COUNCIL OF WOMEN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 71, 21 February 1939, Page 13

COUNCIL OF WOMEN.

PROBLEMS OF CHILDHOOD. Airs H. Paterson (Pahiatua) presided over the first meeting of the new 3’ear of the National Council of AVomen, held yesterday, and extended a welcome to the members. It was agreed to send a letter of congratulation to Aliss C. Alclvenny, A1.8.E. (Pahiatua), a former president, on being included in the New Year honours and also on being re-elected Dominion president of the Registered Nurses’ Association.

Airs Paterson reported that she had attended the opening of “Kaianga Aloe-, ’ the AA omen's Division rest home, as a representative of the branch, and had offered the good wishes of the members. In reply to a letter sent forward from the branch to the City Council with regard to housing conditions in I almerston North, the Mavor (Air A it. Mansford) stated that 'the let-tei 'ci° l i l^ ace J before the council. J flanks were expressed for the offer of co-operation in the matter of studying housing conditions. It was agreed to seek the co-opera tion of Aliss Fitzgibbon. nursing ad- [ yiser to the Plunket Society, in draw-f ing up an outline of suitable instruc- j turn in mothercraft for girls of pri- 1 niarv and secondary schools, to for-1 ward to headquarters. | Airs J. A. Harris (Turakina) asked that consideration ho given to the seri- 1 ous problem arising ns the result of tlie consolidation of schools. Countrv women were perturbed because this j "as bringing about a town bias, which j was deplorable in a primary produc- ! mg country. There was also a ton— | denev to overcrowding, which meant that the children could not get the individual attention desired. Hie felt that the endeavours of the education authorities were too far-reaching and that it would be as well for the women to put out a restraining hand. Another point, to consider was whether *he long bus ride to and from school, winch was necessary in some cases’ was in the best interests of the child. Afombers decided to seek information regarding the points raised.