NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 92, 18 March 1936, Page 12

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN.

MANAWATU BRANCH. The Manawatu branch of the National Council of Women met on Monday, Mrs H. Paterson (Pahintua) being- voted to the chair in the absence of the president, Aliss C. McKenny. Also present were Mesdames Hibberd (Utiku), W. Howell (Rautnai), K. Ross (Foilding), S. Me Do wall (Feilding). Miss Simpson (Marten), Mesdames 0. E. Niederer, Bridcn-Jones, , Misses I*. Hinrlle (acting-secretary) and M. Grant, Palmerston North. There were apologies for absence from Mesdames Harris (Marton), A. McCorkindale (Feilding), Clausen (Palmerston North), and Miss V. Kelly (Palmerston North). Sympathy was expressed with Aliss McKenny in the serious illness of her sister, the acting-secretary being authorised to convey this message by letter.

Copies of the revised constitution were made available to members. A further communication was received from the South African National Council, seeking information as to tlie possibility of Now Zealand representation at the proposed conference in Johannesburg in November to coincide with jtjhilee celebrations, or of influential women who might, he visiting South Africa at that time. A report from the Motion Pictures Exhibitors’ Association was laid on the table. Arising out of correspondence from other centres, arrangements were made for a survey of buildings in which there arc women employees in the district covered by the Alanawatu branch, reports to be brought to tlie April meeting. 5 A satisfactory discussion took place on the subject brought forward to tlie February meeting by the All Saints’ branch of the Mothers’ Union.

At the request of Airs Niederer uninteresting address, given recently by Aliss Elsie Andrews, of New Plymouth, on “Women’s Place in Civic Life,'' was read to the meeting. Aliss Andrews held that the problem for woman was to find a substitute for her oldtime occupations and to find outlets for her talents. She asked. women to consider were they treated fairly in New Zealand—educationally, legally, politically and economically ? She also dealt with the special duty of women in the cause of peace. She did not believe it would come until women were more active in its cause and until they had clarified their minds on the subject. Tlie address concluded: “AVe ask, and it is necessary tha.t we should obtain, exactly the same freedom of choice and opportunity which are the heritage of man—no more and no less ; anil we ask these things because we realise that true progress is dependent upon the highest development of intelligence.” The address gave rise to considerable discussion on the various points enumerated. A financial statement prepared by Air F. Bull was approved, and is to he completed for tlie annual meeting in Alay.