NOTABLE GUEST

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 41, 12 November 1936, Page 4

NOTABLE GUEST

Mrs. A. Watt at Pioneer Club President of the Associated Countrywomen of the World, and closely connected with many other organisations for women's welfare, Mrs. Alfred Watt, M.8.E., who is making a tour of New Zealand, was the guest of honour at a reception given by the president and members of tho Pioneer Club in their attractive rooms last night. There were lovely mixed flowers placed about the two lounges, in big bowls on stands, with dainty vases over the cream mantelpiece, and chairs were placed in rows round the centre of the big room to enable the interested audience to both hear and see Mrs. Watt to the best advantage. ’The guest of the evening was received by the president of the club. Miss A. Kane, who extended a cordial welcome to her on behalf of the members, and said how honoured they felt at having among them one who was so distinguished a worker for women’s interests.

Before Mrs. Watt addressed the gathering vocal items were given by Mrs. J. E. Ramsey and Mrs. Walter Duncan. Both soloists were accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Anna Ginn.

Mrs. Watt was presented with a charming bouquet of crimson and cream roses. Mrs. W. Deane, Dominion pfesident of the Women’s Institutes. accompanied her. The visitor spoke in an interesting and charming informal manner about the associated countrywomen’s organisation, laying particular stress on the need for fellowship and international friendship among women. She remarked upon the need for women to come forward and do their part in the work of interest to them, in particular showing how their influence could be of great value in many matters that up to the present had been considered the prerogative of men. They were to-day peculiarly well fitted for positions of public importance, taking the same university degrees and having an education equal to that of men, yet there seemed to be an exclusion of women from spheres in which they could give their help. Mrs, Watt’s listeners were intensely interested in what she had to say, and asked questions and discussed various points as she continued in her talk. Supper was served later in the evening, and a vote of thanks was passed to her, while the discussion was carried on over a cup of tea.