NOTABLE WOMEN

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 136, 10 June 1937, Page 19

NOTABLE WOMEN

CHRISTCHURCH ADDRESS

"Notable Women of the Homeland" was the subject of an enlightening address given on Wednesday by Miss M. G. Havelaar at a gathering of members of the Christchurch branch of the Catholic Women's League, states the

"Press." So many women in Britain, Miss Havelaar said, had attained eminence in science, art, music, politics,

literature, and welfare work that it was difficult to make a selection, but amongst outstanding figures in the Empire, must first be mentioned Queen Mary, whose life has been one of service, who has given noble example as a queen, and as -a mother, and whose dignity, strength, and queenly bearing have always aroused admiration.

"I do not intend to speak of the life of the Rev. Mother Stuart, one of the greatest educationists of the last 40 years, whose influence for good reached far beyond the bounds of Empire, nor of Lady Cecil Carr, founder of the Holy Grail, for you probably know rfiore about them than I do," said Miss Havelaar, "so, while paying a tribute to'their work, I ohall pass on to Lady Aberdeen, founder of the International Council of Women, to which all National Councils of Women are affiliated." The International Council would celebrate its fif-

ieth birthday in Edinburgh next year.

It grew out of a desire to co-ordinate work, amongst women and girls, and Lady Aberdeen, whose husband was at one time Governor-General of Canada, was its first president and con-

tinued in office until last year, when she retired and a Belgian woman of great ability was chosen to succeed her. Lady Aberdeen, Miss Havelaar said, is how 80 years old, a kindly, understanding woman, sympathetic with youth, and full of fun.

"A business woman, director of no fewer than 27 companies, feminine, handsome, well dressed," such' was Miss Havelaar's description of Lady Rhondda, founder and editor of "Time and Time." Lady Rhondda, formerly Margaret Thomas, was the only daughter of a Welshman, who was first a miner, a small farmer, later a coalmine owner, and financial magnate, and eventually British Minister of Health, in which position his daughter acted as his private secretary.

Miss Irene Vanbrugh, a leading actress, who. is, a friend of Miss Havelaar, was described by her as a great woman, who in her busy life always found time to get in personal touch with every woman and girl in her company. For 30 years she exerted great influence for good on the stage, and helped hundreds of girls in her own profession to avoid pitfalls and lead useful lives.

A recent visitor to New Zealand, Mrs. Booth Clibborn, was briefly discussed by Miss Havelaar. She was, she said, considered one of the best speakers in the world. Though of delicate constitution, she gave her life to help the unfortunate, and since she was 17 years of age she devoted her time and her undoubted talent to the work of bringing the knowledge of God to the "down-and-outs" of the world.