Notes for Women

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 29 July 1941, Page 2

Notes for Women

RALLY OF WOMEN DOMINION RECONSTRUCTION DISCUSSED The first step toward organising the women of Auckland in a movement concerning itself with post war reconstruction was held in the Auckland Town Hall. The hall was almost crowded and the very large attendance proved that the subject was a popular one. It was stated that the meeting was part of the Dominion Reconstruction Movement and a prelliminary to holding a national conference in Wellington. The Mayoress. Mrs J. A. C. Allum, in her opening speech stated that thei i Dominion conference was designed to] bring people of goodwill together for; ' moral and material reconstruction j which would be necessary after the The next speaker. Mrs Hedda Dyson, editor of the “New Zealand Woman’s Weekly,” stressed the point that the people of this Dominion as well as the people of the world should unite, learn to understand one another and outline the fundamental points of Reconstruction. The forthcoming conference would be based on this idea. Mr and Mrs Everyday, said the speaker, could not possibly be expected to be experts on all technical subjects—but they were , well capable of understanding those simple truths of life. The Dominion Reconstruction was aiming at finding the common denominator, the essential facts on which universal unity could be achieved. As her own suggestion and not speaking in ; the name of the Committee the speaker quoted seven fundamental principles, simple enough for a basis of understanding. Each principal required thorough investigation and the work of expert committees but it was unnecessary to submit technicalities to the great masses of the people. She stated that the only cure for democracy’s illnesses was action based upon unity, and agreement upon results and common desires. The seven principles, which were unanimously agreed to by the large gathering were: 1. The need for security for all human beings. 2. The need for equal opportunity of youth. 3. The need for a deep spiritual belief. 4. Need for love, understanding and community. 5. Need for congenial work and pride of work. 6. Need for vigorous health. 7. Need for recreation. There was no opportunity to discuss these subjects in details as thirteen committees were being formed for the preliminary work necessary, for leading the debates and discussions and to co ordinate the different suggestions 'sent in. Mrs Dyson urged the women lof this Dominion to come together, [form committees and use the publicity 'attached to the conference to lay down a clear and concise proposal for the work of women in the post war days. Mrs D. Mclntosh. Dominion President of the Council of Women, stressed the point that after 1918 the people had thrown away the opportunity to d .elop the kind of life that would bring peace to the world. This time plans must be mad; well ahead, she said and by and by the various groups must come together by some means to compare notes and ko ahead again. She concluded her address by giving a brief resume of the work now being clone on Reconstruction by the National Council of Women. . , Mrs M. M. Dreaver. the newly elected M.P. for Waitemata, wrs received with ! prolonged applause, which amounted to an ovation. She stressed the point I that women to-day are on th upgrade : and if they wanted to share in the ! reconstruction of the world after the w - they were to think and act ahead. Further speakers '.ere Mrs Ruby i Watson of the Catholic Women's Guild i and Miss Joan Sutherland of the Hapi piness Club. 1 A prayer was offered by Mrs May | Harvey, president of the Crusade for Peace and Brotherhood. Pianoforte i solos were given by Mr Georg Tintner jai.ci the Happiness Choir gave several ! items. The afternoon was concluded by a symbolic play, “Justice,” written by I Mrs M. Irwin and produced by Mr Leslie Watson.