NATIONAL COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 70, 24 March 1931, Page 11

NATIONAL COUNCIL.

A long programme of business was dealt with at a meeting of the Auckland branch of the National Council of Women last evening. The president, Miss B. Carnachan,, presided. The main topic was unemployment among women and girls. Miss Carnachan reported that a pamphlet and registration forms had been drawn up by the publicity committee, and a large number had been printed for distribution in the city and suburbs. This large undertaking could not be satisfactorily accomplished unless everyone helped. It was a woman's duty to help women, and she hoped everyone present would do her share. It was not often, she continued, that she made such a strong appeal for help as she wae doing now, but there was a large number of women and girls who were feeling the existing conditions very acutely and something definite had to be done to help them. Methods for distribution of the pamphlet were discussed and captains for different areas were appointed. The question of insurance of employees was raised and it was stated that the payment of 10/ a year would cover all risk on casual workers. The sub-committee appointed to function until the scheme was in working order included Miss Carnachan, Mise J. Begg, Miss Bentham, Miss Basten, Miss Melville and Mrs. McNair. It was agreed that later other helpers should be called up to do their share in the team work that was required. Members were-asked to also assist by spreading the news and the scheme personally.

Requests for affiliation were received from the Fabian Club and the Onewhero Women's Division of the Farmers' Union. Mrs. Derrick Avas welcomed to the council as an associate member. A report was given by Mrs. Kenneth Gordon upon a protest made to the directors of one of the picture theatres or. the class of poster exhibited in advertising moving pictures. This had been sympathetically received. The following remit from the Auckland Hospital Auxiliary was passed: "That, on all Government committees dealing with questions relating to men and women, women representation should be appointed as well ae men." Another remit from the associate members stated: "That this meeting is strongly in favour of supporting New Zealand industries and suggests that, in order to encourage women to buy New Zealandmade goode, a league of women buyers be formed and a small badge be issued to members, and that the National Council of Women, as the most representative body of women's organisations, be asked to sponsor the movement." On the suggestion of Mies Melville it was decided that a sub-committee, comprising Miss Carnactian, Mrs. Buttle, Mrs. McNair, Miss Ziman, Miss Melville, Miss Flatt and Dr. Staley, wait upon the Manufacturers' Association and offer the machinery of the council in carrying out the proposal. Mies Carnachan reported that this year the Citizens' Committee included members of the National Council of Women for the first time. The representatives were Miss Carnachan, Mrs. McNair, Miss Flatt and Miss Newton. A-protest was made by Mrs. Bloodworth that the National Council should not be represented on a political body. During discussion it was stated that the objects of . the Citizens' Committee were for the betterment of, civic administration in general, and the appointment of the sub-comraittee was endorsed. • ,