COUNCIL OF WOMEN

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22389, 30 April 1938, Page 2

COUNCIL OF WOMEN

ANNUAL REPORT

ACTIVITIES OF CHRISTCHURCH

BRANCH

The annual report of the Christchurch branch of the National Council of Women, which will be presented at the annual meeting on Thursday, records honours conferred on three of its members. Mrs T. E. Taylor had received the 0.8. E., and Miss Mildred Trent and Miss Frances Cooper had been appointed Dominion president and Dominion secretary respectively of the National Council. Mrs W. Mackay had been appointee branch secretary to take Miss Cooper s place, and Mesdames J. Lorimer ana T. Tomlinson had been appointed vicehad suffered the loss of several valuable members during tne year, and the excellent work 01 Mrs R. E. Lechner and Mrs J. Grant had been placed on record.

"Work ot Sub-Committee* The sub-committees set up to study various problems had given much useful information to members. The necessity for the appointment 01 women police had again received unanimous Bupport at the Dominion conference. It is 20 years since the Christchurch branch made its first request for consideration of policewomen. Last December resolutions from 20 societies were forwarded from the branch to the Minister in Charge of Police, urging the appointment 01 women police. .*.*.* v« a « The Christchurch branch had been much concerned with the influx ol indecent magazines into this country. Strong representations had been made to the Government from all over New Zealand with the result that 29 magazines had been banned. There was need, however, to keep steady pressure on the authorities to ensure the continued ban of this so-called literature which pandered to the lowest in both old and young, states the report. - . The question of homes for the aged poor continued to occupy the attention of the housing sub-committee, and it was hoped that representations to the City Council on this matter would result in more adequate provisions being made for elderly people, par-, licularly those on pensions, in need of homes.

Visitors From Overseas One of the most pleasing aspects of the work of the branch had been the entertaining of women, not only from other parts of New Zealand but from overseas. Those who had been privileged to meet women and to hear them speak agreed that such contacts were very valuable. They helped to bridge the gap between Christchurch v/omen and far away countries, they enlarged the vision of the women and made them realise that in their efforts for progress and reform thev were not fighting a lonely battle, but with the women of other countries were working together towards one goal. That sense of "togetherness" with women of other countries, and of different races was worth a great deal. In June last year a sub-committee had been set up to consider maternity services, and this sub-committee nad given evidence before the Committee of Inquiry into Maternity Services in' New Zealand. A very comprehensive report was presented, and the branch looks forward with interest to the finding of that committee. The Dominion conference this year had been held in Auckland, but as the agenda demanded much more time than that allocated, some important matters had to be left for the executive to deal with. Interesting reports on some important remits had been presented by Christchurch delegates. The problem of housing received some attention, and remits had been passed on the lines of the Christchurch housing report.

In conclusion, the report states:— "We feel that this branch has .reached out in meny and various directions during the last year, and we cannot but be impressed with the earnestness of all delegates to co-operate in seeking a solution to many of the problems concerning women to-day."

PLUNKET SOCIETY ,

CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH

The monthly meeting of the Christchurch branch of the Plunket Society was held in the Plunket Rooms, with Mrs J Cracroft Wilson presiding. The Town Clerk advised that September 14 had been allocated to the society for its annual street appeal. "Alette!Mtrom the> Dominic*. Council stated that after April 1. 1938, the nurses' holiday leave wouM be 3a days. It was decided to annual meeting in June, and a dinner party Sn Founders' Day. May 14. when members will pledge their loyalty to the principles as laid down by Sir Truby K ?t g 'was reported that the concert given by the Frank Neil Company, in I d of th™ Karitane Extension Fund had realised £164 A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr H. Wyatt for printing the programmes. It was re Sorted that the Karitan.-nurse* wer» organising a dance to be held next month, that a bridge party had also been planned for May. The matron at the Lady King Karitane Hospital, reported that 21 babies had been admitted to the hospital and 19 had been discharged. Nine mothers had been admitted to the mothers' cottage and 10 discharged. An appeal wis made for a high chair for use at rooms. Nurse Allan's report was as to" o ™* 9 , __. Pre-natal section: New cases 25, return visits 158. cases under observation 12 post-natal section: New baby cases, city and suburbs 115. outstations 18. Visits paid by nurses to homes: Caty and suburbs 439. outstetions 105 Visits to rooms: Central 12001 adults, 720 babies; suburban. 1554 adults, 1537 babies; outstations. 225 adults, 221 babies. 37 older children. Babies under supervision. 2578. New cases 23. number seen 201 number under supervision. 1102. It was reported that the St. Anne's Company of girl guides were at present being fiven a course of instruction in order to obtain the "child nurse" badge. Nurse Allan also reported that for the year ending March 31, 1938, an increase of 141 new baby cases had been recorded, and nurses had been called upon to supervise the progress of more new babies than in any prevrous: year since the opening of the Chnstchurch branch, nearly 31 years ago.

RICCARTON SUB-BRANCH

The annual meeting of the Riccarton sub-branch of the Plunket Society was held in the Masonic Hall, Totara street. Mrs Cracroft Wilson gave an address on the work of the society. The following officers were elected: President, Mrs C. Chilton; vice-presi-dents, Mesdames H. S. Kyle ■ and H. Hunter; honorary treasurer, Mrs Robinson Hall; honorary secretary, Mrs Lance Stevens; committee, Mesdames H Manhire, A. M. Satterthwaite, I. Sewell, F. G. Henwdod, A. T. Dunn, S. Wilson, A. G. Bean, M. M. Burns, J. iPottinger, and S. J. Moore.