LETTER FROM A NATIONAL COUNCIL DELEGATE

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 8, 1 September 1946, Page 2

LETTER FROM A NATIONAL COUNCIL DELEGATE

June 11th, 1946. 1 >car Madam, I have often felt gratctul that I have had the privilege of being a delegate to the N.C.W. To meet regularly and work with women of oilier organisation> widens one’s horizon, broadens one’s views, and enlarges the range of one’s sympathies. \\ hen we work just in our own organisation we are apt to think that we are working harder than others in the Master’s vineyard, and are more keen than they for the advancement of His Kingdom. This is tar from being the truth. I came away from the N.C.W. nutting yesterday feeling that every woman there was keen on doing her best for "God, Home and Humanity,” though I was the only W.C.T.U. member there.

The subject of sport was discussed. It was considered very good in its place, but that too much time was given to it over the radio. One member, a Catholic, said she thought there was far too much racing new’s over the air. and that it was not good for the rising generation to hear so much about horses, etc Others thought it unwise to take a negative attitude. The racing news was broadcast because there was a demand for it. If women wanted more time over the radio, they should take a positive attitude —they should demand it. This would perhaps exclude other things not so desirable.

The next subject disct sscd was the exploitation of the female form in advertisements. Pictures of' women wearing brassieres were referred to, advertisements of a N.Z.-made corset, "Try the uplift”; also "B.O. ” advertisements. All present expressed their disgust, and said they were lowering to the dignity and honour of womanhood. It was resolved to send the following remit to headquarters: "That this Branch condemn the growing practice of exploiting the female form by advertisement for commercial purposes.”

Then certain periodicals were mentioned as being even worse than these advertisements.

Some, with an attractive cover, and an attractive name. Who would not wish to have a good laugh ? 1 have not seen these personally, but other W.C.T.U. members may have. Would that there might be a stricter censorship over these things. Well, Madam Editor, perhaps niv letter i> long enough. I am sure all W.C.T.U women would agree with these views expressed by women of widely different organisations.

Yours sinceiely, \ MEMBER OF N.CAY. AND ALSO OF W.C.T.U.