Lady Stout, Mesdames Fleming, Sievwright, Tasker, Alley, Izett, Willamson, Hatton, Schnackenberg, Daldy, Miss Sherriff Bain, and the Secretary. The minutes of the previous session were read and confirmed.

Mrs Sheppard proposed, and Mrs Schnackenberg seconded : " That this council go into Committee on National Council work at 11.30 a.m." Carried.

Mrs Schnackenberg's motion, seconded by Mrs Sheppard, resulted in the following emendation being accepted: the resolution to stand with the omission of the words " as in the present Licensing Act." The resolution then passed read as follows: " That in the opinion of this Council every political question should be decided by the majority of voters that go to the poll. That any de- page 8 viation from this role is subversive of a great political principle, and a reocgnition of a supposed right of government by a minority." Mrs Williamson and Mrs Izett recorded their votes against it.

The following notice of motion was tabled by Mrs Alley: " That the transactions of the National Council be printed in their entirety for distribution to their respective societies, and for sale to the public."

Mr G. J. Smith then addressed the meeting on " Party Government, Elective Executive, Referendu, and Reform of the Upper House."

Mrs Sievwright tabled the following notices of motion: (1). That this Council is of opinion that the system of Party Government in New Zealand has many evils connected with it, and is not suited to the circumstances of the Colony. (2). That this Council approves of the proposal for an Elective Executive a a a remedy. (3). It is also of opinion that some reform is necessary in the constitution of the Legislative Council. (4). It heartily supports the principle of the Referendum, and trusts that these reforms will be carried at an early date.

The delegates then went into Committee.

The Constitution or the National Council was considered and adopted, as set forth in former pages.

Thursday Afternoon.

The National Council met in the Provincial Council Chambers at 2:30 p.m. Mrs Schnackenberg in the chair. The following ladies answered to their names : Lady Stout, Mesdames Sheppard, Fleming, Sievwright, Tasker, Alley Izett, Hatton, Isherwood, Williams on, Schnackenberg, Miss Sherriff Bain, and the Secretary. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

The resolutions tabled in the morning by Mrs Sievwright, were seconded by Mrs Alley, and carried.

Mr O'Bryen Hoare then addressed the meeting on " The Criminal." The discussion eventuated in the following resolution : (1). Proposed by Mrs Hatton, seconded by Miss Sherriff Bain," That in the opinion of this Council there is abundant evidence to show that our present treatment of criminals is not satisfactory, either as regards the criminal or society." Carried. (2). Proposed by Lady Stout, seconded by Mrs Tasker, and carried unanimously: "That no system can be satisfactory which does not distinguish and classify the different kinds of criminal, and aim at individual reform." (3). Proposed by Mrs Williamson, and seconded by Mrs Sievwright : " That in the opinion of this Council all sentences for serious offences should be indeterminate—i.e., decided as to duration by the reform of the criminal."—Carried by a majority of three. (4). Proposed by Mrs Isherwood, and seconded by Mrs Fleming, and carried unarimously : " That in the opinion of this Council capital punishment should be abolished."

Thursday Evening.

The National Council met in the Provincial Council Chambers at 8 p.m. The following ladies were present : Mrs Izett, Mrs Isherwood, Mrs Sievwright, Miss Sherriff Bain, Mrs Williamson, Lady Stout, Mrs Tasker, Mrs Schnackenberg, Mrs Hatton, Mrs Alley, Mrs Daldy, and the Secretary. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

An apology was received for enforced absence from Mr W. A. Evans, of the Forward Movement, Wellington, A telegram of congratulation from Mrs Dr. Ryder was received.

Mrs Tasker tabled a notice of motion: "That in the opinion of this Council the treatment of prisoners on remand be modified; that they be allowed to see their relatives in the presence of a warder, and seated. The present system of standing on one side of an iron grating is objectionable. That a copy of the above be sent to the Minister of Justice."

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The following notice of motion was tabled by Lady Stout: "That in the opinion of this Council a larger measure of Technical Education in connection with our primary and secondary schools is much to be desired."

Mrs Tasker tabled a notice of motion: "That this Council is in favour of the present system of free, compulsory, and secular education."

Lady Stout tabled notice of motion : "That in the opinion of this Council it is desirable that women should be eligible to serve on juries where women are being tried, and in all cases where men are being tried for offences against women and girls."

Mr Elliott then addressed the meeting on "Technical Education."

Friday Morning.

The National Council met in the Provincial Council Chambers at 10 a.m. Mrs Hatton was voted to the chair. The roll was called, and the following ladies answered to their names: Miss Sherriff Bain, Lady Stout, Mesdames Sievwright, Sheppard, Williamson, Widdowson, Tasker, Alley, Isherwood, Izett, Schnackenberg, Daldy, Hatton, and the Secretary. Mrs Tasker's motion, re prisoner on remand, was seconded by Mrs Schnackenberg, and carried unanimously.

