TEMUKA DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22790, 14 January 1944, Page 3

TEMUKA DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL

Annual Speech Contest

Appeal For Rights Of

Women

Most of the competitors in the annual speech contest of the pupils of the Temuka District High School dealt with monetary reform as a oasis ot post-war planning and made a plea for a better spirit of co-operation between the nations. Dorothy Pitt, whose speech was considered one ot the best, made a special appeal for the women and their rightful place in the scheme of things to come. “During these critical days, she commenced, “women are being qualified for most of the work which was performed by men in peace time. With every day the war lasts, women step towards equality. What then is going to happen when peace has been restored once more and hundreds ot thousands of women, now directly or indirectly employed in war work, are no longer wanted? Unemployment will do doubt decree that women should return to the homes from whence they came and solve the problem by marriage. But they will no longer tolerate the injustice of a worker's suitability being determined by sex rather than ability. “If it will do nothing else, the war will finally dispel the man-made conception that women are suited only for the jobs of cooking, cleaning and nursing. The work done by the auxiliary war services to-day shows that, given the opportunity, women prefer the uniform to the apron and war-work to home ties. What is more, women in their nevi’ sphere are proving a distinct success. In the post-war period, step by step, they will take an active and intelligent part in the government and administration of their country. Not until man’s folly, had thrown the world into another bitter and protracted struggle, has women’s aid been sought under the guise of ‘equality.’ The manner in which women have tackled their task shows not only their patriotism but their devotion to duty. Out of this war will be born a new outlook for women and a new social and economic status.

“The task before us is not only to win the war. but to win the peace. To accomplish this we must be alive to the dangers that threaten us from within, as well as from without. Clear constructive thinking must sweep away confusion of mind and help us build a better world and bring order out Of chaos. We must set up a new and better philosophy of life in which spiritual values and Christian principles take a prominent place. By ignoring the teachings of Christ, the churches of all denominations are losing their authority and influence among the people. Upon the people who walked in darkness may there shine the great light of faith in the goodness of man. May there soon come a peace among the nations who have dwelt so long in ‘the land of the shadow of death.’ Turning back the pages of the four years of war would be heartbreaking were it not for the hope that promises better and brighter days for the coming years.” Foundation Member Honoured To mark the occasion of his eightieth birthday, Mr W. McCallum was entertained by the Temuka Bowling Club in the pavilion on Tuesday evening. Mr McCallum was one of the foundation members, some 36 years ago, and he has never ceased to take a keen and active interest in the affairs of the club. Until recent years he was a regular competitor in the Dominion tournaments, and in 1922, with Mr T. Edwards, he won the pairs championship. In paying tribute to his long years of service and congratulating him on attaining his four score years, the president (Mr L. A. Nicholas) said that the club had made Mr McCallum a life member and they hoped that he would see many more years of activity on the green. Other members endorsed the president’s remarks. In reply, Mr McCallum referred to the early days of the club and said he felt that he could still ‘‘play a good game. He had always admired the keen sportsmanship of his fellowmen. Tribute To Salvation Army Officer Captain A. Axelsen. who has been in charge of the Salvation Army in Temuka for the past two years, was bidden farewell by the members of the Corps. Captain Axelsen has been appointed to take charge in Dannevlrke. Sergeant-Major Butler and Adjutant A. Angus said that Captain Axelsen had given wonderful service and the local Corps had made good progress under hei - guidance. Speaking on behalf of the Women’s Home League, Mrs Angus said that Captain Axelsen had founded the branch in Temuka, and it had grown considerably under her leadership. The branch had won the banner for the most progressive league in the Canter-bury-Westland district. Captain Axelsen suitably replied. Personal Miss Alma Rawson (Dunedin) is the guest of Miss E. M. Parish (Hilton). Miss Noeline Neilson (Timaru) is spendin”' a holiday with Miss Dawn Neilson. Riverview. Temuka. Mr H. M. McMillan has returned to Christchurch after spending a holiday with his parents, Mr and Mrs W H. McMillan.