“Women’s Work”

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 114, 17 May 1938, Page 2

“Women’s Work”

MISS C. E. KIRK, J.P., ADDRESSES N.C.W. Members of various city and country women’s organisations were privileged yesterday afternoon to hear an address by Miss C. E. Kirk, J.P., of Wellington, to the Manawatu branch of the National Council of Women on “Women’s Work.” Miss Kirk is a past Dominion president of tho N.C.W. The function took place in the Y.W.C.A. assembly hall, Mrs. H. Paterson (Pahiatua), president of the branch, presiding and presenting Miss Kirk with a dainty posy. Before introducing the speaker, Mrs. Paterson expressed apreciation that she had so readily undertaken to give the members some thoughts from her own great experience. Miss Kirk was one of the many high-minded women who had en- ' gaged in women's work for years. Miss Kirk then proceeded to show in a most practical way how members of women's organisations could help in assuring a force of well-trained women police; of building public opinion to check the evil of criminal abortion; of exclusion of the general public from Courts when separation and maintenance cases were being heard; to stop the dissemination of disgusting literature; to press for one type of film programme for juveniles and to see to it that there were fewer gruesome films in the face of terrible happenings. In conclusion, Miss Kirk said if women would collect their facts carefully, talk steadily and seriously they could accomplish anything in the way of reforms, whether it be in the conduct of courts, dance halls or films. Never were the young people in greater need of protection and mother-love, she declared. “I admire the young people today,” the speaker continued. “They may be a law unto themselves, but you must remember they were thrust into a chaotic world after the war, and the older women did not stand by them. It is up to tho older women to wake up and give what protection they can, but to give that protection in the way young people can accept it—to make a world they can live in and express the best and highest that is in them.” Moving the vote of thanks for an instructive address, Mrs. Mansford commended Miss Kirk's remarks about inculcating a Christian spirit in the home and her stand for tho young people. Mrs. Paterson added her appreciation of Miss Kirk’s remarks. Prior to the meeting the serving of afternoon tea was a thoughtful gesture. ANNUAL MEETING OF BRANCH Prior to the public meeting the annual meeting of the branch was held, Mrs. H. Paterson presiding, also present being Mesdames D. Simpson (Marton), J. Harris (Turakina), A. McCorkindale, M. D. Colquhoun and K. Ross (Feilding), W. G. Short (Cheltenham), F. Howie (Taihape), A. E. Mansford and Briden. Joneß (Palmerston North). Misses Simpson (Marton), C. Jamieson, M. Matheson, M. Grant and H. M. Saunders, Palmerston North (hon. secretary). Before entering upon the business of the meeting Mrs. Paterson extended a warm welcome to Mrs. Harris (who recently returned from a visit overseas), with the hope that members would be privileged to hear some of her impressions at a later date. Mrs. Harris briefly acknowledged the welcome and intimated her pleasure in addressing the members later in the year. Annual Report. An outline of the year’s activities was presented by the president, which stated:—“Membership had been maintained despite the fluctuation caused by removal or illness of members. During the year the branch had sustained a severo loss by the death of Miss C. Moore, a valued member. The interest and help in discussion of several associate members was much appreciated There were nine affiliated societies. Ten monthly meetings had been held, the attendances being moderately good. Special meetings included a largelyattended gathering held in Palmerston North and presided over by th* Mayoress, to hear an address by Dr. Doris Gordon on ‘Criminal Abortion.’ In September a valuable report on the Dominion conference, also on the New Zealand National Committee of the PanPacific Women's Association was given to an open meeting by Mrs. Duncan Simpson, the delegate. In November Miss P. Hindle, who had ably filled the secretarial duties, was farewelled on the eve of her departure for Christchurch. Study topics dealt with included 'The Domestic Problem' (Miss McKenny), and “N.Z. Divorce Lawfr (Mrs. Simpson). These talks were most informative, and it was felt such sub jects should be entored into more fully by all members. It was fitting as a branch that appreciation should be expressed of the enlightenment on international affairs given by Miss K. Courtney, a leader among tho world’s peace movements. Thanks were heartily extended to all members for ready cooperation and to the Press for support at all times. Among the pressing problems which had had attention and still demanded study and consideration were the following:—World peace, women police, retardate children, the status of women, divorce laws, drink problem, criminal abortion, endowment of motherhood.” In the words of the president the report concluded:—“ln these days the task of doing one’s share for the best good of all concerned is tremendously important, and we are called upon to give our time and our efforts to these and all other problems which bear upon our national life, therefore, let us go forward.” Seconding the adoption of the report, Mrs. Simpson congratulated the presi dent on its excellence. The members were deeply conscious of all tho work Mrs. Paterson had put in on their behalf. she said, these remarks being endorsed by acclamation. Opportunity was taken at this moment by Mrs. Simpson to ask Mrs. Paterson's acceptance of a posy of cyclamen and maiden hair fern* the

recipient feelingly expressing thanks for the kind thought. The balance-sheet presented by Miss Jamieson disclosed a small credit on the year's working, which was considered most satisfactory, appreciation of Miss Jamieson's work being enthusiastically offered. Election of Officers. Officers were elected as follow: President, Mrs. H. Paterson, Pahiatua (re-elected); vice-presidents, Mrs. A. E. Mansford and Mrs. J. Harris (Turakina); hon. secretary, Miss H. M. Saunders (Mrs. D. Simpson to act a« assistant) treasurer, Miss C. Jamiesou (re-elected). Appreciation was expressed by acclamation of the services rendered to the branch by Miss Saunders in carrying out the secretarial duties and consenting to continue in this office for the time being. Mrs. Simpson conveyed a message from Miss M. Trent, Dominion presi dent, Christchurch, to the effect that she hoped to visit the branch in the near future. Mrs. Mansford announced that a meeting would be held in Palmerston North next week in connection with the National Women’s and Children’s Convalescent Home it is proposed to build at Rotorua, when Lady Statham (Wellington), patron of the provisional Board of Governors, would visit the city. Mrs. Mansford has been elected president.