WOMEN’S DIVISION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 238, 21 July 1941, Page 6

WOMEN’S DIVISION.

TH:EI DOMINION CONFERENCE. ADDRESS BY LADY NEW ALL. A tribute to the country women oi New Zealand was paid by her Excellency Lady Newall when she opened the annual conference of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union in Wellington. Her Excellency said, “They are the true home makers.” Referring to the “Housekeepers,” she said they are practising a “true patriotism.” Her Excellency described some of the conditions the women of England were facing. Farmers’ wives were faced with rationing and, in* addition, were billeting children, sometimes whole families as ivell as soldiers. She praised the work of the Land Girls and said that all these changes were bringing about more tolerance and friendliness among the people of England. They were not facing the war with courage alone, but with fortitude also, which was courage over a long period. The old Bible truths were still the best guide to the people. “Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all they might.” Let us work together for this blessed land of New Zealand and through New Zealand for the British Empire. Lady Newall accepted a beautifullybound copy of “Brave Days” from the conference. ■

The Mayoress of Wellington (Mrs T. C. A. Hislop) welcomed the visitors to the city. Greetings were extended by Mrs Barclay, wife of the Minister of Agriculture, Miss Amy Kane (Women’s Institutes), Miss Tennant (Commander-in-'Chief of the Red Cross V.A.D.’s, -Mrs Lee Martin and Mrs D. Mclntosh (National Council of Women). Mrs P. Fraser (write of the Prime Minister) referred to the importance of the conference. What 22,000 members thought and said was Ql national importance, • because the highest percentage of the world’s population still lived on the land.

The matter of Bush Nurses and Housekeeper Auxiliary was fully discussed and ways and means considered to further help the mothers of families on the land. The remits covered a wide field of interest and the majority were passed. It was decided to take up writh the Government transport authorities the matter of obtaining transport for daily help to mothers in the country. From branch and provincial reports supplied the Dominion secretary (Mrs A. B. Smith) presented a comprehensive resume dealing with the progress made and undertaken. Through: the Division all sections of war-time effort and outside appeals could bo met. It was not necessary, said the report, for members to leave the organisation in order to find a useful channel of patriotic service. Apart from contributions for the Division funds branches had given £2991 to outside appeals. This did not include money given to the Spitfire fund. Activities* under the' tutorial _ and general educational scheme for branches were growing steadily each year. Through the National Co-ordinating Committee two tutors had been constantly employed—one an instructress in dressmaking and designing, and the other in: gardening and food preservation. The Southland Executive had a comprehensive tutorial programme embracing dressmaking, designing and cutting, music, singing, elocution, public-speak-ing, and physical culture. A total of 1023 housekeepers’ engagements were filled throughout the Dominion during the year, but the demand far exceeded the supply. The Rest Home at Palmerston North ivas beginning to he known and appreciated by people all over the Dominion. There had been a total ot S 4 guests from areas between Gisborne and Jnvercargill, a number having been sent by doctors to convalesce or to rest before hospital treatment. Many medical men considered the home an ideal place, and grateful visitors had sent a variety of useful gifts in return for the care received there.

•Mrs Noel Adams was re-elected president.

Mrs Jackson, who retired from the position of treasurer after many years of service, was presented with a beautiful writing cabinet.