“W.D.F.F. Could Have Strong Influence”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29504, 4 May 1961, Page 2

“W.D.F.F. Could Have Strong Influence”

Thirty thousand members of the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers in this country could exert considerable influence if they wished, said the Dominion president of the W.D.F.F., Mrs T. M. Watson, in Christchurch yesterday. In her talk to delegates at the annual meeting of the Canterbury provincial executive, Mrs Watson said that in fields such as civil defence, Maori*pakeha relationships, community affairs, world affairs, wool promotion and guidance for young people, women could play a very wise and strong part, she said.

Mrs Watson said the civil defence field was to be arranged not in the event of war but in the event of a national or isolated disaster such as was recently threatened by a tidal wave. "Too often women rush through the first part of an emergency and then find themselves left wondering what to do next.” she said. "In Southland at the time of the tidal wave people rushed inland and then were left standing. Some had not bothered to move at all and were down on the beach watching for the wave. "Instructions for sensible actions in times of emergency and lessons in first aid would be extremely worth while for members in all branches,” she said. New Zealand women and members of the W.DF.F. should make a point of studying Maori culture and Maori problems in order to gain a fuller understanding of the race. When the

W.D.F.F. Dominion conference celebrated international night this link between New Zealand peoples would be reemphasised by a talk on Maori affairs and a programme of Maori entertainment. "The Maori wants to retain his individuality and his own characteristics and it is up to us all to learn as much as possible so that we will not have to face a situation here as other countries are facing at present,” said Mrs Watson. World Affairs “We women are apt to live in such a rush and whirl that we only use our newspapers for the local news they contain. A closer watch on international affairs will keep us up to date and when an opportunity arises for us to use our influence we will be sufficiently well-informed to do so. Space travel is a frightening thought in a way. Women must watch and see that it is used for peaceful purposes.” she said. Mrs Watson spoke of a need for promotion of New Zealand wool and directed members to teach others new uses for wool in handcrafts. She also asked them to observe young people and to help them when they needed guidance and understanding. Within the W.D.F.F. branches Mrs Watson said there was a need for more brightness and relaxation at meetings. “Too often the meetings are purely for business discussions,” she said. "We must have more friendliness and fun, though at the same time, keeping very much in mind the aim of this organisation, which is to be available in any hour of need. Running Branches "Perhaps you could run your branches in a slightly different way. with a committee for arranging entertainment apart from the committee elected at the annual

meeting. Fun and friendliness are two things we could remember when dealing with our young folk too.” In July of this year the W.D.F.F. would be host to a young girl from Fiji who will observe division work in New Zealand and members were asked to show her something of Plunket clinic work and other services as she travelled round New Zealand. "Women in Fiji are very keen to learn homecrafts as in many villages living conditions are poor,” said Mrs Watson. “They need our help and we have so much to show them and team them. Later we hope that a Fijian woman will visit this country under the auspices of the United Nations Educational and Scientific Cultural Organisation.” Mrs Watson was introduced to members by the president of the Canterbury provincial executive (Mrs J. Blamires).