WANGANUI NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN DISCUSSES REMITS

Wanganui Chronicle, 3 November 1949, Page 9

WANGANUI NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN DISCUSSES REMITS

The main business at the monthly meeting of the Wanganui branch of the National Council of Women was the discussion of remits. The president, Mrs. A. H. Mac Lean, presided. After welcoming all present, Mrs. Mac Lean referred to the passing of Miss F. H. Worgan, who had been connected with several organisations in Wanganui. All stood in silence as a mark of respect. Several remits were handed to delegates to submit to their organisations. LIFE IMPRISONMENT. Remits dealt with,and fully discussed, included one from Whangarei: “That where a sentence of ‘life imprisonment’ has been imposed, the prisoner be not released except pursuant to an order of the Court of Appeal.” Remits on similar lines came from the Greymouth and New Plymouth branches. A number of delegates were in doubt as to the length of time meant by ‘life imprisonment.’ The president, speaking on the question, said that those who committed crimes at the age of 10 or 20, a sentence of 20 years meant that they would be released while they could still be a menace to the community. Miss J. Sewell agreed with the president’s remarks, saying that her organisation could not decide on the question, as members were not sure just how many years “life imprisonment” represented. If it were until death she did not feel many people would be in favour of its full imposition. The opinion was voiced that there should be no reduction of sentence where a life sentence has been imposed and those serving sentences should not be released if they were a menace to socity. After discussion, it was agreed that the Wanganui branch frame another remit at a later meeting. AGE BENEFIT. A remit from the Manawatu branch —That the attention of the Dominion Executive be drawn to the suggestion that women of 55 be granted the age benefit under Social Security, and that it watches this situation with a view to stating a national policy on it,” —brought forth the comment from a delegate: “That if we keep on reducing the age we will soon be able to draw the 10s child allowance for ourselves.” All agreed that at 55 years a woman was still comparatively active, unless in ill health, when she could draw a pension. The remit was lost. REMITS LOST. Other remits lost were: “That the Government be urged to consult with N.C.W. of New Zealand on all proposed legislation affecting women and children." “That the Government be urged to give the Director of Broadcasting some measure of control over the programmes of the commercial stations.” “That the Manawatu branch commends the positive approach of the South Australian women toward the cinema problem to the Dominion Executive of N.C.W. and suggests that it considers the appointment of a committee who could pre-view films and publicly recommend or condemn —(in the name of the N.C.W.) films as being suitable or not, for children.” “As regards the question of unsuitable films it was felt it was up to the parents to see that their children did not attend them. REMITS CARRIED. Remits carried were as follows: — From New Plymouth: “That in all referenda, political and local body elections, voting should be uniform,, preferably the ruling out method,” and a Wanganui remit, amended by Christchurch: “That N.C.W. calls upon the Government to ensure that 100 per cent, wholemeal flour is made continually available to everyone.” Extracts from the Dominion Executive meeting reports were read by Mrs Mac Lean. The secretary, Mrs. P. Whitlock read the minutes and correspondence and the treasurer, Mrs. A. E. Gould, gave the financial statement. It was decided that at next meeting, the final one for the year, a social hour be held following a brief business session.