WOMEN'S COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 227, 25 September 1928, Page 11

WOMEN'S COUNCIL.

The Auckland branch of the National Council of Women held their montbly meeting last evening. Miss Carnachan presided. Among the business dealt with was a letter received from the Hospital Patients' Wireless Equipment Fund, asking for the council's assistance in connection with a street collection to be held to secure funds for fitting up the Auckland Hospital with wireless equipment. It stated that wireless wan of immense value to the patients; it brightened hospital life and rendered the patients more hopeful and happy. It was pointed out by the president that the council as a body could not take part in such efforts, but there was no reason why delegates should not put the matter before their societies with a view to assisting. A letter was also received from the League of Nations asking the council to appoint a representative on the local committee, which was being set up in support of disarmament. Miss . Flatt was appointed to represent the council in the matter. A letter was received from the secretary of the Society for the Protection ol Women and Children, stating that the following resolution had been passed: "That the National Council of Womei« be asked to investigate the matter of the hire purchase system as per Leaders' pamphlet, as it affects young women and girls." It was decided to forward to the Dominion executive with the request that it be sent on to the Government, a resolution approving of the action taken in setting up a commission to investigate the cash-order system and also suggesting that the National Council in each centre prepare a statement upon the subject, to be sent in to the commission for its consideration.

The following remit was discussed: "The Auckland branch of the National Council consider* that the constitution as regards representatives attending conference should be revised and some similar system adopted as now pertains to the representation on local branches. A sub-committee, with Miss Jackson as convener, was set up to investigate tht matter. As regards ways and means for raising funds for expenses in connection with the Dominion conference, to be held in Wellington in a few months' time, a committee was formed, with Mrs. McNair as convener, to discuss plans. A remit received from the Hon. Members' Association was as follows: "That the Government be asked to appoint women inspectors in each district in connection with the Pensions Department to inquire into the living conditions of old age pensioners. It was proposed that local committees be set up to deal privately with the matter. It was decided to send a letter to Mrs. Ford Williams, of Waihi, congratulating her upon being the first woman to be elected to the Waihi Borough Council. Mrs. Ruby Watson brought up the matter of preservatives in food as being harmful and dangerous to the health of the community, and quoted a -leading doctor in Auckland upon the subject. She urged that Dr. Valintine, Health Officer, should be approached to conduct a strict investigation, and see that the Pure Food Act clauses are strictly administered. A sub-committee, with Mrs. Watson as convenor was appointed to make further investigations. ,