NATIONAL COUNCIL

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 125, 29 May 1934, Page 11

NATIONAL COUNCIL

WELLINGTON BRANCH

GOOD ANNUAL REPORT

The local branch of the National Cduucil of Women held its annual meeting at the . University Women's Club k Booms last evening.

Miss 0., E. Kirk, J.P., presided, and spoke briefly' of the pleasant time she had had as president of the Wellington branch, which position she was relinquishing as she had been elected as Dominion president of the council. In presenting .the annual report Miss Kirk mentioned that it had been almost entirely the work of the competent honorary secretary, Mrs. Forde (who was later congratulated on her* good work). REVIEW OF W6EK DONE. ■ The report'stated that; the number of affiliated societies remained, the same as during the former year, namely, 18, with a total membership 0f,.-, approximately, 5800 wpmen. ■• >■ Emphasis was" laid on the organising work which had been done, and of I the fact that there^ is a great deal more to do^ The council was .an economic, political, and social clearing-house of women's organisations throughout the Dominion. Without such-an organisation, which should have the backing of the whole body of women, a great deal of force would bo wasted :by overlap ping, lackof unanimity, and other reactionary results. The question of widening and strengthening the branch membership was therefore- of the first importance. \ ..

The work of the year included the holding of regular meetings, at which good_ addresses had been given, soma definite lectures, and interesting discussions on worthwhile subjects. "In view of the extraordinary tangle that the world finds itself in today,'' stated the report, ' ?«it is imperative that women should, be prepared and equipped for..the part they have, to play..Equal political,,rights mean equal, and' increased responsibilities, and these can only be shouldered effectively by keen and persistent; study of fundamental questions^ and by having as wide a vision and as broad an outlook as poor humans can hope to have. Asfar-as our work is concerned, there should be no retreat—more than ever before in history do our social and economic conditions demand that that shall not be so—rather should we perfect our organ-, isation, and discard spasmodic and spo-1 radic effort for more consistent policy." WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT.

# Eeference was then made to the election of a woman to Parliament—Mrs. MeCombs—with mention of the necessity for others when opportunity! occurs. The opinion was'expressed that political democracy had failed, and that the sense of the inadequacy of modern democratic governments . for the task, imposed upon them was-a.:-grow-ing one. Deep regret was -felt that such a large -proportion, of both men and women voters:did.not care for the right at all, nor did they connect it with the -ideajof the welfare-of the world at large, nor use it to express any will'or purpose-whatever in the general conduct of things. Realising these • unfortunate circumstances, it was incumbent on the N.C.W. to do as much as possible towards building up a realisation of the vast importance of national affairs among women at least, and thus to|gather ; together a "real assistance in social and political affairs. Mention was 'made: "of the Golden Jubilee of the W.C.T'.TT., with congratulations to. the union for-the successful celebrations which were carried out so •well in Wellington recently. A number of personal activities of delegates were -recorded' with appreciation of good work, arid a number, of 'speakers and lecturers reeeiy.ed cordial. and appreciative thanks. The, report, and balance-sheet, (presented by the hbn. treasurer,' Mrs. H. G. Chapman) were passed with approval, and. the.officials.of the branch, were! joined in the cordial thanks given' by the meeting. These included Miss Kirk, J.P., Mrs. Fordey Miss B. Welsh (recorairigvsecretaTy), and Mrs: Chapman. "; ' - ■:" .;■' '■■'.'••' :"" '■ ELECTION OP OFFICERS. ■\Officers for,the coming year, wore elected as follows,:-^President,'Mrs. M. H. ' Chat'field, J-.P.; ': vice-presidents, Mesdames E.J. Moore, Peryman, Nor-man-Jones, Misses England, Mcßae, and Bj Jackson; hon. secretary, Mrs. B. L. Dallard; hon, Mecording secretary^.Miss B. Welsh; hon. treasurer, Mrs. H. G. Chapman. • ■ After the business part of the meet* ing a-pleasant social time was spent. Miss Welsh sang, and Mrs. Dallard played a piano solo, both giving much pleasure. Then supper was served, and members had an opportunity of congratulating the new officials, and talking over the prospects for the coming season. .. . . .-..