NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 20 April 1934, Page 4

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN

PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE GIRLS IN MARKET GARDENS (By Telegraph—Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. The National Council of Women at the annual conference carried an Auckland remit that the council deplores the exclusion from New Zealand primary schools of all children until they are within a few weeks of their seventh birthday, believing this contrary to the best interests of the children, and therefore seeks an alteration to the Act to admit earlier admission.

A remit was also carried urging the appointment of women inspectors for •factories where women are employed. The question of the employment of Maori and European girls in market gardens conducted bv Chinese and other Asiatics was discussed as the result of a Wellington remit urging that regulations bo brought in to prevent such employment. One delegate said the remit was contrary to the affirmations previously made bv the council and the International Council to the effect that a spirit be fostered that was above all national and racial matters. An amendment was moved that the Minister of Justice he asked to have stricter supervision exercised. Miss E. Melville said it was not a question of nationality but one of race. In Auckland they were concerned with the effect on Maori girls. The Maoris belonged to us and we must look after them.

Finally an amended remit was adopted as follows: “That it be urged that regulations be made to ensure suitable conditions in the employment of European and Maori women by Chinese and other Asiatics, and by all employers of female labour' in agriculture.”,