COUNCIL OF WOMEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17622, 8 November 1920, Page 8

COUNCIL OF WOMEN.

INTERNATIONAL GATHERING. An interesting account of the conference of delegates of the International Council of Women, held at Christiania in September, has been received from Miss Craig-Roberton, who, with Mrs. ToddSmith, represented New Zealand at the conference. The gathering was the first of its kind held, since 1915,. and nearly 30 countries were represented, including Austria, Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland; France, Greece, Hungary, Yugoslavia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, and. the United States. Although the German women felt themselves unable to attend until Germany had been admitted to the League of Nation?), warm greetings were sent by their council, and a promise given to co-operate during the next quinquennial period. The total number of, delegates was 340, and warm hospitality was showed them by the Norwegian Council, and by the local councils of Bergen and -. Christiania. Concerts luncheons, and dinners were given in honour of the guests, and King Haakon and Queen Maud, not only, received the delegates at the 'Royalspalace, but also attended the entertainment given in the State Theatre in honc-Uf of the council members. "-%. "■' ~/' "-•"'* ■- In addition to the meetings of executives and of the council itself, five public meetings were held, at which educational and . economic and moral questions, public health, and the appeal of the idea of the League of Nations to "women were discussed. A specially-impressive gathering was the welcome to delegates; when representatives of the new councils were introduced, representing Ukraine, ' Uruguay, and "Iceland, The delegates from Czecho Slovakia. Mexico, Roumania arid Russia were unable to arrive in time for the opening of the conference.

During the council's sessions, much interesting discussion arose rerardinsr the international interchange of public school teachers, training in citizenshin, and Instruction of girls in laws affecting women and children. The international movement for child-welfare, laws of nationality, endowment of motherhood, the elimination of private profit from the sale of intoxicating liquors were also subjects for discussion. * Cordial -invitations were extended for the"l92s conference to be held either in i Tuco-STavia or in the United States. The fin-il decision was left to the execuj lire, which will meet in Holland in 1922.