NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 251, 22 October 1937, Page 2

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN

WANGANUI BRANCH REPORT ON N.Z. CONFERENCE Miss Tizard presided over a large attendance at the Wanganui branch meeting of the National Council of Women held at the Y.M.C.A. on Wednesday. The report of the recent Dominion conference was presented by the delegate, Mrs. Beaumont Bates, J.P. Mrs. Bates also deputised for the president at the council executive meetings.

At the commencement of the conference Mrs. Hugh Kasper conveyed greetings from the Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair, the report stated. "Tell women of New Zealand that I often think of them. I watch the work that they are doing with keen interest. Thank them for their congratulations and give them my warm greetings." Greetings were sent to the world president, Madame La Baronne Pol Boel.

Miss Andrew was granted permission to speak on behalf of the Pan Pacific Association Conference, which would be held for the first time in New Zealand in 1940. New Zealand wilt vote 25 delegates to the conference. Miss Andrews extended a welcome to visiting delegates to attend a meeting to be held by the PanPacific Association on the Saturday. Unfortunately, said Mrs. Bales, the conference did not finish in time to permit me to attend.

Mrs. Bates gave a very full report of the splendid address given by the Dominion president, Miss Kirk. The president stressed the need for a united force of women with only one object—the desire to serve the welfare of the community. Most of the important matters of the world, said the president, are in the hands of woman. It is impossible to gauge how far right thinking and right speaking by the women will influence the question of peace, or how much encouragement may be given those suffering under the horrors of war. Of late years women have learnt much of the value of co-operation and really fine team work is much oftener found among them. Self-effacement with efficiency must be the watchword. The president concluded her address with these words: "The question of peace and goodwill lies largely with women. We pass this way but once; may we each strive to do all the good that we can as we pass.” Mrs. Bales spoke of the excellent reports presented.—" Work Undertaken in New Zealand in the Interest of Peace,” Mrs. Cocker; “Education,” Miss Chaplin; “Trades and Professions,” Miss Trent; "Legal Position oi Women,” Miss Melville; "Health,” Dr. Sinclair; “Child Welfare,” Miss Carmachan, J.P.; "Broadcasting,” Dr. de la Mare; "The Bulletin,” Miss Jackson, J.P.

Mrs. Bates then referred to the annual meeting, the Dominion secretary’s report, which dealth with the activities ot the movement at home and abroad, the Dominion treasurer’s statement and balance-sheet being fully reported upon. Referring to the election of officers Mrs. Bates said her impression of Miss Trent, the president, is that she is experienced, keen and businesslike and that Miss Cooper, the secretary, appears well qualified to undertake the arduous duties of secretary.

Referring to the visit to the pa of Princess Te Puea at Ngaruawahia, it was impressed upon us, said Mrs. Bates, that this was a business trip. We left with a wonderful impression of this noble and beautiful woman. Princess Te Puea is a philanthropist, a great organiser of high intelligence and an inspiration and guide to her people. She richly deserves the warm sympathy and assistance of her pakeha sisters in her heroic work for the industrial and moral uplift of her people. Mrs. Bates gave full and detailed report of the fate of numerous remits. Many of the remits brought forth much discussion. It is obvious all women, particularly experienced social workers, feel keenly the need for women police. The remit requesting the Minister of Education to extend the work now being done for backward children, by

establishing occupational centres, was passed. Remits under justice dealing with habitual criminals and also recommendations for improvements to New Zealand borstal system were thoroughly discussed and passed. Wellington’s remit asking for the "exclusion of persons not directly interested” from Courts of domestic cases was amended to "Only persons desired by either party, lawyers, Press and recognised social workers be admitted,” and the amendment carried. At the end of justice remits the following resolution was passed: "That this conference affirms that the time has arrived for a thorough investigation of the whole penal system of New Zealand and urges the Government to set up an investigation committee.”

The conference supported the findings of the committee of enquiry as given in the McMillan Report re the sale and advertising of contraceptives. Regarding Auckland's remit urging the advisability of reduction of telephone charges, Wanganui put forward a strong case for isolated country women, but the remit was lost. The question of motherhood endowment and family allowance was one of great interest. The imperative need of some form of financial assistance for the development of the family life was almost unanimous and Hamilton's remit that (a) the family allowance be made for all children and (b) that it be increased in amount, was carried without a dissentient voice.

Wanganui’s remits re the need of placement officers for unemployed women are to be referred back to branches for further discussion and postal vote.

The hospitality and arrangements of the Auckland branch were splendid, said Mrs. Bates, and the kindly assistance of the Y.W.C.A. with rooms, 'quickness in arrangement of buffet meals at short notice, assistance with 'phones, etc., all helped exceedingly to expedite the business of the conference.

The conference was hard going, Mrs. Bates said, but was instructional and enjoyable. There was a good spirit throughout. This is rather wonderful when it is considered that most of the delegates are women of strong personalities holding definite and decided views and is a great tribute to the businesslike and tactful handling of the conference by the president, Miss Kirk. Concluding her report, Mrs. Bates said she was grateful that they, the youngest, but by no means the weakest, branch have now tHe opportunity to study, discuss, to pull their weight and to add their contribution for the betterment of local, national and international affairs. Mrs. Bates was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for her excellent report. There was a unanimous vote in favour of the W.C.T.U. remit urging the Government to introduce legislation dealing with the drinking in dance halls and motor-cars.

The following associate members were nominated: Mrs. W. Brown Miss M. R. Brown, Mrs. Denton, Mrs.’ Archibald and Mrs. Bullock.