HOUSEWIVES’ UNION FORMED

Grey River Argus, 17 September 1941, Page 7

HOUSEWIVES’ UNION FORMED

A branch of the above was formed in Greymouth last week. The urgent need for an organisation ot this nature was emphasised by the promoter of Housewives’ Unions, Mrs E. McGowan, of Wellington, who is doing a tour' of the West Coast for the purpose of forming branches or the organisation in the various districts. At present there are groups operating in Welington, Kaipiri, Petone, New Brighton', Auckland, Dunedin Invercargill, Palmerston North, Christchurch, Wanganui, Gisborne and Hastings.

The speaker gave a very interesting address on the aims and objects of the Housewives’ Union, stating that they existed solely to assist the working woman to grapple with the various problems that affect her every day life. She also explained that the Housewives’ Union was a non-party an a non-sectarian.

High prices and how to combat (them was lengthily discussed. It was pointed out that profiteering could be held in check only by organised effort. The distribution of meat, ot which there was likely to be a surplus of 150,000 tons by the end of 'September, for which the Govern'ment had neither shipping nor cold 'storage, was another problem that J could be tackled and representations ‘should be made for cheaper rates I for Ist grade meat.

The housing shortage was also mentioned. More houses and improvements to old places, were suggested. Approaches made by the various Housewives’ Unions to Mr. Armstrong had resulted in his promising to have a Bill introduced that would compel property owners to bring their properties up to date, or demolish them. This is a very progressive measure, as innumerable workers all over New Zealand are being exploited (owing to the acute shortage) by property owners who charge excessive rents for old places Which are hardly habitable. This brought us to the subject of The Fair Rents Act. Mrs McGowan pointed out that redress on this important matter could best be obtained i along organisational lines.

Equal pay for equal work was widely discussed. Some of the audience failed at first to understand the logic or feasibility of this demand, however after it had been explained that in the absence of such, profiteering by the employer is the logical outcome, and also the possibility of our returned boys being deprived of their previous means of livelihood, all were agreed on the question..

Creches and kindergartens came in for a good deal of interesting, discussion, and Mrs McGowan stressed the need for these in every town. She named the various centres where they existed and explained what a boon they had proven to tired mothers. They could deposit their children in one or the other of these places, (according to age), and 'so be freed for at least a few hours [in which to do their shopping unj hampered. The charge was very small and the mothei’ could rest assured that her little ones were being well looked aftei' during her absence as these places were staffed by efficient nurses and attendants. It was also suggested that lectures concerning women, and women’s affairs be arranged. Before concluding the speaker stressed the ,

fact that the concessions already obtained were won only by organised application.

Mrs McGowan was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for her interesting address.