National Council of Women

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 5, 1 June 1946, Page 3

National Council of Women

CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH We are indebted to Mrs. F. J. T. Grigg for the very interesting report of the past year’s activities of the Christchurch branch of the N.C.W, As this is probably indicative of much of the work of the average branch, we are glad to publish parts of general interest, so that v.e may have some idea of what is done by the organisation which has our representatives from the Dominion officers and from our local Unions in most places where both associations are functioning. The number of delegates from women’s societies in the Christchurch branch is 72: these representing 51 organisations. Miss C. Henderson, well-known to all W.C.T.U. members, is a l ife Member.

A paragraph is devoted to the loss sustained by the branch in the loss of the much loved President, Mrs. C. W. Harrell. Her gifts of characu : and personality are feelingly mentioned. Another loss was that of the late Mayoress, Miss E. Cousins, who was a former Vice-president of the branch.

The Dominion President, Miss Havelaar, J.P. is congratulated on having received the award of M.8.E., well deserved for the voluntary war work accomplished by her Mesdame« X. Banks and T. Taberner are congratulated on becoming T.P.’s. Three of the Christchurch members have been re-elected as Dominion Officers: Miss Havciaar, President; Mrs. W. Mackay, J.P., and Mrs. L. I. C attell.

Special Meeting* mentioned in the report include one for the consideration of the recommendations sent down from the W ellington branch regarding the Licensing Commission. While not in agreement with some of these, the Council expressed gratitude for the time and thought given to the matter by their s • **r branch.

Victory Loan. At i. of the Christchurch War Loan the branch undertook to secure helpers and collectors.

The milk problem was the subject of another special meeting. An endeavour to assist in solving the difficulties caused at the Hospital through staff shortage resulted in the forming of an association named “The Friends of the Hospital.” This is sponsored by the branch, and its executive officers are all members thereof. The report reads: “We arc truly proud of the great work accomplished by the ‘Friends’ in the short space of time since Christmas. They have formed a branch in Ashburton, a weekly sewing Circle which does mending at the Hospital, a Sewing Circle at Waltham for the Waltham Orphanage, and have been responsible for finding a large number of part-time workers for the Hospital and its institutions.”

Reference is made to the Dominion Conference, of which a short report has already appeared in these pages.

Associate members have given much valuable assistance in many directions. Special Committees set up within the branch are as follows: 1. Education and Child W elfare; 2. hood and Commodities; 3. Housing; 4. Pensions; 5. Reconstruction; 6. Social Welfare. Excellent work is reported by all of these. Numerous deputations have been received and sent out by the branch. It is illuminating to read this report and we congratulate the Christchurch Branch on its vigorous and healthy tone, i o those of our readers who are not in touch with any branch of the Council, it will be very interesting to barn that its policy is in the direction of (mod Citizenship all along the line.