AMY MOLLISON

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXX, Issue 12263, 26 May 1934, Page 8

AMY MOLLISON

TURNING TO PUBLIC LIFE. Mrs. J. A. Mollison (formerly Amy Johnson) has consistently maintained that she does not consider there is much opportunity for women to make a career in aviation, bur she does honestly believe there are many ways in which a woman can be helpful to her country as an M.P. So she is thinking of standing for Parliament, and once launched she wiil not turn back. She believes that new recruits for such a career are required. To her own query, “What have I to offer?'" Mrs. Mollison supplies the aceonipanyng answer. A university education with a degree in economics, which enables m e to bring a technical knowledge to the study of onr nation’s affairs. A deep interest in national and international problems over a long period, encouraged by wide reading, extensive travelling in England, cur Dominions, and foreign countries, and a wide circle of friends among some of the greatest authorities ot the day in almost every country o* the world. A special knowledge in aviation, which is now being accepted as one of the most- -important factors both in our commercial life and as the greatest, bulwark of cur Home defence. A real sympathy and understanding of all classes, arising from a fairly rigorous training in the “University of Lfe,” as a well-known politician once described it. I come from the working middle classes; my father made his own way, and is now a well-established business man. My career began in a shop where f sold ribbons. I know what it is to be friendless and penniless in London.

I also know what it is to have money which I have made by my own efforts and- to this I am prepared to devote, to the career 1 have chosen. I know what it i s to be employed, and to -employ labour. I have visited steel works,, coal mines, ■ woollen mills, cotton mills, everywhere my, friends are to be found among both employers and employed. I have spoken in almost every town and village in England, Scotland and Males,, and have never had any occasion to feel that my sincerity—was doubted.