AIMS OF COUNTRY GIRLS’ CLUBS

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30480, 30 June 1964, Page 2

AIMS OF COUNTRY GIRLS’ CLUBS

The aims of the Federation of Country Girls’ Clubs are to advance educational and cultural pursuits of its members and their knowledge of agriculture, homecraft and community life; and to develop a spirit of leadership among youth of the community.

The recent conference held by the federation in Hamilton showed members how clubs are working towards these goals. “I found it a most stimulating experience hearing about what other clubs are doing, mixing with so many girls from similar backgrounds, meeting exchangees from England, Scotland, and Australia, and listening to speakers addressing the conference,” said Miss J. Maxwell, a delegate from the Avon Country Girls’ Club, on her return to Christchurch.

Miss Maxwell, who is the Christchurch district committee’s reporter, said the conference wanted to let the public know what it was doing. “We are considering having ‘C.G.C.’ car stickers made to arouse interest in the community and of erecting small billboards near towns to welcome visitors, advising of the local club’s meeting place,” she said. The federation will investV gate the possibilities of assisting women’s organisations in underdeveloped countries, such as the Pacific islands.

This project would be in addition to the activities of ind : vidual clubs, such as supporting the Freedom from Hunger Campaign, sponsoring children overseas and other community welfare efforts. The conference decided to have a national theme every year. The first will be “Beautiful New Zealand.” About 130 delegates attended the conference as well as about 20 observers and a number of visitors. The federation has 2953 active members throughout New Zealand in 156 clubs,

with representatives on youth councils. A delegate from the federation will be sent to the conference of the Associated Country Women of the World in Dublin next year. Tasman Empire Airways, Ltd., has offered to sponsor a member of the country girls’ club movement oh a visit to the United States next year, Miss Maxwell said.