WOMEN CAN PLAY A BIGGER PART IN MAINTAINING PEACE

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 November 1947, Page 9

WOMEN CAN PLAY A BIGGER PART IN MAINTAINING PEACE

Peace was the main subject discussed at the final meeting for the year of the Wanganui branch of the National Council of Women, over which the president (Mrs. A. H. MacLean) presided. Delegates from various affiliated bodies contributed opinions from their various organisations and quoted sayings of world authorities as to the causes of war and the part to be played in maintaining peace. Among reasons given for war were: Lack of religious faith, greed and avarice, the lack of Christianity in the lives of the people, lack of cooperation which should begin in the home, lack of deeper understanding of other countries.

One delegate said that exports of food to hungry ffeople in the world should not be based on dollars. Another spoke of the incorrect use of the soil, while a third speaker said: “What we need is a peace conference with the Prince of Peace.’’ Manv ideas and theories were put forward, and all considered there should be a better understanding of other nations, the brotherhood of man, and inter-travel for young people to help bring about a better understanding- , “Women can make a new contribution in bringing humanitarian scales into nations and to our homes " stated another delegate.

Each speaker stressed the spiritual need in our lives and homes. It was considered that women have a different boint of view and that there should be more women representatives in the cause of peace.

“It does need a contribution from women.” said Mrs Mac Lean. “Women have a keener interest in peace; they are the mothers of the race and the sanctity of human life means more to them than to men, many of whom consider financial and territoral claims first. We need women on peace committees and conferences, and it is women’s part to fit themselves for this work. We must think, work and study."