MONTGOMERY SOCIETY SUGGESTED

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25245, 25 July 1947, Page 2

MONTGOMERY SOCIETY SUGGESTED

SCHEME TO IMPROVE HOME LIFE That a society, called the Montgomery Society, be founded in Christchurch to commemorate the visit of Field-Marshal Montgomery, and that the society, mindful of the great soldier’s often-repeated belief in the importance of home life, should aim at promoting and improving home life by supplying help in various spheres for young persons about to marry or already married. This suggestion was put forward last night at a meeting of the Civic Health Committee, over which Miss Mary McLean presided, and it met with considerable support from the meeting. The committee was receiving a deputation from the National Council of Women asking for consideration of a scheme by which home life could be fostered and in consequence the health and happiness of the community be ensured. It was pointed out by the deputation that many girls after leaving school went to work immediately and continued in employment until they married. They had no. time or opportunity to prepare for home life or home making. After much investigation made by a sub-committee of’the National Council amongst young women, the deputation reported, it had been found that many of them would welcome an opportunity of meeting others with similar problems and receiving instruction in homemaking, cooking, sewing, care of children. and in arranging their home life systematically.

The best way to help these young women was discussed; some members favoured the formation of small groups that would meet in private houses: others considered that support would probably be forthcoming from the Plunket Society, kindergarten committees, and those in charge of play centres and community centres. The suggestion of forming a society to be called the Montgomery Society was well received, and it was decided that the matter be further considered at the next meeting of the committee.