PAN-PACIFIC WORK

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1073, 10 September 1930, Page 9

PAN-PACIFIC WORK

CONFERENCE DELEGATES WELCOMED HAWAII’S HOSPITALITY “Fresh from world contacts,” was the expression used by Miss Carnachan, president of the Auckland branch of th» National Council of Women, in welcoming and introducing the returned delegates to the Pan-Pacific Women’s Conference. at an open meeting held at the Y.W.C.A. last evening, under the auspices of the National Council. Mrs. A. 13. Campbell, Mayoress, also welcomed the delegates, and congratu - latech Dr. Georgina Sweet, leader of the Australian delegation, upon being elected president of the newly-formed Pan-Pacific Women’s Association. The first speaker was Miss Sims, of Christchurch, deputising for Miss Jean -Begg, leader of the New Zealand delegation, who has not yet returned from Honolulu. She dealt with the lighter side of the conference —its soci.nl activities, which were a practical demonstration of internationalism. Miss Sims paid tribute to the splendid hospitality of the residents of Honolulu, and then proceeded to give some very interesting word pictures of the outstanding personalities among the delegates. Mr. Alexander Hume Ford, director of the Pan-Pacific Union, who was the only man at the conference, she described as being full of energv and enthusiasm.

Quite one of the most brilliant women at the conference was Dame Rachel Crowdy, a typical Englishwoman. who was greatly admired by all who came in contact with her. Mi*.-» Ann Satterthwaite, secretary to Mi. Ford, indefatigable in her work for the union. Mrs. Ada H. Reeve, widelvexperienced and splendidly fitted with tact and wisdom for the position sh** held as president of the conference: Airs. Swansea, of Honolulu, a vet' arresting personality, and very manmore were briefly sketched. ‘Almost every delegate, said the speaker. wss outstanding in some way. and among other* she mentioned particularly were Dean Bollirt. of the University of Brihs“ Columbia, who was a member of the Canadian delegation; Dr. £sad< Kata, leader of the Japanese delegation'; Miss Kawasaki, a Japan*?-*-Buddhist; Miss Goadvkuntz. and Mr-. Kgerton Parsons, of the United States delegation, both women who were doing tine work of note in the world Senora de Aldag. of Mexico, and I>;. Georgina Sweet, of Australia. Miss MacDonald, an Australian delegate, spoke of the lour sections In which she took pa i't—Y*f women in industry. of health, of industrial hygiene and of home economics. Miss MacDonald outlined the fields covered in these sections, and read many of the resolutions passed by the conference to show the work that had been done The health group had been •xtremep interesting, the discussions covering pre-natal and infant welfare, child guidance, open-air schools, diet in r- - gard to health, and diet in relation teeth. Free school lunches were als** discussed.

social service group made a. study of the question of the preservation of family life, and made recommendations for counteracting the influences which made for the breaking up family ties Reference was madto the growing use of women police throughout the world, and the conference recommended the employment of women in this capacity in every country where the policewoman was not vn established.

Outlining the procedure and problems relating to the age group, D - Constance Davey spoke of women in Government and education. In education. widely different viewpoints were taken by the various countries bordering the Pacific. For instance, in Canada. Australia and New Zealand there was established a highly centralised system under proper control. with a Minister responsible to the Government for its proper functioning. while in China and Japan th problems of education centred round the preservation of ancient culture. The business side of education was considered and the proportionate return for the money spent, with th* idea of discovering at what point p ceased to be worth while spending more money

With regard to women in Government. the conference had been chiefly interested in the principles underlying legislation and their practical application. Discussions also took place on the nationality of married women and their freedom of choice; persona l and property rights of women: work of women in municipal affairs: the outcome of women’s suffrage, and the influence of women in politics. Dr. Georgina Sweet, in a very lucid and forceful manner, spoke chiefly of the Pan-Pacific Women's Association, the permanent organisation which had emanated from the conference, and outlined the needs that had resulted in its eestablishment. She spoke very highly of the preliminary work done by the organisers in this connection, and went on to speak of the ultimate aims and objects of the association. Its immediate concern was the application of truth to vita) issues concerning men. women and children, and the acquiring of the knowledge of fundamentals necessary to frame and apply constructive measures. This new association could wi?!d a tremendous power in establishing and perpetuating a happy peat among peoples bordering the Pacific. The post-war world was teeming with social problems, and woman’s special powers of sympathy and mediation were particularly applicable to the solving of these problems. For thes* reasons it was considered des rahl< that a permanent women's orgaaiia - tion be formed, as such work as they felt they conld carry' out was not provided for or encompassed in any way at present opening to them. The consensus of opinion was that there was room for their work, and so the Pan-Pacific Women's Assoc iaI tion came into being. 1 Dr. Sweet then read the most important parts of the association's coni stitution and concluded with an ap- • peal for tho intelligent support of all | women in fostering this organisation, • which would provide a meeting ground for the women of so many different races on the sole basis of a common womanhood. Dr. Georgine Sweet spoke and outlined the aims and objects of Pan-Pacific Women’s Association. Miss Perry, a New Zealand delegate also spoke, stressing the responsibilities of New Zealand women in national and international affairs. An enormous amount of preparatory work and study* would be necessary before the next conference if New Zealand, was to make a proper showing. Miss Melville seconded Miss Carnachan’s vote of thanks to the speaker.*-, ahd said that New Zealand women would have to accept the challenge j that had been given them to us** their I powers and intelligence in affairs o: i national and international impo: