NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 172, 23 July 1929, Page 11

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN.

The monthly meeting of the Auckland branch of the National Council of Women was held last evening. Miss Carnachan, president, presided over a large gathering of members. Reports were presented by the sub-committee that had waited upon the Transport Board with regard to the hardships endured by women and children waiting at termini where no seats were provided or where the waiting tsheds were wet and draughty. The request as to the waiting places of buses when meeting trams received a sympathetic hearing, but in regard to the provision of seats and shelters it was stated by the board that moneys of the present loan could not be used for that purpose. When another loan was raised the matter would be considered. Certain reasons being given for not closing in shelter sheds showed the necessity, as the president urged, of the council not being satisfied Until women police were established in New Zealand.

It was suggested by the sub-committee of associate members that had been appointed to investigate the conditions of nurses in the hospitals, that the matter be taken up by a sub-committee representing the whole of the council. After a great deal of discussion it was resolved that, "The Minister of Health be asked to authorise an inquiry into the treatment and training of nurses." As regards the matter of the infectious diseases hospital, the following resolutions were passed: "(a) That this branch of | the National Council of Women strongly objcets to the establishment of an infectious diseases hospital in the centre of the city, and urges upon the Minister of Health and upon the Hospital Board the desirability of staying present proceedings and in lieu thereof hastening the progress of the new mental hospital, so that the present buildings at Avondale may be temporarily utilised for isolation purposes until a permanent policy is adopted, and (b) that a deputation from this branch wait upon the Hospital Board to present this resolution." The, matter of the employment of Maori girls and women in the market .gardens of Asiatics called for a considerable amount of discussion. A resolution was passed as follows: "That the Auckland Council of Women co-operate with the Akarana Maori Association and with the Native Department in working out a scheme providing for the vocational training of Maori girls, and set up a sub-committee to go into the matter." It was also decided that a letter he written to the - Minister for Native Affaire, Sir Apirana Ngata, asking in what way the council could be of practical assistance. Miss Melville spoke at length on what the white women of New Zealand could do to help their, Maori sisters. She,held that the girls should be trained in some interesting work, and that tnelr natural bents should be encouraged. Miss Carnachan, Mrs. John Cook, Mrs. Ruby Watson and Miss Greville also spoke on the subject.

In regard to the showing of elides relative to baby welfare for young mothers, the associate members subcommittee was. asked to approach the matron of St. Helens Hospital and ascertain some practical facts for a scheme. Discussion took place on the question of objectionable posters being displayed on the hoardings, and it was suggested that the advertising companies be approached in the matter. A resolution of sympathy with those who had suffered in.the earthquake was passed and it was decided to donate five guineas'to the fund. .