WOMEN’S PLACE IN COMMUNITY

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29383, 9 December 1960, Page 2

WOMEN’S PLACE IN COMMUNITY

Plea For Greater Activity Though women were becoming important leaders in England, the United States and in countries whieh had recently won their nationhood. New Zealand women did not seem to realise their responsibilities in this way. said Mrs A. K. Warren, wife of the Bishop of Christchurch, when speaking at the prise-giving ceremony of St. Margaret’s College last evening. “Here in New Zealand we have to battle to get on to a jury and there is only one woman in the newly-elected Government,” she said. “A kind of mental apathy seems to take us when we leave school.” With the benefit of a church school training, girls leaving St Margaret’s College would be able to take out into life something of inestimable value. The Christian life was not confinetf to the life of a parish. Its influence should fan out into everything done in the life of a community. Prejudices To the girls who had finished school, she said: "You may be able to break down some of the prejudices against women, which prevent them from attaining some of the leading jobs in New Zealand today. I do hope that with this education behind you, you will not just take the easy way out, or avoid taking your place as women in the community with a particular contribution to make.” By that Mrs Warren said she was not suggesting they should all be career women. In the sphere of the home a woman could make her greatest contribution. Preparation, Skill Nothing was more greatly needed in New Zealand today than happy family life. And marriage. to be successful, needed much careful preparation and it needed skill. “If you do marry, without neglecting your home. I hope at some stage of your life you will find time to make a woman’s contribution to the community,” Mrs Warren said. Mrs Warren presented the prizes at the ceremony in place of the Bishop, who is ill. It was the first time in 26 years that the Bishop was unable to attend the prize-giving.