TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 191, 15 August 1940, Page 8

TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD

A PLEASANT AFTERNOON MISS M. E. BAKER THE SPEAKER The Victoria Hall presented a gay appearance yesterday afternoon when the monthly meeting of the Wanganui Townswomen's Guild was held, Mrs. F. Wagstaff presiding. On the gold tablecloths were vases of fragrant spring flowers, and bowls of bulbs adorned the stage and mantelpieces. Members and visitors were welcomed at the door by Mrs. A. Mayo. Mention was made of the passing of Mrs. Dunn, a member, all standing in silence as a mark of respect. Correspondence was read from the Y.W.C.A. in reference to entertaining men on leave from the military camp, from the Hon. W. J. Rogers, M.L.C., thanking the guild for a congratulatory letter on his appointment to the Legislative Council, also from the Dominion Executive of Townswomen’s Guilds suggesting that the annual conference be postponed and that instead, the delegates’ money be pooled and donated to patriotic purposes. Mrs. J. G, Denniston spoke on the matter, also on the question of the emergency committee which had been set up.

The question of establishing a creche in Wanganui was brought up by Mrs. Beaumont Bates, who pointed out that the Y.W.C.A. in Auckland had opened a two-day a week creche for infants and children up to five years. She considered the establishment would be a worth while service, if only for a few country mothers. But its establishment would be a serious matter, because a creche or day nursery should be under expert supervision and need expert management. It should be a municipal concern assisted by the women’s organisations. A questionnaire on the tables invited members to give their opinions on the question. It was decided that a remit be sent from the Townswomen’s Guild to the N.C.W. “That the National Council of Women urge the Wanganui City Council to set up a commission of citizens (men and women) to consider the best system of creches operating in New Zealand with a view to the consideration of the establishment of a municipal creche or day nursing in Wanganui.” The minutes were read by the secretary, Mrs. M. A. Archibald, and the financial statement by Miss Cole (treasurer).

Songs were sung by Mrs. D. F. O’Malley and Mrs. Rait, who were presented with posies. Mrs. Mcßride was the accompanist. The speaker for the afternoon, Miss M. E. Baker, principal of the Wanganui Girls’ College, was introduced by Mrs. Wagstaff and presented with a bouquet. Miss Baker took for her subject “The Education of the Adolescent Girl,” and dealt with the problems' of girls. What they absorbed during the time from infancy to the age of seven had a great influence on character, which was formed in the early years. The speaker referred to the great influence on character, which was formed in the early years. The speaker referred to the great influence of environment and repression. Speaking of school life, Miss Baker pointed out the results on health and mind of misfits in school life and the necessity of developing the talents for which they were best fitted. She considered the girls should take a course of mothercraft and it was hoped to include this in the curriculem of schools, also that there should be compulsory schooling until 16 years of age. There was not enough rest and quiet in these days. The wireless was responsible for a lot of unrest. The constant functioning of the wireless caused irritation and unrestfulness, especially when studying. Miss Baker concluded Fy saying that parents and teachers should endeavour to give the girls a sense of security and spiritual security. “For their sakes we must consecrate ourselves,” she said. On the motion of Mrs. McNeill a very warm vote of thanks was accorded to Miss Baker with acclamation. Afternoon tea was served.

Miss Fennell expressed willingness' to start a guild choir.