ELEVENTH TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE A.C.W.W. — DUBLIN

By LEONE ROSS

The Eleventh Triennial Conference which was held in Dublin was officially opened on Wednesday, September 15, 1965, in the Royal Dublin Society’s Building. Lovely decorative panels, designed to resemble carved stone, depicted various activities of women through the ages in agriculture, horticulture, and the arts. 0n the balcony under the ceiling canopied in green and white, were outstanding examples of traditional

Irish patchwork quilts and rush work.

The audience of nearly 3,000 included the Conference Members and members of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association who were allotted places for the opening ceremonies. The platform party included President de Valera; Prime Minister and Mrs. Sean Lemass; Mrs. Nora Burton, President of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association, who chaired the opening ceremony; Mrs. G. van Beekhoff, President A.C.W.W.; the Deputy Minister of Education and Agriculture; the Lord Mayor of Dublin; and members of A.C.W.W. Executive.

The theme of the conference, “Working Together” was elaborated on by every speaker. Rt. Rev. Msgr. F.J. Smyth, Director of the Coady International Institute, outlined the history of the Co—operative Movement, so familiar to us here in the Maritimes. He outlined the Rochdale principles laid down by the founders who began the movement in England in 1844 and continued into the similar development in An- tigonish at St. Francis Xavier University in the years 1920-30 and on- ward. To the Rochdale principles of co—operation was added the program of adult education through economic co-operation, building better people through participation in the co-operative programs. His stirring remarks set the tone for the whole conference.

Reports were received from the Council for the triennium and from the chairperson of the General Purposes Committee, Mrs. Graham Spry. Both of these dealt at length with membership status, voting powers, conferences and work of the Central office.

On Thursday, thirty-one representatives from member societies of each country having delegates present, brought greetings from their societies. Mrs. Joseph McNeil], who had been Ireland’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, entertained us with a fascinating and colorful account of the history of our host country.

Prizes for A.C.W.W. Essay and Song Competitions were awarded as follows:

Essay: “My Society”

First Prize - Mrs. Elizabeth Laidley, Scottish W.R.I. Second Prize - Mrs. S. Stevens, Zambia

Third Prize - Mrs. Kathleen McCarthy, I.C.A.

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