COUNCIL OF WOMEN.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18027, 23 May 1930, Page 9

COUNCIL OF WOMEN.

HAMILTON BRANCH. ANNUAL REPORT. REVIEW OP YEAR’S WORK. The following annual report was submitted at the annual meeting of the Hamilton branch of the National Council of Women, of which Mrs\H. Valder is president and Dr. de la Mare the honorary secretary. “It is with regret that we record the death of one of our original members, Miss Nicholls, an old and valued friend of the branch of the National Council of Women. The number of societies affiliated has increased during the year, and also the roll of associate members. The year 'has been a comparatively quiet one owing to the fact that conference is now held biennially, but nevertheless interest in, the meetings and work of the branch has been maintained. “Deputation to Minister of Education.—At tihe request of Mrs Seal, the -hon. secretary and hon. treasurer, Mrs W. J. Stevens, accompanied Mrs Seal and Mrs Jones, J.P., as a deputation to the Minister of Education in order to plead the cause of the retardate and mentally deficient children of the town and district. As you know, a special class has since been formed at Hamilton West School which meets the needs of some of these children. Education Propaganda. “Open Air Schools^ —Mrs W. J. Stevens and the hon. secretary interviewed the secretary of the South Auckland branch of the .British Medical Association in order to enlist the support of the medical profession in an attempt at establishing a branch of the Open Air Schools’ League in the town. The Hamilton branch of the Open Air Schools’ League is now in being. We congratulate Mrs Stevens on the achievement of her object. “Propaganda Work. —Under this heading come a visit to Cambridge, where a large meeting of women was addressed on the objects and aims of the National Council of Women; an address at an afternoon meeting of the Te Pahu Women’s Club and an address at the' Cathedral Branch of the Mothers’ Union. A special afternoon meeting was held in September, when Mrs Duxfield, president of the Hamilton branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, gave an interesting address on the work of the division. Mrs Seal, the second speaker, dealt with the work on behalf of the backward children, to which she has devoted so much of her life. Mrs Vere Chitty was appointed to represent the Council on the Committee set up.in Hamilton to arrange for the appointment of a social service missioner. The Hamiltoft Borough Council officials arranged a visit to the rubbish dumping-area of the town for various members, and were good enough to explain the methods employed. Associated with other wpmen’s organisations in the town this branch of the National Council of Women arranged a community farewell reception to Her Excellency Lady Alice Fergusson on the occasion of her last visit prior to leaving New Zealand. Your president kindly offered hospitality to those members of this and other associations who formed the committee of the obstetrical endowment fund campaign, which has just reached a successful issue. This branch has also contributed its quota to the obstetrical scholarship fund, a promise inaugurated by the Hamilton branch of the National Council of Women. Owing to the increasing number of the branch’s members, it has been found necessary to meet in a larger room than hitherto; 'by the courtesy of .the Employee Partnership Institute we use the room in Ellis and Burnand’s buildings. ‘The World To-day’ and ‘Women’s Leader’ ar.e the two periodicals at the disposal of branch members. The branch remains a corporate memtfer of the League of Nations Union Branch in Hamilton, and it also rceognises the need for the appointment of women police in New Zealand, and supports the Dunedin branch.in a recommendation for the arrangement of a special course of social service training. Increased Membership. i “Now that the branch has increased its strength of membership it should be borne in mind that the Standing International Committees require nominees ftom this branch. These Standing Committees are:—Peace and arbitration, laws affecting women and children, equal moral, standard and traffic in women, suffrage and equal citizenship, public health, education, press? emigration and immigration, trades and professions, child welfare, 'finance, cinema sub-committee. “Societies Represented.—The societies represented in the Hamilton branch are: W.C.T.U., St. Peter’s Guild, St. George’s Guild, Claudelands Guild, Lyceum Club, Howard League for Penal Reform (Hamilton Branch), St. George’s Mothers’ Union, South Auckland Division Girl Guides’ Association. The Trained Nurses’ Association and Hamilton West Home and Schools’ Association are in process of affiliating.