MOTHERS’ DAY OBSERVANCE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 128, 15 March 1950, Page 2

MOTHERS’ DAY OBSERVANCE

VIEWS OF COUNTRY WOMEN AFTERNOON SESSION OF CONFERENCE A remit on Mothers’ Day provided the highlight at the afternoon session of the inter-pro-vincial conference of the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers, which concluded in Ashburton yesterday.

The remit, presented by North ‘Otago, read as follows:—“That we cease to commercialise ‘Mothers’ Day,’ taking away the real meaning of the day.” Delegates speaking to the motion were of opinion that Mothers’ Day, in its present form of observance, had become “something of a racket,” and that little deeds of thoughtfulness to mother meant far more than the giving of a present on a formal occasion. “Mother’s birthday is the real mother’s day,” was the- sentiment expressed by one delegate, and warmly approved. The suggestion .was made that if W.D.F.F. members throughout the country made it plain to their families that they did ''not want Mothers’ Day gifts, a beginning would be made of a general return to the simpler and more genuine mode of observing the day, which had begun with the wearing of a flower in token of remembrance: that, in the opinion of the speaker, was all that was necessary. The remit was unanimously and enthusiastically adopted, with the hope expressed that it would create a new fashion, “a sacred day,' not a commercial one.” Provincial Executives . * Remits in the direction of larger representation on provincial executives of branches with big memberships; in favour of the establishment of rural committees for farm labour; proposing more group tours between the provinces; seeking the revision of death duties, were all adopted. On the presentation of a remit asking for the expediting by the Government of its promise re -age beneciaries, it was considered that Mrs Ross’s statement on the matter in her address that morning had satisfied members. Executive officers in answer to North Canterbury’s question concerning bona fide member’s, associate members, and the eligibility for office of members retired from the land, gave up-to-date and comprehensive answers which cleared up misunderstandings that had arisen. In answer to an invitation from Westport that the next inter-pro-vincial conference be. held on the Coast, it was decided to ask West Coast delegates to the next conference, which by rotation falls to Tirnaru.