MISS ALICE BASTEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 358, 19 May 1928, Page 20

MISS ALICE BASTEN

ENTERTAINED AT KOHI NEW PROGRESSIVE LEAGUE The Kohimarama Hall was the scene of an interesting function on Thursday, when a large number of women met at a social afternoon in hosour of Miss Alice Basten, of the Auckland City Council. The proceedings opened with a short musical programme, contributed by Mrs. Gray and Mrs. Warburton (songs) and Mrs. Barnes (elocutionary item). Mrs. Barnes also acted as accompanist. In introducing the guest of the afternoon, Mrs. Webster, the hostess, in a few brief remarks referred to Miss Basten’s activities in connection with various women’s movements, such as the Auckland Women’s Patriotic Association, the Mayoress’s War . Memorial Library League, Civic League, National Council of Women and other associations, for all of which Miss Basten had been a keen and enthusiastic worker. She was one of the two women members of the Auckland City Council, and the Kohimarama women had a right to claim her as their direct representative on that body, as she was a resident of this district. The speaker deplored the fact that the women of this country had not been more fully alive to their privileges and responsibilities in regard to the franchise and other public affairs, having as yet no member of their sex in Parliament. Miss Basten, who was greeted with applause, said she welcomed the opportunity of meeting those present in a friendly talk. Tamaki was, without doubt, the -most wonderful asset the city had ac-

quired, having exceptional possibilities. Women cov#l do much to forward the interests of the district, one way being in regard to reserves. The children must receive consideration, and all the playing areas should not be occupied by sports in which only men participate. The big idea of citizenship is to give and take, and the women of Tamaki must not think solely of Tamaki, but of the good of Greater Auckland as a whole, as now the district was part of the city they would be sharing in its benefits, such as the Museum, Zoo, parks, etc. Miss Basten briefly referred to women’s work on public bodies, and the various spheres for which women were most fitted. A united body was always able to accomplish more than individuals, and she would suggest the formation of a women’s progressive league, to cover the whole of the district.

Mrs. Cadoux, who had accompanied Miss Basten, afterwards suggested that the opportunity should be taken to form such a league while all the women were together. This suggestion met with approval, and on a proposition being put forward, it was unanimously agreed to form the Tamaki Women’s Progressive League, the women of St. Heliers and Tamaki West to be invited to join.