NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24401, 12 September 1940, Page 10

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN

DUNEDIN BRANCH MEETS The September meeting of the Dunedin branch of' the National Council of Women was attended by 42 members. Miss Lovell-Smith, who presided, welcomed Mrs Townend, representing 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 reply had been received from the Queen's A.D.C. The president introduced Mr A. C. Cameron, who gave an address on the methods adopted by the 'Government to aid the farmers to increase primary production at this time, in response to requests from Great Britain. He enumerated some 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 (o assist the war effort New activities included the production of linseed flax from which linen is made 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. In certain cases, the Government had made available to farmers finance for buying extra equipment made necessaryby changed conditions In an endeavour to improve the labour problem, shearing classes were being held, and arrangements made for secondary schoolboys to help with tur-nip-thinning, etc. A statement prepared by the Dominion secretary was read, outlining the functions of the Internationa] Council of Women Standing Committees and giving details of their studies and activities. Members hoard the reports sent to the. conference in April. Mrs I. W. Cowie reading the press report and Mrs H, ,T. Alexander the broadcasting report. The following branch representatives were appointed; Mrs H. J. Alexander (broadcasting). Mrs IW. Cowie (press). Miss R. Mackenzie (education). Members also heard 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 be 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 Stales 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 of freedom of religion, etc.), in the econonnc area (migration, tariffs, access to raw materials). Miss E. H. Pryde read the report of the ‘Parliamentary Watch Committee, which referred to recent social legislation affecting women, particularly the Dojnestic Proceedings Act which, it was hoped, would help to reduce divorce by endeavouring to bring about a reconciliation between husband and wife at the separation stage. Special

action had been taken also to abolish drink in 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 the fact that action had been taken in these matters showed that the strength of women was in their unity.