HOME ECONOMICS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27147, 17 September 1953, Page 2

HOME ECONOMICS

N.Z. Delegates Attend Edinburgh Congress NO OFFICIAL STATUS GRANTED ' (Special Correspondent LONDON. September 15. New Zealanders who went to the Congress of Home Economics in Edinburgh were “most disappointed.” The New Zealand Government had given them no official status as representing the Dominion, said Mrs Helen Cox, journalist and broadcaster, of Auckland, who was one of the seven New Zealanders who attended. It had meant that they were unable to take part in any talks or discussions, many on subjects on which New Zealand was as advanced as any country. The New Zealanders were there without any official sponsorship, and they paid all their own expenses. In addition to Mrs Cox, they were: Miss A. Kirkwood, a post-primary inspector of schools, of Wellington; Mrs A. V. Kerr, of Timaru, representing the New Zealand Women’s Institutes; Miss Madill, tutor dietitian of the Auckland Public Hospital, and four home economics teachers —Mesdames Glasgow, of Dunedin, and A., North, of Christchurch, and Misses W. J. Smith, of the Turakina Maori Girls’ Couege, and E. M. Goad.

Mrs Cox Said * that 1300 delegates were present from 50 countries. ' “The congress had as its aim the study of home economics as a contribution to the happiness and welfare of mankind,” said Mrs Cox. “We regretted we were unable to contribute to the discussions because we feel that in many aspects of home economics New Zealand is ahead of many found all over the world.

“New Zealand has the only university home science training in Australia and New Zealand. Even Scotland has no degree. New Zealand graduates are found all over tffe world. “However, although we benefited little from much of the conference, its chief value to us was through personal cdntacts outside the congress proper.” Mrs Cox will leave for New Zealand in the Orontes on October 23 for a short visit before returning to England. LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

DOMINION COUNCIL CONFERENCE

The conference of the Dominion council of the League of Mothers continued yesterday, when each provincial president gave details of the activities of the league in her province. They were Mrs H. V. Jerred (Auckland), Mrs D. Atmore (Taranaki), Mrs W. A, Gordon (Wellington), Mrs W. Grant (Canterbury), Mrs J. W. Armstrong (Otago), Mrs W. Fraser (Waikato Central Committee), and Mrs S. O. English (Maori and scattered members’ branches). All reports showed greatly increased membership, bright cheerful meetings and voluntary help givdTi whenever required for community efforts. The editor of the league’s official publication, “The League of Mothers’ Magazine” (Mrs I. S. Maclean), of Wellington, was congratulated on the excellence of the magazine, and plans were outlined whereby articles of interest to all mothers and homemakers would be published. The conference will be continued this morning, and this afternoon delegates are to be taken for a tour round Christchurch with afternoon tea at the Sign of the Takahe. VICTORIA LEAGUE ADDRESS BY MR NEIL ARROW About 85 members of the Victoria League attended a meeting in Christchurch yesterday morning. The president (Mrs J. Mowbray Tripp) presided, and Mrs Derrick Gould and Mrs Maurice Macfarlane were hostesses. . Miss B. Bigg-Wither, president of the North Canterbury branch of the British Drama League, gave a short talk on the New Zealand Players and on the Players’ Foundation, which, she said, she hoped many of her listeners would join. The principal speaker was Mr Neil Arrow, who described the voyage he had made from New Zealand to North America in the ketch Miru some months ago. Mrs Macfarlane thanked Mr Arrow for his address, ENGAGEMENT (Engagemenu Notice* must be signed by both parties.) Mr and Mrs J. M. Kirk, of Waltham, have pleasure in announcing the engagement of their daughter, Shirley Ann, to Desmond Nuttall, youngest son of Mr and Mrs J. E. Nuttall, Spreydon.