Women’s Importance In Shaping Way Of Life

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29138, 25 February 1960, Page 2

Women’s Importance In Shaping Way Of Life

Because women can adjust themselves easily to different conditions, they are more tolerant and patient than men and so have an important role in moulding the ways of their countries, according to Mrs Mary K. Robinson, a Hawaiian delegate to the Pacific Area Travel Association’s conference. She was speaking at a reception yesterday morning held by women’s organisations of Christchurch for wives of conference delegates.

Mrs Robinson, more popularly known as “Mary K„” is president and managing director of a large travel service in Honolulu and was a senator in the State Government of Hawaii for two terms. Hawaiian Women Speaking of the women in her own country, Mrs Robinson said they took a very active part in community affairs. Hawaiian women have been very influential in election campaigns and a number ran for office. “In deference to men, we don’t expect to take the place of men.” she said. “Women take care of their homes and children as well as working for the communitymen sometimes forget that. They also forget that women are as intelligent as they are. But I honestly feel it is a good thing for our own community that the thinking is a combination of both men and women.” Sincerity Women were so sincere in what they had to say that they sometimes had difficulty in selling the public their ideas, she said. "But in the long run men and women get together and make the laws for the country and its people. Then it is a different matter.” Mrs Robinson praised the

women of New Zealand for their interest in their homes and gardens. which made the country so beautiful to visitors. “Your country is too beautiful to keep to yourselves. If you encourage tourists it will allow others to see what you have. It will also bring about a closer tie with other countries of the world.” Mrs Robinson said. Before leaving the reception Mrs Robinson, who is almost full Hawaiian, sang unaccompanied a Hawaiian song, to the delight of the guests. Miss M. G. Havelaar, when thanking the speaker. said: “Women like ‘Mary K.’ show us what we, as women, can do in understanding others’ problems. How, in friendship, we can draw closer together and make this country an example of what peace and prosperity can do.”