More Guidance Given

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30763, 29 May 1965, Page 2

More Guidance Given

The council’s work had continued to grow steadily through the year, says the report presented at the annual meeting of the Christchurch Marriage Guidance Council.

A striking increase had been shown in the number of what were called marriageguidance cases, when application was made directly for help; there were 225 new

cases of this type, 1247 interviews had been carried out during the year, and there had been 51 new courtconciliation cases. More cases were referred to the council by medical practitioners and solicitors, and this reflected confidence in the work of the council.

Another pleasing trend was that more couples—as opposed to one partner only—were seeking help. This showed a community awareness of the council’s aims and methods; and there was clearly more chance of improvement in the marriage if both husband and wife admitted that help was needed. The report said the response of marriage guidance councils must not outstrip their ability to find suitable people to do the work, and to give them the most thorough training possible. Councils were limited by finance, said the report. Marriage guidance was not a closed group, but an incorporated society which welcomed applications for membership from people in all occupations. 10 Counsellors At the end of March there were 10 active counsellors doing case work. Five had been fully accredited and the other five were still in training. In addition, two had been selected and had started their training. With increasing work, more applicants would be welcome. Counsellors were voluntary, and anonymous, and the council recorded its thanks for their services. Five courses had been held for engaged couples during the year, and attendances had been excellent. The need for other kinds of educational work had given concern to the council during the year. In particular it was conscious of a duty to plan for family-life education in post-primary schools, and with community and church groups.

The following officers were elected; president, the Bishop of Christchurch (the Rt. Rev. A. K. 'Warren); vice-presi-dents, Mr W. J. Cartwright, Mr Justice Macarthur, the Very Rev. M. W. Wilson, Mrs B. Zeff; committee. Dr. M. H. Aiken, Messrs N. H. Buchanan, W. F. Brown, the Rev. H. I. Hopkins, Mrs A. G. Long, Messrs C. C. Maddren, J. Morrison, the Rev. J. S. Vincent, Dr. K. Wilson and Mrs B. Zeff; secretary, Mrs D. S. Anderson.