COUNCIL OF WOMEN

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 207, 29 May 1936, Page 4

COUNCIL OF WOMEN

Meeting Addressed By Dr. Scholefield OFFICERS ELECTED The reading and adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, the election of officers, and a most interesting address by Dr. G. 11. Scholefield occupied the attention of all who attended the annual meeting of the Wellington branch of the National Council of Momen, held last evening in the New Zealand Educational Institute's rooms, Willis Street. Mrs. M. 11. Chatfield, M.8.E., J.P., was in the chair. The annual report stated that the year lias been one “of solid work, and excellent progress.” There are now nineteen affiliations of large and important women's societies, with a large number of delegates.. The associate membership numbers twenty. "A high standard in the position of women in the economic and social relations of life indicates a national prosy and solidarity, which bears the rich fruit of a noble race, such as should be 'the aim of all statesmen and thinking people to foster.” the report said. "The war ami the subsequent depression have taken great toll of women's hard-won advancement, and have forced down the standard in many directions, but as we have striven foi women's status and independence, so let us strive for that stability which springs from the righteousness which exalts a nation and reverences woman, tile potential mother, who must ever be the inspiration of the human race.” Branch meetings were well attended, and much interest displayed in the excellent addresses given, and also in the subjects pertaining to women which came under discussion. Regret is expressed at the resignation of the president, Mrs. Chatfield, owing to lUhealth, and a kindly expression of appreciation was given of her work and keen interest in the council.

Regarding Parliamentary matters, the hope is expressed that the new Government, given due time and a fair chance, may carry out the ideas for tlie betterment of all which have been urged, women entertaining great hopes that the future status of their sex and an equitable understanding of their problems may lie duly shown. It is recorded with regret that the executive of the Federation of Justices of tlie Peace of New Zealand should have condemned the institution of women police a.s unnecessary, and the Dominion executive of tlie N.C.W. is asked to move suitably in tlie matter. "The council, by very virtue of its organisation,'’ the report continues, "is not a money-making concern, and greatly values the interest and helpful co-operation of its important affiliations.”

The following officers were elected for the coming year President, Mrs. 15. L. Dalia rd; vice-presidents, Mrs. M. 11. Chatfield, Mrs. Peryman, Mrs. E. J. Moore, Miss Mcßae, Miss England, Miss Bridgman, Miss Goudy; correspondence secretary, .Miss 15. Jackson; minute secretary, Miss 15Welch; treasurer, Mrs. 11. G. Chapman ; life members, Lady Luke and Mrs. Henry Smith; representative on Women's Unemployment Committee, Miss C. E. Kirk. Mrs. 11. Chisholm presented the new president with a beautiful shoulderspray. Supper was later served. World Affairs. After he hart addressed those present on libraries—national, rural, and archive—throughout tlie world. Dr. Scholefield spoke on Geneva and its activities and of America’s outlook on world affairs. In America, he said, there was great anxiety as to tlie future of the League of Nations. America took up tlie attitude that all the unrest in Europe was Europe's affair and not hers. She was an enormous nation, with very vital problems of her own to attend to. The older Americans, including those who fought in the last lyar, could not make out why they were brought into that world upheaval,

and many felt that there had been a trick somewhere. Canada was also very critical, but not quite to the extent of America.

In Dr. Scholefield’s opinion, the troubles of Europe seemed to centre around the feeling of injustice harboured by certain nations. There was a line between the contented and the discontented nations, and how matters were to be settled would lake a genius to suggest, for each nation thought that its mode of thinking was right. Referring to dictatorships, Dr. Scholefield said that they were built up on force and relied on force to retain their hold." That, of course, was what made them such dangerous company for other nations. That also was a factor in making the question of disarmament so remotely possible. He instanced the growth of armaments in Russia, and said that even though it was being done on behalf of preserving peace, so far as Russia was concerned, there was always tlie possibility of great armaments getting out of hand and becoming a danger to the world. In conclusion, Dr. Scholefield appealed to his listeners to get a better understanding of America. lie had always found the Americans the most charming people. He had never found them boastful, ami considered them entirely without affectation. One should not judge a nation by its tourists, he added. In conclusion, he spoke of New Zealand's interest in the League of Nations, stating with the changing times New Zealand, and the other Dominions, would be called upon more and more to give their opinions regarding actions to be taken. "I think tlie time has come.” he said, "when New Zealand's opinion will In? taken and the Government will express itself definite ly in discussions.”