NATIONAL COUNCIL

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 50, 28 August 1934, Page 15

NATIONAL COUNCIL

WORK OF MOTHERS' CLUB

DEALING WITH CHILDREN

There was a full mooting of the Wellington branch of the National Council of Women held last evoning at the club room of the Federation of University Women. The executive mot first, and reports wore received from several affiliations of work done during the month. The council members were gratified to receive a letter from the Town Clerk stating that the bylaw which permitted people to sweep dust into, tho streets from shops" and houses till 8.30 in the morning had been roseindod, and that tho practice would cease at an-early date. The council had approached the Corporation by resolution and deputation on this important matter. The result was considered most satisfactory, and it-was decided to send a letter of thanks. WORK OF AFFILIATED SOCIETIES. It was stated that the.Borstal Association (Women's).had approached the Prisons Department on the subject of accommodation for delinquent girla who had not responded to Borstal treatment, when they left the institution. A sympathetic reply had been received, and tentative arrangements had been made till something more- definite could be settled.

The president (Mrs. M. H. Chatfield,

J.P.) announced that Dr. Scholefiold would give an address at the September meeting of the council oa "Famous Libraries," this being reeoived with much pleasure, Mrs. Suckling gave a brief address on the International Study Circle, which she represents on the council. The circle, she said, was begun by tho late Mrs. John Hannah and Miss D. Isaacs, and later presided over by Mrs. Henry Smith. The study was of wide interest and embraced international affairs of all kinds, not only those in connection with women. Both men and women were eligible for membership in the circle. She was followed by Mrs. Duske, who told of the very fine work accomplished by the Kindergarten Mothers' Association. These women had raised a wonderful amount of money by their own efforts, and had i benefited the various kindergartens by j vury substantial help. In thanking both speakers tho president said that the work of the Mothers' Club was a great credit to the members, and an example to others, who, with far greater means and opportunities, did not accomplish as much. It showed what co-operation and work could do to help any cause. "BEHAVIOURISM.'' Dr. Eussell (acting head of the Mental Hospitals Department) then gave a most interesting address on ; the subject of "Behaviourism" in refer- ' once to normal children, who wero difficult to understand or to guide, and yet who were quite normal in every : way. It was most difficult, he said, ■ to account for the trouble which some |of the young ones gave. They ap- : peared restless and always looking out > for some kind either of mischief or t misbehaviour in one direction or other. , Perhaps only one in a family developed [ these traits, and the question was how i best to deal with them. At times a, change of environment, of school, or of general treatment would make all the ' difference. He had known of a schoolboy who gave continual trouble and [ oven brought discredit by dishonesty, ! who, when removed from school and study and put to work gave no fur--1 ther trouble and settled down in life > satisfactorily. He dealt with tho feel- • ing of fear, of temper, and of a nuni- ■ ber of other unpleasant characteristics ' which manifest themselves in ordinary 1 children. He gave a wise and kindly exposition of the possible causes, and ' said they were not the deliberate fault of the children but of some_ causes which needed considerate attention and j not merely punishment. In reply to a question about punishment, Dr. Russell said that at times a definite) punishment had a salutary effect, and brought a troublesome child to the realisation that it could not go lon giving any particular kind of i trouble any longer, but in many eases • it was not punishment that was needed I as much as understanding. The address was a particularly fine , one and likely to be useful to many of j those present, arid a very hearty vote . of thanks was accorded to Dr. Russell f for giving his time and for telling so > much that was interesting.

The council has n number of plans in hand for further useful work. Some more associate members were enrolled, with the pi-ospeet of several new nfflliatious.