N.Z. Women Promote World Good Will

Press, Volume C, Issue 29673, 17 November 1961, Page 2

N.Z. Women Promote World Good Will

International friendship will be in the thoughts of country women of New Zealand this month. The Country Women's Institute and the Women's Division of Federated Fanners, both of which are affiliated to the Associated Country Women of the World, are keeping November as International Month. The celebration of an International day by constituent societies grew out of a recommendation from the A.C.W.W. conference held in Washington in 1536 that mem. ber societies should set aside one day each year to learn about the life of women in other countries The idea quickly spread and it is now one of the most popular annual fixtures among country women groups. It also helps the alms of ACWW. which is to promote international goodwill, friendship and understanding among the countrywomen of the world The organisation believes that to study the history, customs and people of other countries will bring knowledge, which is a basic step towards this international understanding At the monthly meeting of each branch the programme will be directed towards interest in other countries International friendship is the theme for the C Wl’s. and the WDD.F branches will study Australia, the country where the next international conference of the A.C.W.W. will be held next - October. "We always study tip

country where the conference is to be held, so that delegates will have a better understanding of it, and those of us left at home will be encouraged to follow the proceedings with more interest," said the secretary of th? Canterbury executive of the W.D.FF. (Mrs M. E. Orchard) yesterday. The association, the only world organisation of country women, represents five and a half million women, who come from 27 different countries, and belong to 140 different societies. It works for improved rural conditions, and provides personal links with country women throughout the world. It helps to arrange exchange programmes, gives introductions to other country women for members going overseas, and provides members with the opportunity of offering hospitality in their countries to visitors from other countries It speaks for country women at the United Nations, and provides members with first-hand information about the United Nations. At the International Day meeting, and on other occasions during the year, a "pennies for friendship" collection is taken up. Included in their use is the assisting of the work of A.CWW through vice-presidents tours Mrs N Schroeder, of Marlborough, who is South Pacific area vice-president, was sponsored recently on a tour of the Pacific. The funds also go towards the expenses of the triennial conference to which five delegates each from C.WJ. and WDF.F. are sent <