PAN-PACIFIC DELEGATE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22818, 27 August 1937, Page 4

PAN-PACIFIC DELEGATE

MRS. KENNETH GORDON GATHERING OF WELCOME A striking tribute was paid to Mrs. Kenneth Gordon, president of the Auckland branch of the League of Nations Union, when a large gathering of people met in the Milne Choyco Reception Hall yesterday to welcome her on her return from Vancouver, where she represented the Federated Women's Clubs of New Zealand at the Pan-Pacific Women's Conference. The function was convened by the union members, and in addition there where present representatives *from other Auckland clubs and women's organisations in which Mrs. Gordon is actively interested. A brief musical programme, arranged by Madame Humphrey Steward, was contributed by Miss Alys Moncur and Miss Doreen Atkins, both of whom sang. Afternoon tea was served at the conclusion of the speeches. A cordial welcome to Mrs. Gordon was extended by the acting-president of the union, Mr. M. Aldis, who referred to the activities of the League of Nations. Although the league had failed disasterously and ignominiously in some ways, the speaker pointed out that it was an experiment begun under unfavourable circumstances, and it could not be expected to have a career of unbroken success. Public opinion was the ultimate force in public affairs, and public opinion in New Zealand required stimulating in favour of the League of Nations, which needed support if it was to be successful. Some of the impressions gained during her sojourn in Vancouver were rev counted by Mrs. Gordon, who first announced that on her arrival there she had received a message asking her to represent the Dominion League of Nations Union at the Pan-Pacific conference. A study of the various women she had met "had revealed the American woman as a "hustler," full of courage, initiative and presence of mind on all occasions. The cultured and highlyeducated Oriental women jhad also impressed her greatly, the_ poise, dignity and friendliness with which the Chinese and Japanese had acted toward each other, in spite of the fact that their respective countries were at war, being a particularly pleasing feature of their demeanour. Mr. Louis Phillips thanked Mrs. Gordon for her address on behalf of the members present and Mrs. F. H. Reillv, a member of the executive, presented her with a bouquet of spring flowers.