WOMEN'S PART

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 48, 19 November 1937, Page 9

WOMEN'S PART

Own Correspondont.)

Debate in Presbyterian Assembly

(From Our

AUCKLAND, Last Night. Brisk discussion as to whether women should be givea a place on certain Assembly committees, especially those by which vital public questions were discussed, took place at this morning's session of the Presbyterian General Assembly. There was fairly strong opposition to a motion extending the sphere of representation of women, at least pne speaker inferring that discussion of delicate questions would be hampered by an atmosphere of " awkwardness^ ' as a result of the presence of women. Einally, however, the motion was carried intact. Mr J. M. Dick said women had done outstanding work for the church and deserved recognition on some assembly committees which dealt with matters of public importance. He moved that the Presbyterian Women 's Missionary Union should be asked to nominate one representative to the youth, public questions and temperance committees. The Eev. J. D. Smith said the assembly should retain the power of nomination, but two women should be appointed to each of the committees uamed. This forrn of motion was accepted by Mr Dick. Tho Eev. D. J. Shaw warned agaxnst any tendency to all into "the popular error" of trying to drag wdm'en into everything men sought to do. He stood behind no one in his rcverent admiration of women and his appreciation of their services to the church, but ho tho-ught the presence on certain committees of lady representatives tended to restrict freedom. He moved as an amendment that while appreciation should be expressed of their splendid services, the representation of women ou committees should be limited as at present. The Eev. K. F. Fish seconded the amendment. Mr Emith dcclared that if the amendment were adoptcd the women of the church were not going to feel the sarne enthusiasm for their work. The woman's point of view was needed in discussions of important social and moral questions. The amendment was lost, and tlien tlie Ecv. J. T. Macky moved that the public quewtions committee should bo oxcluded from tho motiou. This further amendment was lost by 85 vo^es to 65, (uid the motion. was carried. • i