‘N.Z.’s welfare at heart’

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32978, 26 July 1972, Page 6

‘N.Z.’s welfare at heart’

Remits to be discussed by the Catholic Women’s League of New Zealand at its national conference this week would do justice to any political party which had the welfare of New Zealand at heart, said the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr N. G. Pickering) at the opening session yesterday.

Referring to a remit on the teaching of Maori in schools, Mr Pickering said that if there was one avenue in which the Roman Catholic Church was noted, it was her work among the Maori people. He commended the league’s Christian approach to the value of family life, the sacredness of sex and marriage, and the sanctity of life. Mr Pickering said he was pleased to see the league’s wide interest in civic matters, and that a remit proposed the implementation of one vote for one person with the necessary amendment to the Counties’ Act.

Women today were being rightly accorded their place in society by men, he said. The conservative attitude that “a woman’s place is in the home” had been thrown off. Women now had a more radical approach to public affairs and, he was glad to say, were becoming more involved in them.

A remit seeking a ban on the sale of fireworks (except to authorised persons) and a request to the Minister of Health (Mr Adams-Schneider) to recognise alcoholism as a disease and have treatment made available in clinics, also brought praise from Mr Pickering. Welcoming visitors to Christchurch, Mr Pickering said: “We are one nation with one great will to do the best for everyone.”

In her welcome to delegates and observers, and civic dignitaries, the Christchurch diocesan president (Mrs Pamela Hardy) said that the conference came at an opportune time.

“It comes at a time when women are increasingly involved, when their opinions are sought on civic and com-

munity affairs,” she said. “Therefore, as members of a national women’s organisation, we have a responsibility to reflect a Christian concern for and an informed outlook on current church and social issues.”