UNIVERSITY WOMEN

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 217, 11 June 1935, Page 4

UNIVERSITY WOMEN

Federation Welcome to New Graduates MISS GREIG’S ADDRESS Women graduates from Victoria University College were tendered a welcome last evening by members of the Wellington branch of the International Federation of University Women. The large room in which the gathering was held was tastefully decorated with hydrangeas and autumn berries. During the evening songs were contributed by Miss Hurst, Miss Ellis rendered a pianoforte solo, and a duet for piano and ’cello was given by Miss Ellis and Miss Ormi Reid. Supper concluded a most interesting evening.

The new graduates were welcomed by the Dominion president, Dr. E. Bryson, in the absence through illness of Miss Irene Wilson, president of the Wellington branch. Dr. Bryson said it gave her great pleasure to see so many graduates present, and explained the aims of the federation which, she stated, is a worldwide league of women who have had a university training. Its object is the promotion of friendship and understanding among university women of different nationalities, the furtherance of their common interests and the development of sympathy and co-opera-tion between their countries. The federation provides research fellowships, facilities for travel, and assistance of various kinds in connection with the work of its members and the improvement of their professional status. By having an active branch in each of the four centres in New Zealand, and by getting in touch with overseas visitors, federation members were kept in contact with what was happening in the outside world. Dr. Bryson stressed the importance of international understanding, which, she contended, was a great help in solving the problems that beset the world today. The establishment of international club-houses, which were of great value to travelling members, was also referred to. Activities Abroad.

At the conclusion of tire musical programme, Miss V. M. Greig (principal of Wellington Girls’ College) gave a most interesting address on her recent world tour, giving her audience vivid impressions of all the places she visited. Miss Greig spoke of the beauties of Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland. the Holy Land, Egypt, Belgium, France, and the British Isles. Miss Greig spoke enthusiastically of the scenery in all the countries, and dwelt at length on all her many activities in England. While speaking of travel and its advantages, Miss Greig urged her audience to keep in touch with the large world beyond, and to show that courtesy to superior intellect and culture that should be shown. There was, she added, a slight tendency, due, no doubt, to our isolated position in New Zealand, for one to get into a groove. It was her desire that al] should endeavour to acquire, as Dr. Bryson had suggested, an international outlook, for now, more than ever, was there a need of international understanding. Speaking of New Zealand- graduates, Miss Greig regretted that so many of our brains had left the country. It was felt by those who had gone away that the Dominion was not prepared to pay for brains, and despite the fact that many of our graduates would like to return, they realised that there was not sufficient inducement for them to do so. The activities of the Federation of University Women in all lands were described by Miss Greig, who pointed out the benefits of membership to those who travel..

Among the graduates present were Miss Barbara Smith, 8.A., Miss Shirley Dotine, B.Sc., Miss M. M. Boyd, M.Sc., Miss M. B. Stavely, 8.C0m., Miss D. Musker, 8.A., Miss N. Benson, M.Sc., Miss Muriel Clark, 8.A., Miss Patricia Marshall, B.Sc., Miss Muriel Lancaster, 8.A., Miss Z. Mason, B.A.