MUST CO-OPERATE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 56, Issue 32929, 26 November 1947, Page 7

MUST CO-OPERATE

WORLD AFFAIRS TODAY INSPIRING ADDRESS DISTRICT WOMEN MEET Miss Joan Rattray, of Auckland, the guest speaker for the day, gave a most inspiring address on the position of women in world affairs today at the recent council meeting of the Thames-Hauraki Plains Federation of Women’s Institutes.

She pointed out that never in the history of civilisation has there been a greater need for the co-operation ■of both men and women in national and international affairs. Having recently attended the International Assembly of women held in America, where 54 countries were represented, she was very much interested by the keenness shown by these women in the affairs of other nations.

Many of these delegates were from countries where there is still no women’s franchise, but nevertheless they are taking their place in many very responsible positions in the national affairs of their country. One striking instance was that of a delegate from. Venzuela —a young mother who for several years had been a judge of the juvenile court, and who left the conference to return and stand for parliament at the first election at which women had the vote.

It was a striking fact that the women from countries which were considered backward, had very outstanding achievements to their credit. In India today, where only two per cent, of the women are literate the delegate to the United Nations Assembly was the very outstanding woman, Mrs Pandit, who is now the Indian ambassador at Moscow, whereas the Begum, Shah, Nawaz is also an ambassador at Moscow, representing Pakistan. At Food Conference

An outstanding feature was the fact that several women also represented their respective governments at the recent Food and Agricultural Conference at Quebec, and again the youth of many of the delegates was ■noticeable. The one great aim was to bring together the women of the world in order to learn something of the conditions of other countries, and with one voice they emphasised the great need that there is today to support the United Nations. All were extremely interested in the health, social services, educational system, and welfare services of New Zealand and they felt the need that there is for having men and women on boards, in parliament and at international conferences.

Each country should have a roster of suitable women from which to draw whenever representatives are re-

quired. They felt that women should work not just in the interests of women but for the good of humanity as a whole. The training of personnel for colonial service was an absolute necessity and haphazard representation was not enough today. Diplomacy understanding’, moral integrity and a spiritual basis were the only foundations on which the world could be reconstructed. Very Concerned The women of the devastated countries were very concerned with the future prospects of the millions of young people whose lives during the war years had been broken physically, mentally and morally. For so long deprived of all home influence and training they are now stranded, and unprepared for citizenship. Both Swedish and Greek delegates made special appeals for the Save the Children Fund. All felt that the uneven production and distribution of food was one of the greatest causes of war, and this was a matter in which the women of the world could play a very definite part. Miss Rattray, as a member of the Auckland City Council, chairman of the Metropolitan Youth Service, and a member of several committees dealing with welfare services, was extremely interested in meeting women of the Thames-Hauraki area. She said it was of 'great interest to her to realise how wide were their interests and their many . associations with city organisations. In conclusion, Miss Rattray expressed the wish that city people realised more fully the tremendous contribution that the wives and the women of the country are making. It was said that men are the backbone of the country, ibut, without the women, we would never have the primary producing country we have today. At the conclusion of her address the speaker was given an enthusiastic ovation, and Mrs G. Pinnock, piesident, thanked her sincerely for coming specially to Thames. Rich Heritage

Mrs R. A. McNaughton, of Tauranga, a Dominion executive mum-bei,

spoke briefly on matters appertaining to institute work, and said what a rich heritage had been left by pioneer ancestors who had planned and worked for the betterment of future generations.

We in our turn should carry on the good work and do our best to improve conditions for the coming generations, she said. Mrs McNaughton the previous afternoon had had her first trip down the Thames Coast, and was very impressed with its loveliness. She would return to Tauranga, knowing Thames to be a really charming little town, and she had no doubt that it would vie with Tauranga in attracting tourists. In conclusion, Mrs McNaughton congratulated the energetic executive committee of the ThamesHauraki Federation for their very successful council meeting, and the kindness that had been extended to her on every hand. Mrs Pinnock thanked Mrs McNaughton for her visit and said how happy they all were to have her with them.