NATIONAL COUNCIL

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 122, 25 May 1937, Page 14

NATIONAL COUNCIL

YEAR'S WORK REVIEWED

DELEGATES INCREASE

The annual report of the Wellington branch of the National Council of Women, which will be presented at the meeting to be held tonight at the Y.W-C.A. by the president, Mrs. B. L. Dallard, contains much of interest. Good work, it is stated, has been done throughout the year, and the attention of the council has been given to many subjects, national and international. Much satisfaction is felt that the council has increased its affiliated societies to . twenty—a greater number than heretofore. The continued interest of these large and important affiliations and their generous support during the difficult financial years has been greatly appreciated. There is an associate membership of 26, and it is a matter for congratulation that some of those who are replaced on the affiliations continue their interest by joining up as associates. There have been excellent attend-

S. P. Andrew Photo.

ances at all the meetings, and good speakers have given addresses on national and international subjects. World affairs have been discussed, and New Zealand ones also. The council is happy to see constructive efforts being made to house the people—a longawaited reform which promises well. Regret is expressed that in the matter of women police progress seems to be at a, standstill. "Efforts," states the report, "are being made to bring a better understanding of this matter before those in authority by stressing the great need for kindly surveillance over young women and children. The Government Commission of Inquiry into the incidence of septic abortion has shocked and startled the council and it is felt that deep study of the matter is necessary." Regret is expressed at the resignation of Miss Jackson as honorary secretary of the branch and also at the resignation of Miss Welch, who has been recording secretary for the past fourteen years and has done excellent service. Thanks are given to both for their good work, to Mrs. Chapman (who has been a very efficient honorary treasurer for several years), to a number of speakers who kindly, gave up their time and interested the council greatly with their addresses; to Miss England for good work on the Parliamentary Watch Committee and for taking the chair at times, and to Mrs. Chishclm for beautiful floral tributes. Mr. M. J. Forde was specially thanked for auditing the accounts of the council, which now show a small but gratifying balance. PRESIDENT'S REMARKS. The president's remarks are as follows:— "A high standard in the position of women in the economic and social relations of life indicates a national prosperity and solidarity which bears the rich fruit of a proud and noble race, such as it should be the earnest aim of every statesman and thinking people to foster," states last year's report. Alas! This has not been the experience of woman in the civilised world of today. Instead of—as in the c: 2 of the old Maori race—the mother and the child- being the sacred and most valued possession of the nation, in its potential value, as the link to carry on the life and the moral and spiritual traditions of a virile race, we see the child dethroned, and in its place a mad rush for material prosperity for some, and pitiful poverty and privation, preventing the less fortunate from fulfilling their destiny of parenthood, which can only end in racial suicide. "Where there is no vision the people perish,".but man and woman together may attain to higher and better things if they are willing to go hand in hand by the path of sacrifice and service for each other and their fellows. "The standard of women has been forced down to a low level, and not until that standard is raised will the world ■ find its way out of the perplexity and despair which confronts it everywhere. Let us strive for the vindication of womanhood and the advancement of right ideals which are the only foundation and cement for the' stability and solidarity of the human race." AFFILIATIONS. Affiliations and delegates are as follows: — League of Mothers: Mrs. B. L. Dallard. Society for Protection of Women and .Children: Mrs. M. Chatfield, J.P., M.8.E., Mrs. Forde, Lady Statham. Free Kindergarten Association:-Miss England and Miss Little. Federation of University Women: Miss E. North, Miss B. Jackson. Trained Nurses' Association: Miss Mcßae and ' Miss Willis. Women Teachers' Association: Miss Sinclair and Miss Hull. W.C.T.U.: Miss C. E. Kirk, J.P., Mesdames Peryman, Mowlem; Mcßride, Brewer, Tanner, and' Aldersley. Red Cross Society: Mrs.. Hendry. Women's Social Progress Movement: Mrs. Woodhead. Y.W.C.A.: Mrs. Robt. Gardiner and Miss Bridgman. Mothers'- Union: Mrs. Robertshawe. Presbyterian Social Service Association: Mrs. Calder. Study Circle: Mrs.- H. G. Chapman. Kinder-garten-Mothers' Club: Mrs. Gonniber. Borstal Association: Mrs. Coventry. Unitarian Women's Association: Mrs. E. J. Moore, J.P. International Study Circle:- Mrs. Suckling. After-care Association: Mrs. Stewart. Douglas Credit Women's Auxiliary: Mrs. R. P. Graham and Miss Anderson. Federation of Congregational Women: Mrs. R. J. Crawford-