WOMEN’S CLUBS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 120, 22 April 1936, Page 13

WOMEN’S CLUBS

GROWTH IN ENGLAND

Some idea of the great work that is at present being carried out in London by various clubs and associations was given by Mrs A. J. Stevenson, of London, who arrived in Auckland recently. In Mrs Stevenson’s opinion, the number of women’s clubs of all descriptions was increasing rapidly and women were becoming increasingly conscious of the assistance that might be given to people less fortunately situated than themselves by co-operative effort. Branches of clubs, unions, leagues and associations were being formed in many small and hitherto inactive districts by women who recognised the need all over the country for co-operative welfare work and who were prepared to devote much of their leisure time in making the lives of poorer people easier, happier and more interesting. 'A.WIDENED OUTLOOK.

Mrs Stevenson thought that women’s increasing interest in each other as shown by the formation of various clubs not only broadened their outlook, introduced them to wider interests, and gave them an increasingly intelligent attitude to local, national and world affairs, but also furthered their education in many directions. Although the more practical side of their-activities lay in giving, assistance to people who required it, the social and educational aspect was almost equally . valuable. In the smaller country districts the various organisations conducted study circles dealing with matters of interest to members and the district, and lectures and demonstrations by experts or visitors on a variety of topics were very popular. Mrs Stevenson thought that for women in country districts the club organisation in any form was an excellent institution. Women were intensely interested in study classes dealing with subjects close to their homes and their own lives, and only a very little less interested in the lives and conditions of people in other countries.

Speaking of some of the larger societies and associations in London in which she is especially interested, Mrs Stevenson said that many of them were unusual, but all of them very necessary. Men, as well as women, were vitally and practically interested in these organisations, which were becoming increasingly powerful and important. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children had last year, assisted more than 100,000 children, including 70,000 neglected children, 10,000 ill-treated .children, and 9000 children exposed for begging purposes or suffering in various other ways. The National Children’s Home and Orphanage recognised no barriers of age, creed, or locality, and during its existence had helped over 26,000 boys and girls. The Wad's and Strays Society, in Airs Stevenson’s opinion one of the most necessary in London, did a tremendous amount of work among children who were taken from all parts of the country and brought up in small homes where they might receive individual care and attention. There were 105 of these homes in existence. ACTIVE ORGANISATIONS.

Baroness Ravensdale, said Airs Stevenson, had filled a long-lelt need in sponsoring the Musicians' Benevolent Fund, whereby thousands of unemployed musicians wlio had at some time played in orchestras or in other ways entertained the public could call for organised help witnout being forced to play on the streets. The Cancer Hospital, actively supported by Lord Granard, was doing valuable work in the free treatment for the alleviation of cancer, in caring for the incurable, and in research work for the discovery of its cause and cure. In working to break down the isolation of the deaf and in maintaining homes for deaf women and hostel for working deaf boys, the National Institute for the Deaf was recognised as one of the greatest and most deserving of London charities, while the Royal Association in aid of the Deaf and Dumb provided churches where services were conducted by specially-trained clergy, as well as clubs for social intercourse. The association also endeavoured to find employment for the doaf and dumb..

Airs Stevenson is touring New Zealand iii the course of a long holiday and expects to leave for Australia from Auckland early in Alay.