Council of Women

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 958, 29 April 1930, Page 4

Council of Women

REPRESENTATION AT THE PAN-PACIFIC CONFERENCE DISCUSSED.

FILM CENSORSHIP The New Zealand delegation to the coming Pan-Pacific Conference was the subject of considerable discussion at the monthly meeting of the Auckland Branch of the National Council of Women last evening. Miss Carnachan, the president, presided over a good attendance of members. It had been suggested that the delegation include a Maori woman, and it was Miss Melville's opinion that the suggestion was a very valuable one. particularly in view of the Samoan difficulties, as it would show in a very definite manner the good feeling that existed between the white and native races in this country. “New Zealand.” said Miss Melville, “is being freely criticised abroad in regard to Samoa, and it has got to do something more than merely discuss matters. A Maori can speak for us as perhaps no other can.” The treasurer reported that as a result of a “Bring-and-Buy” evening the sum of £l3 14s 3d was realised. It was announced that two further societies became affiliated —the Auckland branch of the British League of Unitarian and other Liberal Christian Women, who will be represented by the Rev. Wilma Constable, and the Takapuna Western Area Ratepayers and Residents’ Association, whom Mrs. Blomfield, the president, will represent. The following remit was adopted by the meeting, and is to be forwarded to the Dominion Executive for consideration:— “That a woman be appointed to act as joint censor of films, and that a censorship of all New Zealand scenarios be made before public production, so as to avoid giving a false idea of life and conditions in the Dominion.” A letter was read from the secretary of the New Zealand Alliance on behalf of the organisations committee, stating that, judging from reports received from time to time, there was ample justification for the recent statements that there was a deplorable amount of drinking being done by young women and girls at dances and cabarets. The committee believed that the matter called for serious consideration »nd the adoption of

remedial measures. It further recommended that women's organisations should institute investigations into the allegations. Miss Runciman, of Dunedin, spoke briefly about the Dunedin remit relative to the setting up of a board of social service, and the remit was freely discussed. Miss Rishworth, * convener of the sub-committee appointed to consider the scope of action of such a board, presented her report, but further action in the matter was postponed to a later date. In reply to a letter received from the Akarana Maori Association, in which was pointed out what was believed to be defects in the Child Welfare Act and its working, Miss Jackson, convener of the sub-committee appointed to deal with this matter, nikde a detailed report of the Act and its application. After investigation and while admitting that there was room for improvement, the committee pointed out that the Act was designed to protect the child and to serve its best interests.