COUNTRY WOMEN’S NEEDS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 8 April 1927, Page 4

COUNTRY WOMEN’S NEEDS.

DIVISION OF FARMERS’ UNION.

ADDRESS BY DOMINION

PRESIDENT

A general meeting of the South Taranaki branch of the Women’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held yesterday, for the purpose of meeting Mrs Florence Poison, Dominion president. The president of the branch. Airs. W. E. Oar tor, occupied the chair, and there was an attendance of about 20 me in hers. Messrs L. H. McAlpine and H. Hodge were also present.

In introducing Alls Poison, the president stated that the meeting had been called for the purpose ot hearing directly from the head q 1 the division its objects and projected activities. The letters of Mrs Poison, concerning her travels around the world had been most interesting, and had showed the amount of energy and time she had devoted towards obtaining from other countries useful information concerning women's organisations, which were assisting to improve the conditions for women and children on the land. The Dominion president outlined the origin and development of the division. The president of the Farmers’ Union had ta-kn a tour of the branches of the South Island, and had been obsessed with the idea that a women’s branch should be formed. Later the speaker had aeompanied the president on a tour of the country districts, and -had realised that there was much need for the improvement of conditions for the women on the land. Several women had become enthusiastic in the movement, and in turn had led others to become enthusiastic about the scheme, and now that the division had been in existence. less than two years there were 15 branches, and just under 1000 members. The finances were in a healthy condition, there being over £6OO in hand. A number of large donations had been -received, and there was a prospect of some of these becoming annual gifts. Both clubs had been established.

Dealing with "the objects of the division, Airs. Poison stressed the need for improved educational facilities in the country districts, and said that -representations would he made in this direction. For assistance in cases of illness, a housewife’s help would foe provided. A thoroughly qualified busii nurse was a necessity also, and an early appointment of these two officers would be made. A community spirit among the women of the land wias to he encouraged, and' with this in view a farmers union picnic had been held last December. The principal object of the division was to make the women more contented, and happier. The motto of the union was “Principle, not Partv but the speaker considered that it could, he improved to “Women for Women.” She concluded by referring to the seventeen principal objects of the division, which have been previously published, and by making an appeal for increased membership. Airs Poison was accorded a vote of appreciation.

Mr AtcAlpine stressed the necessity for women to meet, and discuss schemes for the betterment of the conditions for farmers’ wives, and said that only women could do this. He congratulated the branch upon its success. Education was the crying need for the country children, for little of the'huge sum expended for education last year had been for the benefit of the country children.

Air. H. Hodge, chairman of the provincial executive of the Far mens’ Union, also spoke in appreciation of Mrs. Polson’js address.

Miss Stewart was elected secretary, and Airs. D. Cameron vice-president.