Protest On Handling Of Russian Invitation

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28629, 4 July 1958, Page 2

Protest On Handling Of Russian Invitation

Mrs Searle had been asked to comment on a report that although the council had not resolved to accept such an invitation nominations had been called for and six women had been selected to make the trip. The report said that one-way sea or air fares would be paid by Russia and also all expenses for a three weeks’ stay. Mrs Searle said the report was correct, but it was regrettable that it had been published because it could harm the unity of the organisation. Her branch, which numbered 17,000 members, had not accepted the invitation to be represented on the tour and was not happy about a notice the Dominion executive had circulated on the subject Received Jocularly

Other members reported today that at a biennial meeting of the Dominion executive, held at Wellington on March 26, the Dominion president, Mrs T. H. C. Cumberbeach (Timaru),, read an invitation from Russia foi six women to make a three weeks’ tour. It was received jpcularly. One South Island member said it should be taken seriously and it was left apparently for branches and affiliated organisations to express their individual views.

The matter came up again recently when members received remits circulated for the October conference and read at the bottom that “an invitation has been extended to six New Zealand women to visit Russia in August or September. Mrs Boderneko, deputy executive secretary of the Soviet Women’s Committee, has informed Mrs Rona Bailey, national secretary of the New Zealand women’s committee, that Russia would pay the delegates’ one-way fares and expenses during their stay. “Any women wishing to take advantage of this generous offer are asked to send their names

to Mrs Cumberbeach. Please bring this notice before your branch members and affiliated societies.”

When this report was referred to the Dominion president (Mrs T. H. C. Cumberbeach) this evening she made the following comment:

“The only protest of which I am aware was made by the Wellington branch in a letter written in May. I replied to the letter on May 26. Because I have heard nothing since, I understand that the sentiments expressed by the Dominion office have been accepted by the Wellington branch. I am not aware of any new protest concerning the delegation.”

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 3. The Wellington branch of the National Council of Women has protested to the Dominion executive of the organisation about certain aspects of the executive’s handling of an invitation for New Zealand women to visit Russia. Mrs W. Searle, president of the Wellington branch, confirmed today that a protest had been made by Wellington; but she declined to give details.