CANDLE CEREMONY

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31922, 25 February 1969, Page 2

CANDLE CEREMONY

The economic, social and academic aspirations and endeavours of more than 300,000 women in 38 countries were symbolised in a candle-light-ing ceremony in Christchurch last evening.

The occasion was the international night celebration of the Christchurch Federated Business and Professional Women’s Club.

“Our gathering, perhaps the most important in the calender of the international federation, is typical of those that have taken place and are taking place during this month in many different countries round the world,” said the Christchurch president (Miss M. Grant). “The . federation unites more than 300,000 women and, though these women speak different languages and live in countries with differ-

Ing traditions, they are united in fellowship and understanding by a desire for betterment of conditions for women, not only in their own lands but everywhere." The candle-lighting ceremony was to remind members of the history of the international federation and to reaffirm its purpose, said Miss Grant 35 YEARS OLD The ceremony was planned more than 35 years ago by the founder-president of the federation, Dr Lena Madesin Phillips, of the United States. Each candle represented the aspiration and endeavours of dedicated women in many lands, she said. The white candles were for national federations and the blue candles were for countries with associate clubs. The centre candle represented the oldest and largest of the international federation's affiliates, the national

federation of the United States, which was formed in 1919.

“Today the international federation is a powerful organisation of world importance,” said Miss Grant “Public opinion and legislation in many countries have been influenced by its work. It has broadened our horizons, our rights, our skills, our opportunities, and our service to one another and to the community has been expanded." Visitors at the ceremony were the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr A. R. Guthrey) and Mrs Guthrey, representatives of the Ashburton Club, which was formed last year, and other women’s organisations. The photograph shows Miss M. E. Grant (president), left, performing the candle-lighting ceremony. With her is Miss S. Lilly (vice-president).