NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN

Evening Star, Issue 22954, 11 May 1938, Page 15

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN

DUNEDIN BRANCH Mrs W, >N. Benson presided over a large gathering of the National Council of . Women fast Wednesday evening, on the occasion of its twentieth annual meeting. A special welcome wasextended to the mayoress, to the presidents of the affiliated societies, to Miss Helen Thompson, representing the Otago Home Science Alumnal, and to Mrs John Thomson, representing'the Otago High School Ex-Girls’ Club. The review of the year’s work showed that the council had engaged in a wide range of activities. Special interest had been taken in matters of immediate moment to women, such as the Dominion inquiry into maternity services, the need for careful planning of homes, special facilities for the training of backward children, and the problem of an adequate domestic service. Support had also been given to an effort to promote city cleanliness and to purge the city of pernicious literature, with some success in the latter 1 case. Several subjects submitted by other branches of the N.C.W.. had been fully considered. A report on penal reform in relation to habitual criminals and recommended improvements to the New Zealand Borstal system was received from Auckland; a review on domestic relations from Wellington and a remit on consumption of liquor at dance, halls and in attendant motor cars from Manawatu. Recreative work for women in mental hospitals continues to be provided by the council’s special committee under Mrs C. M. Begg s supervision. Mrs Leary is responsible tor the handwork done. This work brings great pleasure to the hospital patients, and is recognised as of actual curative value. Gifts of fancy work, magazines, and money for this would be very much appreciated. The chief effort of the year was directed towards the securing of the introduction into New Zealand of women police, and in moving the adoption of the annual report the president, Mrs Benson, expressed the very great gratification with which the council received the news that the Hon. the Minister of Justice had intimated his acceptance of this service for New Zealand. This marked an achievement for the N.C.W. after something like a decade of work, and also for one of two other societies who had worked longer for this reform. Another success announced by the Minister was that training of domestic workers was to he made a matter of national policy. Mrs Benson concluded the business of the evening by reading the report of Miss Trent. Dominion president of the National Council of Women on the International Women’ fV’ferenre in connee ’ n with Am-' ’ : n’s 150. h anniversary celebrations. Of the many ad-

dresses given at this conference that of Miss Miethko, president of the Australian National Council of Women, calls .for special note. It was entitled ‘ This Changing World—lts Challenge.’ Miss Miethke claimed that present-day problems are ones that are shared by men and women alike. She said that the twentieth century might well sponsor an easy and pleasant world, rich as it is in the gifts of an ago of science; but these implements for co-operation and world peace are being used as implements of destruction. Surely this international position constitutes a challenge to the common sense of the world. We face an international situation that is tragic and dangerous. Our protection against this challenge is the holding fast to that ideal of freedom which is the essence of democracy. We may not all be perfect, but at least the responsibility of national affairs is in the hands of ourselves.” The special thanks of the council were expressed by the president to three retiring members of the executive—Drs M'Kmnon and Sinclair, and the corresponding secretary, Miss Sherriff. Dr M'Kinnon. one of the first members of the council, had served it in many capacities, and in every way locally and in conference and on the Dominion executive. Miss Sherriff _ for some 15 years had been untiring in her efforts to-promote council welfare, and Dr Sinclair had given valuable service for some five years. Miss Runciman further voiced the council’s appreciation and presented floral tributes to these ladies. The president further referred with regret to the retirement of three council members of esteemed value— Mrs Ashn, who had held almost every office in the council, had been a member for about 15 years, and had been largely instrumental in widening the influence of the council. Miss Holford, also an early member, had been very helpful throughout the years, and Mrs Donaldson no less so, although a more recent member. These members will be missed, but the young ones must fill the ranks, and doubtless they will do so. An. ardent vote of thanks _to Mrs Benson for her work as chairwoman was carried by the council. The following officers for 1938 were elected,: — President, Mrs W. N. Benson; vSce- £ residents—Mrs P. Milne, Miss H. K. ovell-Smith, -Mrs A. A. Orton, and Sister Jean Porteous; corresponding secretary, Miss L. Sullivan; recording secretary, Miss K. Rawnsley; treasurer, Mrs W. K. Cameron; Dominion committee—Mrs W. K. Cameron, Dr Sinclair, Miss L. Sullivan, Mrs P. Milne, Miss H. K. Lovell-Smith, and Mrs A. A. Orton.