The resolution tabled by Mrs Alley: "That the transactions of of the National Council be printed in their entirety for distribution to their respective societies, and for sale to the public," seconded by Mrs Sievwright, was withdrawn in favonr of the following amendment; proposed by Mrs Wells, seconded by Lady Stout : "That the Executive be empowered to print a record of the proceedings of the Council, including the papers read by the delegates and others, or such portions of the papers that may be considered suitable, provided the cost of printing does not exceed the means of the Council," Carried.

Proposed by Lady Stout, seconded by Mrs Tasker, and carried unanimously "That in the opinion of this Council a larger measure of technical education in connection with our primary and secondary schools is much to be desired."

Proposed by Mrs Tasker, seconded by Misa Sherriff Bain, and carried; Mrs Schnackenberg did not vote. "That this Council is in favour of the pre-sent system of free, compulsory, and secular education."

Proposed by Lady Stout, seconded by Mrs Tasker: "That in the opinion of this Council it is desirable that women should be eligible to serve on juries in all cases where women are being tried, and in all cases where men are being Tried for offences against women and girls." The resolution was withdrawn in favour of the following amendment: " That women be eligible to serve on all juries, but that in cases where women are being tried for infanticide, and men are being tried for offences against women and girls, only married women are eligible," proposed by Mrs Sievwright, seconded by Miss Sherriff Bain, was carried unanimously.

Professor Bickerton was then invited to read his paper on the " Problem of Purity." He was voted, on the motion of Mrs Sheppard, and Mrs Schnackenberg seconded, an extension of time, in order that the paper might be competed. At the conclusion, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Professor.

Mrs Schnackenberg tabled the following notices of motion : (1.) That in the opinion of this Council the age of consent should be raised to twenty-one years (2.) That the Act known as the C.D. Act should be at once removed from the Statute Books of New Zealand, (3.) That the time during which charges of criminality may be made should be extended to three months. (4) That it be made illegal, and severely punishable, for any youth or maiden under twenty-one years to be found iu a house of ill-fame.

Afternoon Session.

The National Council of Women met at 2.30 p.m. in the Provincial council Chambers. The following were present : Mesdames Daldy, Sheppard, page 10 Williamson, Schnackenberg, Alley Sievwright, Widdowson, Hattotn, Izett, Tasker, Lady Stout, Miss Bain, and the Secretary. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Correspondence was received from Dr. Symes and Mr Alexand Bicksrton.

Mrs Tasker read a paper on " The Undesirable Immigrants' Bill." At the conclusion of her paper, she moved the following resolutions: (1,) "That in the opinion of this Council, and that in the interests of New Zealand, the Public Healths' Bill should be passed"; Mrs Izett seconded. Mrs Sheppard proposed "That the discussion be postponed for further consideration."—Carried. (2.) Mrs Tasker moved: " That in the opinion of this Council, Members of Parliament be urged to support the Undesirable Immigrants' Bill." Mrs Izett seconded the motion. The motion was lost-For, 4; against, 5. Several refrained from voting. (3.) Mrs Tasker moved, Mrs Izett seconded " That in the opinion of this Council, the nation of New Zealand, through its representatives, should reject the Japanese Treaty." The motion was withdrawn.

Mrs Williamson then read a paper on "Woman in the Service of the State."

Lady Stout tabled notice of motion re probate law.

Friday Afternoon.

A Committee meeting of the National Council was held on Friday after-noon, at 5 p.m. The Bye Laws of the National Council were considered, and adopted as above.

Friday Evening.

The National Council of Women met at 8 p.m., in the Provincial Council Chambers. The roll was called, and the following ladies answered to their names: Mesdames Hatton, Alley, Sheppard, Isherwood, Tasker, William son, Daldy, Miss Sherriff Bain, and the Secretary.

Mrs Tasker tabled a motion re "Undesirable Immigrants; " Mrs Alley tabled a motion on "Police Reform;" Mrs Wells on "Literature."

Mr T, E. Taylor then addressed the meeting on " Old Age Pensions."

The following resolution, proposed by Mrs Isherwood, seconded by Mrs Sievwright, was carried: " That in the opinion of this Council, that with a view of securing for the people an assurance against poverty in old age, it is desirable that a system of Old Age Pensions, or Annuities, should be establish in this Colony, subject to the following conditions being observed : (1) The cost to be a charge upon the consolidated revenue, (2.) The qualifications of the recipients to foe twenty years' residence in this Colony, and a certified age of sixty-five years.

Saturday Morning.

The National Council met at 10 a.m. in the Provincial Council Chambers Mrs Sheppard occupied the chair. The following ladies were present: Lady Stout, Mrs Sheppard, Miss Sherriff Bain, Mesdames Sievwright, Tasker, Alley, Widdowson, Izett, Williamson, Daldy, Isherwood, Hatton, Schnackenberg, and the Secretary. The minutes were read and confirmed.

