CIVIC LEAGUE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19119, 10 September 1925, Page 13

CIVIC LEAGUE.

The monthly meeting of the Civic League was held on Tuesday evening in the Cabin tearooms, Mrs. Neal presiding. M.iss Basten, one of the league's representatives on the Auckland branch of the National Council of Women and a delegate to the recent conference, touched briefly on the proceedings at Hamilton. She said that after hearing the account by the Dominion president, Miss Kane, of her experiences at the quinquennial conference at Washington delegates were .greatly impressed with the international importance of the organisation which, up to the present, has not been rightly appreciated in New Zealand. The outstanding feature was in relation to child welfare, the international council having drawn up a children's charter which had become the basis of the present, deliberations at Geneva. In view of present proposed legislation on the subject in New Zealand this was of peculiar interest. It was decided at the conference to send letters of appreciation to the proper authorities on the progress made in the direction of child welfare and the care of mental patients in New Zealand; and also in respect to ante-natal clinics. The statement made by Dr. de la Mare that milk supplied by a certain producer in Hamilton, unpasteurised, would keep for eight days caused amazement, and it was decided to communicate with that lady asking for full details. Some comment was made by members on the loss of the remit which stated that folklore and classical stories were not always suitable for infant children. It afforded the conference the keenest pleasure to subscribe to the verdict that the New Zealand pyess was the cleanest in the world, and a desire was expressed that less sordid and unclean matter might be sent us from the other side of the world. A discussion on the advisability of increase in capitation to school committees evoked strong expressions for more liberal provision of funds for the proper cleaning of school buildings if in no other direction. Several important emendations to the Welfare Bill before the House were suggested, the experience of the social workers attending the conference being of inestimable value. The whole conduct of the conference was marked by the greatest cordiality and goodwill.