NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN

Evening Star, Issue 23678, 11 September 1940, Page 10

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN

DUNEDIN BRANCH Forty-two members attended the September meeting of the Dunedin branch of the National Council of Women, held in the Otago Women's Club rooms. Aliss Lovell-Sraith, presiding, welcomed Mrs Townend, who represented the women’s branch of the Social Credit Society, which had newly become affiliated. A communication was read from the Dominion secretary quoting a message of sympathy which she had sent to Queen Wilhelmina of Holland, and to which the following reply had been received from the Queen’s A.D.C.: “ I am commanded by Her -Majesty the Queen to thank yon most sincerely for your letter of the 21 Lh Alay. 1940. Her Majesty is greatly touched by your words of sympathy for her and her subjects.” Members heard an extract from the Christchurch ‘ Bulletin ’ with regard to the late Miss Francis Cooper, which [laid her. a high tribute as an untiring and conscientious worker.

The president then introduced Mr A. C. Cameron, who gave a most enlightening address on the methods adopted by tho Government to aid the farmers to increase primary production at this time, in response to requests from Great Britain'. He enumerated certain of the difficulties experienced by New Zealand farmers, one of the most serious being shortage of farm labour. Nevertheless, the farmers -were determined to do all in their power to assist the war effort. New activities included the production of linseed flax, from which linen is made. This involved not only the growing of the flax from seed provided by the British Government. but also the erection of factories for the production of the fibre. A change-over from butter to cheese had become necessary, as while Britain required increasing supplies of cheese, her need of butter had been greatly reduced by the improvement in quality of margarine, which could be produced and marketed very cheaply. • Butter, pork, and eggs were urgently required by Britain, and farmers here were being encouraged to take a greater interest in pig raising. In certain cases the Government had made available to farmers finance for buying extra equipment made necessary by changed conditions. In an endeavour to improve ■the labour problem, shearing classes were being held and arrangements made for secondary schoolboys to- help with trunip thinning, etc. A statement prepared by the Dominion secretary was read, outlining the functions of the International Council of Women Standing Committees and giving details of their studies and activities. Members heard the reports sent to conference in April, Mrs I W Cowie reading the Press report and Mrs H. J. Alexander the broadcasting report. The following branch representatives were appointed ; —Broadcasting, Mrs H. J. Alexander; Press, Mrs i. W, Cowie; education, Miss R. Mackenzie. Members also hoax'd an extract from the monthly report of the Howard League for Penal Reform, with reference to the appointment of women police. Now that the Government had set aside a sum for this purpose, it was most necessary that the right type of woman bo selected. A specialised training would be essential, together with the qualities of personality, tact, and intelligence. Women police had now been appointed in some 20 countries with marked success.

Further considering the proposed study for peace, it was hoped to arrange for a course of lectures, possibly along the lines suggested by the N.C.W. of the United States of America:—ln the political area (possibly boundaries, colonies, armaments, etc.); in the financial area (probably debts, regulation of credit) ; in the social area (protection and freedom of religion, etc.); in the economic area (migration, tariffs, access to raw materials). Miss E. H. Prydc read the report of the Parli anientary Watch Committee, which referred to recent social legislation affecting women, particularly the Domestic Proceedings Act. which, it was hoped, would help to reduce divorce by endeavouring to bring about a reconciliation between husband and wife at tho separation stage. Special action had been taken also to abolish di'ink ill and around dance halls, and the views of the N.C.W. had been quoted in the House during the discussion on this (Bill. Other matters affecting women were pensions for deserted wives, maternity benefits, etc., and now 1 the pending appointment of women police. The fact that action had been taken in these matters showed that the [Strength of women is in their unity.