The Dominion FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1932. FOR HOME AND COUNTRY

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 260, 29 July 1932, Page 10

The Dominion FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1932. FOR HOME AND COUNTRY

There is historical interest of people in this country is fixed upon Ottawa, t g Wellington . j t Institute movement was h 0 S ° *e women’sjnstitutes home and country, translate . . j most outstanding movein Canada have smee fa and influence ■rent of its kind in thewotl. P tlie y wome n of Britain, took in improving the amenities o , women’s institutes « “a total membership aPPr to New Zealand in M mid under capable organisation has been built up to a o, a increase during S:“ K^o a to Miss Sparer .tata presidential lighten these responsibilities, and further in every way possible thes aSPir in lO a n ddition, it is'an educational and practical organisation. Its members learn through exchanges of ideas, and by engaging recreative aTd occupational activities. Through these vduabki contact the horizons of' our country women are given a brighter aspect. ‘‘Never,’’ said his Excellency the Governor-General ini a■ the conference on the opening day, was there more need to emphasise the virtues of self-help, resourcefulness, and-the avoidance of waste, which it is the special function of your great and growing movement £ tataVin the hemes of the people.” Women to-day hav<t o manage their domestic* affairs on lighter purses It is in just such conditions that friendly counsel and practical hints are needed and W<ilC Associated with the activities of the women’s institutes is a revival of home crafts. In England, this has been a great boon to village life. At an exhibition held in March last, there was. a remarkable display of.homecraft articles and products of great,variety.,The New Zealand conference has just provided a similar display. The Federation of Women’s Institutes holds proficiency tests annually in 30 crafts, while simpler work for the less facile and the elderly is tilso provided for in the syllabus of instruction Herein it is curious to note an increasing interest in carpentry. Women are learning to hi the nail on the head, so to speak, and thus an ancient jibe may soon become obsolete. , . ’ f , Most important of all, the movement is proving one of the greatest influences in strengthening the home. As long as the homes of the nation are sound, the country will be sound. Before the coming o these women’s institutes there were grave anxieties concerning the future of the home as a pillar of the State. But this great social enterprise is splendidly justifying its motto, “For home and country.