NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 263, 7 November 1945, Page 2

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN

RECENT N.Z. CONFERENCE Although the business part of the Dominion conference of the National Council of Women took up a considerably large part of the three-day meeting, the social side of the gathering was not neglected. More than 70 delegates from branches all over New Zealand assembled in Napier for the conference and were given a civic welcome by the Mayor of Napier, Mr. T. W. Hercock. Her Excellency, Lady Newall, who declared the conference open, was welcomed by Miss M. Havelaar. Dominion president of the N.C.W. Her Excellency said that anything she had been able to do to help women’s organisations had been inspired by the women themselves and the high purposes for which the various groups existed. All over the world the women were nowtaking an important place in the service of their country. Lady Newall expressed gratitude for the wonderful years she had spent in the Dominion.

Miss Havelaar asked Her Excellency to accept as a memento from the women of New Zealand a fruit bowl of polished New Zealand wood, and called on Mrs. Kent Johnson, president of the Napier branch, to make the presentation.

The delegates were entertained by the Napier branch of the N.C.W. and on Sunday they were the guests of Mrs. Cruickshank for afternoon tea and spent an enjoyable afternoon in the lovely grounds at “Bishopcourt.” Delegates had the opportunity of personally meeting the Dominion president at a most enjoyable social evening held at Blythe’s tearoom. The visitors were shown over Wattie’s Cannery, where they viewed every branch of the method and process of canning, and afterwards were entertained at lunch. The officers were reelected, the president being Miss M. Havelaar; secretary. Mrs. W. Mac Kay, and treasurer, Mrs. W. H. Cattell. It was decided that future conferences be held during February or March. The next conference will take place at Timaru in 1947.