Valuable Work

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 87, 29 April 1937, Page 6

Valuable Work

WOMEN'S INSTITUTES Organisations as Means to World Peace INTERCHANGE OF VISITS Touching on various aspects of . the work of women 's lnstitutes, Miss Amy Kane, J.P., Wellington, vice-chairwoman of the Dominioa executive, gave an interesting address to the annual general ' council meeting of the Northern Hawke's Bay Federation of Women 's Institutes in the Torea- . ters' Hall, Napier, yesterday afternoon. Miss Kane emphasised tht value of women 's organisations as a means to world peace and understanding. At the eommencement of the address, the speaker dwelt briefly on the Dominion executive, and offered . all institutes the help of the executive in . settling any problems met with in the 'course of their aetivities. A great volume of work, however, was set down for the next executive meeting, and it was necessary that all questions should be speedily sent forward for consideration. A helpful suggestion was given regarding the establishment of a drama school, sueh as had already. been brought into being by an institute in Tauranga. It was realised that most members were interested in dramatie • work, and the establishment of sueh a . school would give useful hints for the choice and production of plays. The speaker also advocated a more active Interest in public affairs, stating that there should be women representatives on hospital boards, in Parliament, and even on county conneils. If a member was appointed as a candidate for any public position, it was the duty of other members to see that she was put into that position, International Aspect, "Our organisation is linked with similar organisations throughout the world, and I would like to speak briefly about the work of the Women 'a Institute in Ceylon," continued Miss Kane. ' ' This organisation was commenced in a different manner to ours, in that it was inaugurated from a central organisation. This body, a partly philanthropic institution, wished to help the native women, following a severe outbreak of malaria, "but found it impossible to get into touch. witb' tho women in the villages. "The Women 's Institute was the on« means whereby they could do so, and it had done a world of good for those women. They have now been taught Lorne nursing, and the care of fiheii own children. Our organisation wai . staited quite differently, but it is a» cla&tic body, and rules can be framed. to suit any body of women. "The international aspect of out • work is- very important, and it behovea . us all to try- and make interoationaJ friendships, to secure that community " of interest that will bring about perpetual peace. It is the women who will bring abont peace, as it ,,is more to their interest, and to the well-being of • their homes and children. They are n jc interested in the business organisa- ' tions that bring war." . The speaker advocated' an inter- > change of vi'sits with the members of similar organisations abroad. Both . in the matter of receiving visits, and of sending members abroad for a time, the principle of mingling with Qther nations, and attempting to attain the broader international viewpoint wa3 ceally valuable. Travelling members brought back with them knowledge that was valuable to the institutes they met on their return, while contact with similar organisations abroad . helped to create goodwill. The applause that greeted the conciusion of the address was sufficient indie.ation of the appreciation of the audience, without the thanks given by their president. '