ARTICLES OBJECTED TO

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 May 1939, Page 4

ARTICLES OBJECTED TO

IN OFFICIAL ORGAN. WOMEN’S INSTITUTE DISPUTE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) GREYMOUTH, May 19. Strong exception to recent articles on the international situation appearing in “Home and Country,” the official organ of the Dominion Federation of Women’s Institutes, was expressed by speakers at a course of instruction opened today in Greymouth under ’ the guidance of the Dominion president, Miss Amy Kane. More than 50 delegates from all parts of the West Coast attended the course, which concludes tomorrow. The West Coast president, Mrs R. W. Stewart, said the series of articles by Miss Nora Lewis dealing with international matters had given great concern to many West Coast members. The articles were controversial and the considered opinion of institutes was that, in view of the fact that the movement was non-controversial, non-sec-tarian and non-political, the articles should not be published in the official organ.

Miss Kane said the articles were neither political nor sectarian, bu't dealt with international matters, ori which it was difficult to avoid controversy. It was well for institutes to discuss these matters, because they could not consider themselves citizens of the world unless they were interested in world affairs. The articles were signed by Miss Lewis, removing the possibility of their being considered the policy of the Dominion Federation. Replying to a remark that the publication of a political advertisement led to disaffiliation of institutes on the West Coast, Miss Kane said the publication of one advertisement had been a mistake, as the advertisements of each party were intended for publication simultaneously. “Home and Country” was intended to suit all tastes. There was no need for institutes to discuss articles published by individuals.

Criticism was also levelled at the Dominion executive for permitting Mrs Kelso, Wellington, to continue as organiser and member of the advisory board of “Woman Today,” edited by Mrs Elsie Freeman. It was disclosed at the meeting that Mrs Freeman’s request for permission to address the Greymouth Women’s Institute had been refused because of her political views.