WOMEN'S SECTION OF R.S.A.

Chronicle (Levin), 10 August 1946, Page 4

WOMEN'S SECTION OF R.S.A.

FORMATION DISCUSSED MEETING IN LEVIN The formation of a women's sec-' tion of the Levin R.S.A. was discussed at a meeting in Levin on Tuesday evening. After considerable discussion it was decided to call a general meeting of the existing ladies' committee, and there form the nucleus of a women's section. The formation of the section was first proposed by Mr. H. B. Burdekin at the last ahnual meeting of the R.S.A. The president of the R.S.A., Mr. H. J. Lancaster, who occupied the chair, explained that it was felt that there was considerably more work for a women's section than the existing committee could deal with. The scheme was functioning in other towns, and had proved a great success. With a local membership of 600 returned servicemen, it should be possible to form such a sectipn. He then asked Mr. Burdekin to , explain the matter further. Mr. Burdekin said that the idea was not a new one; it had been functioning for a number of years. It had been found necessary in iarges centres where there were larger centres where there were women, the wives. of young returned servicemen. Many of them were brides from overseas. He went on to emphasise that he could only give a wide outline of the section. It should grow and function as the needs of the district grew. The needs of the country were quite different from the needs of the city. Some of the functions of the section had been carried on here,' but not in an official or organised way. In Levin it would require two sets of organisations, one to work the town and another to work the district about ohe town. Each committee would have its own convener, and be entirely independent. The work of the committees would be to organise small functions where young wives, strangers to the district, would have the opportunity to meet and discuss their difficulties. It would be a wonderful opportunity for them to learn mothercraft from older women in a personal and' intimate way. In case of sickness, assistance could be provided, which would go a stage further than the usual help. At social functions they could form associations and make friendships. A central committee would meet monthly to exchange ideas. It would not be wise for the section to try and make quick progress, continued Mr. Burdekin. It was better to begin steadily, and so place the organisation on a firm basis. To-day we faced a problem. In the main there were two generations who had gone away and •served, whose- wives needed care and attention. These men were in their twenties or early thirties, and would need the experience of older people to help them. The only way chat the organisation could be successful was for the young women oo help and co-operate, and the older women should be there just to guide them. The result of the work .now would manifest itself in years to come. The spirit of the N.Z.E.F., that of helpfulness in iight corners and the need for reliance on one another, was wanted. The section would be part of the R.S.A., but the women would not actually be members. In time, a badge would be provided. "What is wanted is that little germ of kindness, helpfulness and understanding, and the pleasure and thrill of doing something for those who need it," Mr. Burdekin continued. In answer to a question, Mr. Burdekin said that committees would select those in their districtwho were likely to help, and invite them to join, the section. ... Mrs. C. Bartholomew suggested enlarging the functions of the present women's committee - as ihere were too many women's organisations in the town already. She thought that Mr. Burdekin was too optimistic in what the section could do. Many young woman resented being told what to do, or how to do things, by older women. Mr. Burdekin said that the idea was for young women to- run the section. The older women were merely there to guide. Mrs. H. J. Lancaster then suggested calling an annual meeting of the women's committee, and from it form the women's section. This was agreed to.