413 WORLD OF WOMKN SOCIETIES WMICM MEILF WOMEN AND CHILDREN No. 2 {Continued). THE NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO CHILDREN Continued from page 263, Part a By ROBERT J. PARR, Director of N.S.P.C.C. Queen Victoria and the Protection of Children— The "Work of Women— The Way to Help ■yHERE are few great movements of practical
- Value to the nation that do not owe much
of their success to the work of women. This is especially true of those forms of public effort that have as their object the removal cf the sorrows, and the amelioration of the sufferings of the poor and distressed. The names of Elizabeth Fry, Josephine Butler, and Florence Nightingale do more than illuminate the page of history — they serve as a reminder that Women were engaged in pioneer work in good causes long before modern movements became engrossing. Countless others, Who have not won fame, have helped to make the World a better place to live in by the purifying influence of their ennobling endeavour. When, in the year 1889, the London Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children broadened its basis, and by revising its constitution became a National Society, Queen Victoria became its first Royal Patron. Four years after, her Majesty gave the society a Royal charter of incorporation, then and now its most prized possession. This mark of favour not only did much to establish on a sure foundation an organisation which has a most appealing claim on the Women of the country, but it also acted as an inspiration to women to espouse the cause of neglected and ill-treated children. The influence emanating from the throne found its Way into the remote places of the land, and under such distinguished leader- ship it is not to be wondered at that Women responded to the society's appeal for help. Of a surety it may be said that there is no institution in this country that owes so much to the Work of women ; and probably none that can so directly attribute any measure of success it has gained to the persistent efforts of that large body of voluntary workers whose main incentive has been an overflow- ing sympathy with children in need of help. If, as Spencer said, there is " No greater shame to man than in- humanity," there can be no greater glory than that Won by women in helping to provide protection I' for those defenceless little ones whose t miserable condition makes them the most fitting subjects for a Woman's consideration. The most striking feature of the work done by Women for the society is its quietness. How Women Help the Society It is going on year by year in most of the cities, towns, and villages of England, Ireland, and Wales, Without any parade or fuss, the continued and settled work of a kingdom that " Cometh not with observation. As persistent also as it is quiet." Public recognition of the anomaly to civilisation that cruelty exists is due to the fact that almost entirely owing to the work of Women it has been discovered. Public denunciation of the evil has been made possible by the same means, and the effective method of stopping cruelty is made known by the same agency. How is it done ? Mainly by the distribution of literature. There are now nearly 15,000 Women working Mr. Robert J. Parr. Director of N.S.P.C.C in 1,346 centres who have undertaken the duty of leaving papers at houses. These papers explain in simple language that certain things must not be done to children ; that the law does not allow them. The papers contain the name and address of a person to whom complaints of neglect or ill-treatment can be reported, an assurance being given that the name of an informant will not be divulged unless it can be shown
