FARMERS’ WIVES

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 256, 28 July 1927, Page 5

FARMERS’ WIVES

SECOND ANNUAL CONFERENCE OPENED BY MRS. COATES The second annual conference of the women's division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union opened yesterday morning. under tho chairmanship of Airs. Polson, president. There was an attendance of about fifty delegates and visitors. The meeting was opened by Mrs. J. G. Coates, wife of the. Primo Minister. Airs. O. J. Hawkeu, wife of tho Minister or Agriculture, was also present. Airs. Polson, in welcoming Airs. Coates, said they were proud to receive her as a country woman. . . Mrs. Coates congratulated tho division z on tho good work accomplished during the year. On tho success of tho country depended tho prosperity of thc Dominion, and a very largo part was played by the farmer’s wife Anything that could bo done to lesson the hard lot of the farmer’s wifo deserved tho support of the whole community. Tho division bad made a start with a bush nurse, a housekeeper, and in other ways. Its best work was, perhaps, in bringing the men and women of tha town and country together and developing good fellowship and cooperation between them. Sho hoped thc conference would bo successful, and that even better work could be accomplished this year. Mrs. Polson, in her presidential address, said that tho division started only two years ago, ivhen 17 women mot together and decided to try to form such a division. Tho membership at the time of speaking stood at 1250, and each branch was a band of eager workers. It had been up-hill work, but had met with very fine response. Tho bush nurse, the visiting housekeeper, and the book club had been begun. It was hoped that the Government would grant free railage on the books, and a railway pass for the nurse and housekeeper. So far these had not been granted. The question of dental clinics was occupying attention, and it was desired th,at these should be available for country children. At Edmonton, in Alberta, there was a travelling dental clinic which did fine work and there was no reason why such should not be successful here. Dr. Valintine had promised to look into this matter. Tho division had shown the members of tho Farmers’ Union that their women were standing by them, sharing their joys and sorrows. In their big rallies they had called on the Women's Division to help. Another point for future consideration was bringing town and country children together. They must try and get the boy scouts and girl guides into the country. Then a women's exchange would bo a great help to country women, whereby they could put their work on tho market. The division had ‘ done something for rest rooms; Marton had helped the Plunket Society there to build a restroom. She hoped all would go back to their homes as missionaries to inspire others to carry on the work for better conditions for women and children on tho land. All's. Pow (secretary) read the annual leport which showed a groat many branches had been organised during the year, from Invercargill to Auckland. Last year there were 82-i members, now there were 1250. Although tho formation of branches seemed slow, good work was being done. Wanganui was the largest branch, with 217 members. The first bush nurse and housekeeper had been appointed. Branches were to bo congratulated on the money raised. Moro branches were needed and it was necessary to retain membership and to obtain more members. Mrs. Jackson read . tho balance-sheet and explained that money, raised for tho community chest was for the support of tho bush nurse and housekeeper. The fund now totalled 41600. Remits Passed. Tho meeting then proceeded to tlie consideration of and the following were passed: ' w . . c That tho attention of the Minister of Education be drawn to thc tollowing facts: (a) Country children, owing to distance from school, bad roads, etc., begin attending school one, two, or even three years later than town children; (b) their attendance at school, owing to distance, weather conditions, floods, etc., is more irregular than that of town children; (c) they frequently milk cows before and after school; (d) at expiration of their year in standard six they arc therefore almost invariably over 1years of age. Therefore the new regulations reducing tho ago limits lor junior and senior national scholarships by one year will fall most hardly on such children and will have the effect of depriving them of the chance of sitting for tho scholarships. (Masterton.) That the Education Department be urged to appoint assistants to all country schools where tho attendance averages 30 instead of as at present where tho attendance must average 36 tor tour quarters. (Ohingaiti.) When a change of teachers takes place, such a change to take place at the end of tho last term and pot in the beginning of the first term of ns it is not in the interests of the children and the education generally for the changes to take place during the early months of the year. This system should do away with tho relieving teach-, er in small schools. (Mahakipawa.) That it is desirable that only experienced teachers bo sent to country schools, but that until this is done it is desirable that for each group ot or ten small country schools stalled by inexperienced teachers, an' organising superintendent should bo appointed, whoso sole duty would congist of continually visiting such schools and directing and advising their teachers. (Masterton.) ' That this branch expresses the opinion that greater attention be given to tho character building side of education by tho inclusion m tho school curriculum of more definite teaching of such matters as honesty and thnlt. (Cambridge.) . That as there are cases frequently brought before tho Court of unfortunate persons being destitute, the Government bo urged to set up an institution other than tho prison where such mny bo cared for.,(Palmerston North.) This was coupled with a protest against se.nding destitute persons into tho country. That the Women’s Division set up a Parliamentary section, with study of economics and tho regulations relating to industry and all matters connected with the welfare of women and children. (Oakura.) , , x That the Government be urged to exercise a more careful scrutiny of migrants, particularly (from the point of view of public health. (Palmerston tho Government bo asked to inquire much more carefully into the bona fides of nominators of immigrants, tjius eliminating .the indiscriminate and comparatively unchecked nominations ol unsuitable persons. A remit from Goto asking for conveyance allowance to children who have to travel by bus to a railway was proposed, but the delegates wore asked to get into touch with their own educaTho conference will continue sitting this morning, when Mr. T. B. str °. n s’ Director of Education, will address the delegates.