Overseas Women’s Visit To New Zealand

Northern Advocate, 29 July 1939, Page 3

Overseas Women’s Visit To New Zealand

On Tuesday, July 18, a meeting of the National Council of Women (Whangarei branch), was held. Those present were: Mesdames G. N. Morris, A. Marsden Woods, W. J. Dawson, Misses Broughton-Carr and J. I. Milne. Apologies were received from Miss E. Swayne, Mrs Spring and Mrs A. C. Finlayson.

Members reported that their respective associations approved the remit forwarded by the Whangarei Women’s Civic League, “that the health authorities be requested to introduce the necessary legislation to prohibit the handling of foodstuffs, especially cooked meats.”

A letter was received from the Dominion Secretary stating that the New Zealand Government Tourist Department, care of High Commissioner’s Office, had advised that a party of overseas women visitors proposed visiting New Zealand during the Centennial. The High Commissioner recommended to the Prime Minister that consultations be held with the N.C.W. and Federation of Women’s Institutes with a view of formulating a joint plan for giving effect to a proposal that the visitors should be received as guests in the homes of New Zealand women. Shipping accommodation had been tentatively arranged for 150 women.

The itinerary suggested is: January 5, arrive Auckland; at Auckland till January 11; January 12, National Park; January 13 and 14, Chateau Tongariro; January 15, National Park; January 20-25, Wellington; January 26 to February 1, Christchurch; February 2-6, Dunedin: February 8, sail on Rimutaka.

.Mrs Morris said it was necessary to take into consideration that this was a very elaborate scheme and that the party would be in New Zealand during a very busy month in the holiday season, when many people wece away on vacation or entertaining their friends. Whangarei women might perhaps be willing to offer hospitality from January 6 to 11. The committee decided that it was too early for giving any decision. Remits from other branches covering almost all types of social welfare were then discussed. These will be voted upon at the next meeting. Women and men may -be admitted as associate members of a local branch on payment of an annual subscription of 5/-. Associate members are entitled to speak at meetings, but have no voting power individually. Mrs Morris (Phone 2311) will give further information.