The following resolution, previously tabled by Mrs Williamson, seconded by Mrs Daldy, was carried unanimously: "That at the present and future sit-tings of this Council, any reference to party politics should be immediately suppressed."

Mrs Alley moved, and Mrs Isherwood seconded, the following resolution already tabled: "That in the opinion of this Council there is great need for police reform in various ays." Mrs Sievwright proposed as an amendment seconded by Mrs Williamson: "That this Council considers that the Police page 11 Force is very far from being in a desirably efficient condition, and suggests that means may be taken to render it more efficient." The amendment was carried. Mrs Tasker recorded her vote against it.

Mrs Tasker's notice of motion: " That as five was not a majority of the delegates to the Council, when the vote on the influx of Undesirable Immigrants was taken, it was not legally carried," was voted out of order by the chair, Mrs Tasker submitting to the ruling.

Mrs Wells proposed the following resolution, already tabled: "That this Council recommends the various Associations sending delegates to the council to establish educational funds in their several districts, with the view of procuring and distributing suitable literature on social and political questions." Mrs Sievwright seconded the motion. The resolution was carried.

Lady Stout's motion, already tabled: " That, in the opinion of this Council, the law relating to the devolution of property should be altered so that every man owning property, and having a wife, or wife and children, should be compelled to make provision for them out of his property, to the extent of not less than one-third of such property for his wife, and one-third part for his children or child, and in the case of a man not having a father or mother, brother or sister, one half of his property should be left to his wife, and the other half to his children, provided that in the latter case it should be lawful for the owner, before making such provision, to leave not exceeding 5 per cent. of his property to charitable purposes "was seconded by Miss Bain and carried.

Dr, System then read a paper by the Revd, Jesse Kirby, of Port Adelaide, S. Australia, on the C.D. Acts. The following resolution, proposed by Mrs schnackenberg, seconded by Mrs Daldy, was carried unanimously : "That the Act known as the C.D. Act should be at once removed from the Statute Books of the Colony."

As the time of session had elapsed, an extension was voted.

Mrs Cunnington then spoke on some necessary emendations in the Criminal Code Bill.

Saturday Afternoon.

The Council met at 2.30 p.m. in the Provincial Council Chambers. Mrs Williamson was voted to the chair. The following ladies were present: Lady Stout, Miss Sherriff Bain, Mrs Schnackenberg, Mrs Hatton, Mrs Isherwood, Mrs Daldy, Mrs Williamson, Mrs Izett, Mrs Widdowson, Mrs Alley, Mrs Sievwight, and the Secretary.

On the motion of Mrs Sievwright, seconded by Miss Sherriff Bain, it was unanimously agreed : " That this Council sends sisterly greetings to Mrs Wolstenholme, and thanks her for her efforts in the cause of women."

Mrs Schnackenberg moved: " That in the opinion of this Council the age of consent should be twenty-one years." Mrs Hatton seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

Mrs Schnackenberg moved : "That the time during which charges of criminality may be made should be extended to three months." Mrs Sievwright seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

Mrs Schnackenberg then moved: "That, in the opinion of this Council, it should be declared illegal, and severely punishable, to permit any girl or young man under twenty-one years of age to be found in a house of ill-fame." Mrs Hatton seconded the motion, which was carried nem. con.

Mr G W. Russell, M.H.R, then gave an address on "The Political Disabilities of Women."

At the conclusion of the paper, Mrs Daldy moved: "That all disabilities be removed which at present hinder women from sitting as members in either House of the Legislature, or from being elected or appointed to any public office or position in the Colony which men may hold, and with regard to all page 12 powers, rights, duties, and privileges to citizens; to declare absolute equality to be the law of the land for both men and women," Mrs Sievwright seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

Votes of thanks were passed to the Government for having granted the use of the Provincial Council Chambers; to the Press of Christchurch and Dunedin; to Mrs Wells, for her services as secretary; to the Canterbury Women's Institute; to Mr Bussell for his paper; and to all the ladies and gentle men who had assisted in any way during the meetings.

At a Committee meeting held subsequently to the afternoon session, it was decided to hold the meeting of the Council next year at Wellington, when the Wellington Societies would act as hostesses. It was also decided that Easter or thereabouts, be a suitable time for meeting. The exact date of meeting was left to the decision of the Executive.

The Secretary was instructed to have the printing of the Proceeding of the National Council executed as early as possible, and to forward the report to the various organisations represented in the Council. Also to the various M.H.R.'s and to Societies throughout New Zealand.

A meeting of the Executive was held in Chancery Lane Hall on April 20th. All members present except Mrs Hatton.

It was decided that the writers of papers read before the Council be asked to endeavour to get their addresses printed in local papers, copies of which to be forwarded to the Secretary at the earliest convenient time.

Smith, Anthonay, Sellers and Co., Ltd.