NAPIER TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD HOLD MEETING

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 195, 3 September 1937, Page 11

NAPIER TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD HOLD MEETING

Bowis of ]a£mine, marigolds and flowering currant decorated the stage of the Foresters' Hall, yesterday afternoon, when Mrs Bruce Barnett presidecl over the monthly meeting of the Napier Townswomen's Guild. A tall ^ase of lceland poppies stood on the table wliich was covered witli the guild clotli. Associated with Mrs Barnett on the stage were Miss Jerome Spencer, O.B.E., president and Miss O. V. Fannin, secretary. Tlie meeting opened with the singing of the guald ode and the aspirations were repeated, after which three new members, Dr Porris Berry, Mrs Anna.n and Mrs Forward, were welcomcd by the chairwoman. A letter was read from Dr Wilton Henley thanking the guild for its letter of sympathy in the loss of bis' mother. Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames Bagley and Madigan. The following resolutions. were passed unanimously : — (1) That representations be made to the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Railways, through. the New Zealand Union of Townswomen's Guilds, in regard to the annoyance and embafrassment caused to women passengers on excursions by the drinking — frequently to'excess — of intoxicant-s by male passengers ; with a request that consideration be given by him to the suggestion that one carriage on every excursion train be reserved exclusively for the dse of women travellers and that such carriage be labelled accordiilgly. (2) That tlie question be discusseci with_ the Mayor regarding having a women' s rest erected on the parade, with an attendant. Three members of the literary circle, Mrs Sweetapple, Miss Faulknor and Mrs O'Halloran, gave a deh'ghtful Sliakespeare reading which was much enjoyed. Miss C. E. Kirk, J.P., the New Zealand president of the National Council of WomeHj was then introduced by Mrs Barnbtt, and gave a most interesting talk on the work of tho council. Like many other women's organisations, stated the speaker, the National Council of Women was organised and sponsored by Women's Christian Temperance Union. Members from all other- women's societies were affiliated with the council, which was -linked up with the' Internjitional Council of Women, receiving information from overseas which was of great interest. Miss Kirk then went on to quote some resolutions from various women's organisations which had been referred to the National Council to be dealt with at their annual conference. Miss J. Spencer said that she hqped a branch of the council would be formed in Hawke's Bay and Miss Kirk added that she and the national secretary would be very pleased to help the forrqation of a branch. Mrs Barnett thanked the speaker for her very interestiiig ta^s and a resolution to this effect was carried witli acclamation. The second speaker was Mrs Tkom-, son, who gave a very entertaining talk on "Design.-" There was more to look for in modern art, said the speaker, than mere prettiness. 'Design was the pieasing placing of line, colour and shape, showing good craftsmSnship. Then again, design as a pattern or ornament must have variations, a most important rule. Each person, should evolve a style of her own by studying the designs of other countries such as Persia, India and Cliina. ' Many of these beautiful works of art may be seen in our Art Gallery Library, added the speaker, and here also are several books containing many very lovely designs. Mrs Barnett thanked the speaker for hir descriptive talk, and everyone present showed their appreciation. Ai'ternoon tea was enjoyed before the meeting close'd.