NATIONAL COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 4, 6 January 1937, Page 12

NATIONAL COUNCIL.

JOHANNESBURG MEETING. . \ THE WELL-BEING OF WOMEN. ! . A very interesting account of the great meeting of women held by the National Council of Women at Johannesburg during the World Exhibition has been received in Wellington. For the gathering, women assembled together from many parts of the world to take counsel about the many matters which need special consideration concerning the well-being of women and children specially, and humanity generally. Miss Agnes Stops, who is well known in New Zealand in connection with her work for the Women Vs. Institutes, was present, and, speaking for New Zealand, answered many questions about the Dominion, and she remarks, in writing to a friend in Wellington, how keen an interest was shown in this country. The conference was delightful, states the writer, and was perfectly planned and carried out. Lady Clarendon, as well as opening the conference, attended many of the sessions, speaking well, and giving a garden party to entertain the delegates. General Smuts opened one of the sessions, and spoke brilliantly as usual. General Hertzog and Mr. Hoffmeyer opened othe*. sessions, and general interest was taken in the proceedings. Lady Nunburnham (British president of the N.C.W.) led the British delegation, and Miss Van Eghem represented Lady Aberdeen and spoke for her. Miss Stops met many New Zealanders and others with interests in this country, and was asked to talk about infant welfare and public health in the Dominion. Fortunately she had been here recently, and took much interest in these subjects, and was able to give some information. Regarding the Women's Institutes, Miss Stopß st&tes' that there ; are many in South Africa, but, though there is a similar organisation, called the Women's Agricultural Union, they do not overlap, as they never function in the same province, and have one combined annual meeting. *- A number of interesting W.I. affiliations have been made between South Africa and other parts of the Empire. Howicfc;?in Natal, bas affiliated with Howick in New Zealand; Hillcrest ,Waikato, with Hillcrest in Natal; St. Albans, Zululand, with St. Albans, Herts. England; and a number of others. Tours are being arranged'in England and Scotland for Miss Stops, which please her very much,, as she will have so much to tell them that is interesting and useful from the great South African meetings.