Golden Jubilee of Womens Franchise

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 223, 20 September 1943, Page 2

Golden Jubilee of Womens Franchise

THANKSGIVING SERVICE IN CITY An irapressivo “ Service of Thanksgiving’ ’ conducted by women of the city was held in the Opera House yesterday afternoon in conjunction with similar services throughout the Dominion to mark the golden jubilee of women’s franchise. Despite the inclement weather there was a good attendance including a number of menfolk. The stage had been charmingly decorated with spring bulbs and large brass bowls of tulip tree and birch foliage by Mesdames W. J. Minogue and O. Brown. In the absence of Mrs. J. Harris, of Turakina, president of the Manawatu branch of tho National Council of Women, through indisposition, Miss M. Grant, a vice-president, took the chair. Guests of honour were the Mayoress, Mrs. A. E. Mansfojrd, Mesdames M. Aitchison and W. F. Field, J.’sP., whose public services had been honoured, also some 30 ladies representing the noble band of pioneers who registered their first votes in 1893. Dainty shoulder sprays made by Mrs. A. Jervis, also Mrs. A. Just, representing the Sunshine Club, and Mrs. J. Kennedy the garden circle of the Townswomen’s Guild, were presented to all these ladies. The speakers were Mesdames L. Bennett, E. Lovell and W. J. Mountjoy, who dealt with the past, present and future, and the prayers were read by Major Tyler, of tho Salvation Army, and the Litany by Sister Noelene, deaconess of St. Andrew’s Church. Mrs. W. Bigham presided at the piano for the singing. Proceedings opened with the National Anthem and the hymn “All People That On Earth Do Dwell.” The Past. At the outset Mrs. Bennett said she was taking the section allotted to Mrs. H. Paterson, of Pahiatua, whose presence would have been most appropriate as one of tho stalwarts of the W.0.T.U., to the efforts of which organisation the women owed a debt of gratitude. She referred to the presence on tho stage of many ladies who had voted at tho first election in 1893. They were notable because this was the first occasion, not only in New Zealand, but in the world, that women had exercised a civic right along with men. In the past women had never had tho same rights, but at least they had duties which made them important. With the advent of machinery women had less duties of management, but were not given corresponding civic responsibilities, and so were not really taking their real part in the State. Everyone remembered the ‘ ‘ suffragettes ’ ’ in England, but very few people appreciated the way the women worked to get the vote in New Zealand. Tho Women’s Christian Temperance Union took the lead, and in conditions of primitive transport and long distances between settlements the women collected on one occasion the signatures of 30 per cent, of the adult women then resident in the Dominion for a petition to Parliament. It was not correct to say we did not have to fight for the vote. The Present. There was no more surprising discovery to those who were interested in the evolution of modern womanhooa than the knowledge that women had been merely regaining during the past 70 or SO years the equality with men which they enjoypd in classical and medieval times, Mrs. Lovell stated. She referred to Plato’s Republic and Ancient Rome. Right up to the 17th century women had shown valour in battle and power of leadership of the highest order. To-day women had achieved or regained political equality. Were women satisfied with the result of their campaign? When Sylvia Pankhurst was asked that question she answered “No.” She bewailed the fact that the torrential women ; s move- ( ment had dwindled to a mere stream;' that the new era of world happiness and social wisdom, which had been pre- j dieted, had failed to materialise. What| had New Zealand women gained by tho l vote? was often asked. A survey! showed that during 52 years prior to the franchise seven- Statutes dealing) with problems of family and social life had been passed. Up to 1938 the number of enactments was over 50 including amendments to the previous seven. It should not be forgotten that the real gain was not of legislative enactments, but something more important, that was the mental and spiritual uplift resulting from the release of women from au age-long inferiority complex. Women were never so well equipped to fulfil their mission of companionship to man as they were to-day, and never so well i qualified for leadership in any and every walk of life, the speaker averred. Mrs. Lovell traversed the fields of women’s endeavour but pointed out that woman still could not earn what her work was worth. Apathy and lack of interest were still everywhere apparent. So much was taken for granted but there was so much to be considered in professions, in industry and rehabilitation. Women must be alert and well informed. Single voices might not count for much but organised representations of protest carried weight. What of the Future? Mrs. Mountjoy spoke of tho contribution women must make in the days to come. When peace came, there would be a challenge for endurance and effort for the world would be attempting the .greatest task in history of building a happy world for all. This task could not be left to the leaders, but must be shared by those being led, by employers, and employed. And so with the sexes—women must not leave thiß terrific responsibility to men alone, the lives of her children were at stake. I Woman had a special job in the fulfil- j ment of her destiny and the new world would not bo happy unless built by men and women. If she had not done all that was hoped for nor all she could have done, the position should be examined to try to sweep away any inferiority complex. Women themselves did not have tho pride in their jobs of

child bearing and home-making, hence the attitude of men. When respect grew for woman’s job as equally important as man’s, she would be ready to make a wonderful contribution, with her understanding of humanity. The first fundamental was for woman to keep up the birth rate and there must be a real recognition and respect for this task. She must see that homos were convenient and well equipped thus mitigating some of the drudgery. There should be councils for advice, more play centres, etc., and the terrific question of domestic help would bo almost solved. Home-making must be considered a very high profession and women so inclined would take it up. Health and nutrition, conditions for workers, every branch of social work all concerned women who were also the repositories of the culture of the race. They must keep alive the great question of peace, being proud peace makers rather than spartan mothers and make their influence felt in politics for women had a genius for human values. They must take up the challenge of the present world situation with courage and make their contribution to a happy world. By special request, tho song written ana composed by Mrs. R. Inkpen, of Palmerston North, and accepted for the Jubilee broadcast from Wellington was rendered by Miss M. Alderson, with due regard to the thoughtful sentiments expressed, Mrs. Inkpen playing the accompaniment. The service conciudea with “Gad Defend New Zealand” ana the Benediction pronounced by Major Tyler. The pioneer voters invited, inciudea Mesdames F. Lindsay, S. Wright, M. Rutledge, C. F. Spooner, Birdsall, J. b. Geary (Feilding), McKenzie, Carter, M. Ashworth, Bigham, M. Minogue, Urry, Dr. Platts Mills, N. Longley, L. Robson (Bunnythorpe), J. Alexander, G. Vile, Delahanty, C. A. Martin (Table Flat), E. C. Burling, Jacobs, E. J. Mills, Pollard, Skinner, Silson, Sweeney, J. | Winton, A. Astbury, Pullen, E. H. Carter, Staines, Miss Johansen, all but those \ specially marked being of Palmerston North. Mrs. Bennett was convener for the service, and committee members assisting were Mesdames Briden Jones, Minogue, O. Brown, A. J. Will, Misses M. Greenwell, V. Ward and L. C. | Thompson.