WOMAN COUNCILLOR ALLEGES SLIGHT

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32053, 30 July 1969, Page 3

WOMAN COUNCILLOR ALLEGES SLIGHT

Cr L. J. Bamford, one of two women members on the Rangiora Borough Council, said to the council’s last meeting she had been “most embarrassed” at a lack of acknowledgement accorded her at a recent farm forestry seminar organised by the Canterbury Progress League. Cr Bamford was appointed by the council as its delegate to the one-day seminar, which was attended by about 40 persons. She was the only woman there.

“I was just ignored throughout by the chairman (Mr H. H. Deans, of Malvern County Council),” she said. “The meeting was addressed throughout as ‘gentlemen,’ even at the welcome and invitation to morning tea. I was most embarrassed . . . the chairman knew I was there. “I am sure Cr Barrell (Mrs W. E. Borrell, the other woman on the Rangiora Borough Council) feels as I do, when at this meeting we are occasionally addressed as gentlemen—but it is only a slip of the tongue, whereas I felt that this was intentional . . . I’m probably being a bit sensational, but I don’t quite know how to put it But 1 wouldn’t like it to happen again,” said Cr Bamford. “How would you feel if you went along to a women’s meeting, the only man there, and you were addressed as ‘madam’?”

The Mayor (Mr L. E. Farr): I would be flattered, but I can certainly understand how you feel. The deputy-mayor (Cr P. Thaine) said he supported Cr Bamford. “She might feel a personal slight, but this has

also been a slight to this council.”

“That’s what I thought,” said Cr Bamford. “After all, they did extend invitations to councils, and we at least replied.”