PAN-PACIFIC CONFERENCE

Taranaki Daily News, 12 August 1930, Page 9

PAN-PACIFIC CONFERENCE

GATHERING IN HONOLULU WOMEN’S PLACE IN NATION INTEREST OF THE LEAGUE By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 7.25 p.m. Honolulu, August 10. The Governor of Hawaii extended greetings to the delegates at the official opening of the Pan-Pacific women’s conference. He said the world was a better place to live in to-day by virtue of the fact that women were taking a part in State, national and international affairs. There was more understanding between individuals and nations. Mrs.' Swanzy, chairman of the executive, presided. Dame Rachel Crowdy read a message from Sir Eric Drummond, who said he was glad to be able to send her to take part. The success of the League of Nations depended on the growth of favourable public opinion. The League would follow the work of the conference with great appreciation.

Dame Crowdy said she welcomed the opportunity of meeting so many distinguished women. She Lad come not only to give information regarding the League’s social activities but also to learn from women of such great and varied experience. The director of the Pan-Pacific Union, which is financing the conference, extended a welcome to the president. He said understanding was purchased only' by patience. Greetings were sent by the President of the United States, the director of the International Labour'Bureau and by the leaders of the delegations from their respective countries. -

Dr. Sweet (Australia) said all sections were keenly interested. Mrs. A. H. Reeve (United States), chairman of the conference, said they must be prepared to meet the challenge which was certain to be thrown down. Continuity of the work was essential. What was needed was not a product but a process of women' making daily application and experimentation with theories emerging from the conference. The question was how would these work with the individual? The fundamental Soundness of the views must be tested. The curse of the age was superficially. Dean Bollert (Canada) said the ties binding! them to the Mother Country were never stronger but the irresistible force of commerce compelled Canada to look in other directions also. The greatest change of the opening years of the century was from individual to social consciousness. Now there was a development in the direction of international consciousness.

Miss Jean Begg spoke on behalf of New Zealand.

The Governor and Mrs. Judd held an informal reception at which Dame Crowdy and Mrs. Reeve were special guests. A garden party also was ’-held at Mrs. Swanz-y’s home when Dame Crowdy was again the guest of honour and met all the delegates.