WOMEN'S FORUM

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 76, 31 March 1933, Page 9

WOMEN'S FORUM

NATIONAL COUNCIL. DOMINION CONFERENCE. At the National Council conference, which is being held in Wellington, the question of age for admission to the schools was discussed. The president, Miee B. E. Carnachan, introduced a remit from New Plymouth, that the council recommend that the age for admission for beginners to primary ■ schools bo determined by suitable mental tests and not by chronological age. Mise Newton, Auckland, said that many people still thought in terms of the schools as they were, in their own days. The infant schools especially were very different from what they had been, and she agreed with the principle involved In the remit. Miss M. Trent, Chrietchurch, considered the remit was a progressive step. Under such a system it would be possible for children of four to be admitted. Delegates from Wellington, Dunediir and Invercargill expressed the opinion that the remit was impracticable. Although, it might be possible in the future, it was idealistic at the present time. A suggestion from Dr. do la Mare Hamilton, that certain mental tests should be applied during the first two year's of a child's school life was treated as a notice of motion, and will be dealt with at the next conference. When put to the vote, the remit was rejected. Censorship of Films. A remit from Auckland was carried ur"-in<* the Government to amend the Cinematograph Films Act, 1928, section 3i), so as to give.exhibitors the right to reject up to 20 per cent of the number of quota films. Speaking in support, Mi«s Melville said, the present percentage was only five. The right to reject 20 per cent would give the exhibitors who must buy their films "blindly' a much better selection. She suggested that branches should get in touch with local exhibitors and endeavour to cooperate practically with them. They should see previews of films, as was now being done in soma cases in Auckland, and give to those they considered suitable for exhibition the endorsement of the council.

Broadcasting Board. A proposal that the Broadcasting Board should add to its number a widely cultured and well travelled woman, who could organise talks and special features about the work of women, was made by Miss Mildred Trent, of Christchurch. The following remit was carried: — "The National Council of Women urges that the Broadcasting Board be aeked to set aside a definite period each week during the evening session for subjects of interest to women, other than domestic " '"'The women of New Zealand," said Miss Trent, "should ask for more definite help through this powerful channel of instruction. If euch a member were appointed, she could organise weekly talks on subjects particularly fitted "for instruction and interest to the women of this country who, through the isolation of New Zealand from the rest of the world, do not readily hear of what women arc doing, saying and thinking elsewhere. I suggest," Miss Trent concluded, "that these talks would be as instructive to men as to women, for few men in this country have any real idea of the work women can and have accomplished." Women Police. The subject of women police was again brought forward, and it was urged that women should insist on New Zealand being on a level with other countries in this matter. Mrs. Benson, Duncdin, read a report on the activities of the women police of South Australia. Women police, the report stated, are an organised department under the direction of the Chief Woman Constable, who is directly responsible to the Conimis-r eioner of Police. They do not wear uniform, but dress in neat, smart, unobtrusive clothes. They take statements from all female witnesses in certain cases, and attend courts in which minors and females are giving evidence. It is the- opinion of those controlling the South Australian Police Department that this work should be done exclusively by women in every civilised country. Women police are available for work in any department of the police force in which their services arc specially needed, but their attention is principally confined to women and children. They patrol all the city streets and public reserves, give advice to wayward girls, find them employment, and do everything, possible for them before resorting to the drastic step of having them committed to a reformatory. During the depression women police have concentrated as much as possible on securing employment for. girls and women. Altogether, the work of the women police in South Australia, the report says, is preventive and reformative, and arrests are only resorted to in extremity. The remit urging the establishment of women police in New Zealand was carried.

NATIONAL PROBLEMS. ; At thfc public reception which was given by the Mayor of Wellington for the visiting delegates to the National Council of Women of New Zealand, Mr. Hislop acknowledged the groat and beneficent work that was being carried out by women's institutions throughout the country, particularly in the present difficult times through which the country was passing. He wished the conference every success in its deliberations. "We are not a militant band seeking selfishly the advancement °f women," said Miss B. E. Carnachan, the Dominion president. "But we do believe that the country will not be administered in the most efficient manner all-are able to assist in t that administration. .. That is to say,,while'we do riot, seek to usurp man's privileges nor' impinge' on.' his sphere of service, we believe that we too can play our part, and we are asking for the opportunity to assist tns nation in those activities in whi<:h we. have been equipped to take a share. We desire to work, not in competition with the men, but as co-partners in the national enterprise. In these extremely difficult and trying times each citizen has a duty to, perform, and we hope, through pur organisation to carry out our share of the national duty. This is the spirit we wish to inspire and spread among the women of New Zealand, and I think I am not exaggerating when-I say that the spirit in which we' work is even more vitally important than the things we accomplish. . National duty is essential, and we hope to work toward that ideal."