FOR SOCIAL PROGRESS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 12, 14 July 1931, Page 11

FOR SOCIAL PROGRESS

WOMEN'S ORGANISATION

Although the Women's Social Progress ,Movemeut has moved along with great rapidity since its' inception two years ago by Miss M. M'Lean, C.B.E.y it came as a surprise yestorday afternoon that such a large number of members should have ventured out to attend the annual meeting at the Wentworth Hall, Cuba street, under such dismal rainy conditions. The pleasant feeling engendered certainly tended to make ft' bright and happy meeting, which was added to by' the interest of the matters brought forward. Mr. G. A. Troup presided, and was accompanied by Mrs. Troup, who was presented with :t charming posy by little Jessie Dallaid. On tho platform were also Miss M'Lean, M.A., C.B.E. (president), the Bishop of Aotea-roa,. the Eev. Canon James, and the Eev. J. B. BlancKard, and Miss Chappell (hon. secretary,). ■.. . The annual report showed that tho main objects of the movement were for study of social matters and their remedies, attention being specially directed to the right use of tho present free-' dom of the younger people from the restraint of older times, the checking of drinking habits at entertainments of all kinds, and other social habits which appear to bo regrettable. Groups for study had been formed, and the many hostesses who had allowed meetings and discussions-to take place in their homes were thanked. Deputations had approached- Ministers an the subject of drinking at cabarets, and also concerning the appointment of women police, white another protested against the present gambling facilities. Mention was made of the pleasure given by the patronage of Her Excellency Lady Bledisloe,' and of the regret felt, at the loss of Lady Stout, an honorary1 president of the movement. All friends and helpers were cordially thanked for their assistance.

Mr. Troup, in moving tlic adoption of tlie report, spoke of the quick rise of the movement into power and usefulness, and complimented the founder

and members on their inspiration and enthusiasm in a good cause. While the new freedom had brought a great deal of good, it had brought some harm also. Ho spoke encouragingly of the work already done, and urged that they should still go forward with courage, knowing that "faith without good works" was null'and void. , STUDYING- PROBLEMS OF TO-DAY. Miss M'Lean, in seconding the adoption of tho report, extended a hearty welcome to all, and spoke of her pleasure at such a large gathering. The time, she said, had pasfeed by when women sat at home and expected the men to make all the progress necessary in, tho world. She' recalled Lady Astor's saying that women did not rule the world, but they might. She urged the importance of study in the movements of ihe day, and said that women's verdicts should weigh with the authorities.. She looked for a great extension of work, as the encouragement has been so great, and the forward movement rapid, showing the necessity for such an organisation. The Rev. Canon James spoke of the amazing success of the movement, but remarked that success was nothing new to women—their enthusiasm and their influence carried them a long way. He spoke of the new responsibilities of the day, and recalled the fine influence Miss M'Lean had had for so many years as principal of Wellington Girls' College. Bishop Bennett gave a very sympathetic address, commending the work, and especially the study given to various problems. Ho had had no idea of the extent of the organisation till, he came to Wellington, and ho hoped that in time it might spread: to the Maori people. He emphasised the fact that the Maoris, men and women, were very apt to imitate the pakehas, and-that laid a great responsibility ,on the latter. For good or evil the Maoris followed largely on what their European brothers and sisters did. In the matter of taking liquor to dance halls as well as in other phases*of social importance, they would certainly follow, and the Bishop queried the word' "un-' ( fortunately." He would . like to. think that the following was always fortun-, ate, and for the good of his people. He wished that the Maoris would not be mere followers of the pakeha, but would develop on their own national lines as well, for. imitators wero not usually interesting people. He asked: "Have we forgotten about God?" and suggested that the' present distress of the world might just be as a reminder that thoro was a higher and greater Power of whom we needed reminding. He urged that people should not give wa.y to pessimism, and specially asked: that the members of the movement should keep the spiritual side of the. work uppermost while regarding the material side as of less importance. This done, tho future would be full of blessings. Tho Bishop concluded with kindly congratulations. ■Later on a satisfactory balance-sheet was read by Miss Eainforth, and with the report was adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Delightful songs were rendered by Mrs. Wilfred Andrews and Miss Marjorie Bennie, the latter having a violin obbligato played to her first song which added much to.its charm. Mrs. Dallard played all the accompaniments in her usual finished style. Miss Vivionne Tait pleased all with a recitation. , The Eev. J. R. Blanchard spoke interestingly on the subject of thrift in -a'.community-arid"on"'tho desirability of the: abolition of lotteries, and Miss Evelyn Watson gave an address on "Girls' Clubs." '. ..'•''. \ Afternoon tea was served. . .[_ The following officers were elected for'the yearr^—Patroness, Her Excellency: Lady Bledisloe; president, Miss M'Lean, M.A., C.B.E;; vicVpresidents, Mesdames Strong, Wright, Spratt, Pearson, Bennett, and Dawson; executive secretary, Mrs. Stewart; recording secretary, Mrs. H. J. Steptoe; general secretary, Miss Chappell; treasurer, Miss Rainforth; committee, Mesdames Murray, Bennie, Anderson, M'Rae, Purdio, Nash, Inglis, Guthrie, and two representatives from each discussion group. -