Rongotea

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 258, 30 October 1937, Page 12

Rongotea

tfVn*n Our Own Oorresnondant. National Party Women'* Branch. Despite heavy rttin, a women's meeting organised by the Nationalist Party, was well attended at Rongotea on Wednesday evening. Mrs A. J. Will was appointed to the chair and introduced the speaker of the evening, Mrs Williamson, who stated that she had been Invited to address a meeting of the local women, in the hope of forming a strong women’s branch. After expressing her pleasure at the interest displayed, Mrs Williamson stressed the urgent necessity fc-r women to realise their responsibility in the world of politics and to organise to combat the tyranny of State control. Steady encroachment had been mad© upon individual initiative, the • cost of living was steadily rising as a re- ! suit of the Governmfcht policy, taxation i was excessive (the highest in the world), ! and therefore it was full time that woipen i should bestir themselves and organise 10 I help to return to power a party pledged to sane government. The speaker pointed out that the small farming class, to which mttny or those present belonged, was being threatened. Indeed one prominent member of Parliament had stated that the small farmer was doomed. Referring to the socialistic tendencies of the Government, Mrs Williamson pointed out that seven members of the Cabinet were avowed Socialists. Compulsory unionism was being enforced, and as pity dwellers were socialistic \in their attitude, their solidarity was a threat to the Interests Of country dwellers. Therefore, responsible people must realise that a duty developed upon them to organise and encourage the spirit of private enterprise as opposed to socialism. The women’s vote could easily be the deciding factor In the next election as to whether the Dominion would be committed to a policy of social surrender oi k freedom. Some 80,000 pfeople did hot register their votes at the last election, i but had they done so the country would Ibo in a different position to-day. Following Mrs Williamson’s address, the meeting was thrown open tor general dlf cushion, after which Mrs w. Sandercock moved, and Mra D. B. Rowe seconded, that a sub-committee of the Women’s branch of tho National Party be formed at Rongotea. this being carried. The election of officers resulted as follows.’— President, Mrs D. B. Rowe; vice-presi-dents, Mesdames M. Bower and J. Hill; secretary, Mrs R. O. Gloyn; committee, Mesdames E. J. Arnott and J. Parker, j andAl iss Hill, with power to add; delej gates to Feilding branch, Mesdames D. B. Rowe and R. O. Gloyn. Mrs Williamson j invited members to attend a National Party rally and social afternoon, to be heeld In Feilding on November 19, when I a prominent lady speaker would address : the gathering. The meeting concluded | with a hearty vote of thanks to the | speaker for her inspiring address, and the j assistance she had given.