WELFARE WORK

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 149, 19 March 1936, Page 5

WELFARE WORK

An Appeal For Mission Tuck Boxes Last year GT white workers in the Melanesian Mission received tuck boxes sent out by the Melanesian Mission Tuck Bgx Committee, but actually provided by the generosity of subscribers throughout Mie North Island. That the little luxuries, books, tinned foods and jams, sweets, medical com forts, etc., were much appreciated i” shown in the following extracts from a few of the many letters received : — (1) “Would you please convey our thanks to any others who helped in the work, in whatever way, ■ whereby such a wonderful gift came into our hands?” (2) “I am very grateful to you for your generous gift. It was my first experience of New. Zealand brand of foods, and I think them very good.” (3) “Such things are very acceptable in this rather isolated life.” (-1) “It happened, just at that time, that I was living on native food, and also had just had a. rather bad bout of malaria, so the box came just when most needed. . . . Please thank all the senders whom you can.” (5) “Not for one moment would you regret the time spent on us if you knew just how much we appreciate all you have done, and are doing, for us.” This year it is hoped to semi out an even larger number of boxes, as the mission staff has increased. This can only' be possible if the many kind friends of Melanesia will continue to give their support. As the Customs’ requirements are very strict, and all details of prices must be given, the committee flnds.it better to buy all the goods, xiny donations, however large or small, would be most welcome; also good books and clean old linen for bandages, for including in the boxes. As .it is hoped to send the tuck boxes as an Easter present, all who are anxious to help are asked bo send their donations as soon as possible to the hon. secretary, Women’s Auxiliary of the An glican Board of Missions, 49 Ballance Street, Wellington.

W.S.P.M. Group Meeting

It was fortunate that tlie ’Women’s Social Progress Movement had chosen the spacious rooms at the National Club for its combined group meeting yesterday afternoon, as the attendance was a large one and there was certainly no room to spare. The doors were thrown open between the writingroom, lounge and library to make one big room, and there were some beau-tifully-shaded hydrangeas in brass bowls as decorations.

Miss McLean, president of the Women’s Social Progress ~ Movement, warmly welcomed all present and extended a special greeting to Mrs. Julia Rapke, Melbourne, who was the guest of the afternon. Miss McLean mentioned that she had known Mrs, Rapke as. a schoolgirl when, she herself, had been a headmistress.

Miss McLean also earnestly asked all.present to do. all they could.to extend the movement, as, although each year the membership was maintained, there was always room for more members. The greater the numbers, the greater would be the influence of this body of women who were endeavouring to combat the customs and conventions which were obstacles in the way of a better and more joyful life.

Before the guest of honour’s address, greatly-appreciated items were given by Miss Doris Black, who sang, and Miss Goldsmith, who recited. Later in the afternoon Miss Edna Parton also gave pleasure with her singing. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. B. L. Dallard.

Mrs. Rapke spoke first of the pleasure afforded her in meeting a group of women such as the Social Progress Movement Wellington, for, as far as she had been able to find out,- this was the only organisation that was doing the work similar to that-of the Australian Women’s Citizens’ Movement, of which she herself was, until recently, Victorian president. She also expressed pleasure in finding that her former headmistress. Miss McLean. was president of the Women’s Social Progress Movement. The Women Citizens’ Movement, she explained, is affiliated with the Australian Society of Women Voters and several other organisations. She expressed surprise that the Social Progress Movement was not more, widely known in New Zealand, and urged the members to ‘‘let the public know what they were doing.” The aims and objects, she continued, were almost exactly similar to those of the Women Citizens’ Movement, although, as New Zealand was so much smaller than Australia, on a smaller scale. The Citi-' zens’ Movement worked to give women a good political understanding of the national situation, and encouraged them to exercise their votes. It was a non-party movement, but was a group that banded together for the purpose of supporting all good legislation, more especially that which affected women and children. Mrs. Rapke remarked that a great deal of importance was

attached to co-operation of women’s organisations in Australia, and a remarkable amount had been achieved when women of the various organisations presented a united front in striving for some good object. The speaker was most emphatic on the subject of women exercising their vote, and remarked on how many were uot conscientious or interested enough in this matter. She thought it would be a good idea for the Women’s Social Progress "Movement to" 'agitate for a compulsory voting in New Zealand and to educate women in the use of the vote. In Australia, ' she said, it was amazing how, at election time, when she and others went out canvassing, it was necessary to educate women every inch of the way in a knowledge of politics and the value of their vote.

Among other things that Mrs. Rapke mentioned that the Women Citizens’ Movement was interested in was slum abolition. They were also proud of having been energetic workers for the establishment of a chair of obstetrics at the Melbourne University. The question of the sugar embargo also loomed largely on their programme, and the very important question of the nationality of married women was another matter of vital interest. The movement also had a delegate every year at the League of Nations Assembly.

Mrs. Rapke concluded by mentioning briefly a booklet recently compiled by a committee of women in Australia which was entitled “Are Women Taking Men’s Jobs?” and contained an amazing amount of interesting data on this much-discussed subject. It represented, she said, one of the most valuable pieces of survey or research work in recent years. At the end of her talk Mrs. Rapke answered several questions, and was heartily thanked for a most interesting and inspiring address. The meeting concluded with afternoon tea. ‘‘Bring-and.Buy” Afternoon A successful “Bring and Buy” afternoon organised by Mrs. W. M. Haycraft, president of St. Cuthbert’s Ladies’ Guild, was held on Tuesday afternoon at 37 Herald Street. Quantities of produce and cakes were disposed of and garden competitions created great interest. The splendid show ot dahlias was much admired, and afternoon tea served. The proceeds are in aid of the forthcoming Paddy’s markets.