MANAIA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 8 October 1928, Page 9

MANAIA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) A general meeting of the Women’s Division o.f the Farmers’ Union was held last week, when the following ladies were present: Mesdames T. Sutherland, A.’ J. Christie, E'. Burke, E. J. Judd, W. J. McDonald, and A. Gamlin. Apologies were received from Mesdames B. Long, J. Paterson, Davies, C. J. L. Smith, O. Barleyman, and R., S. F. Craig. Mrs Sutherland presided aver the meeting, and' Mrs Poison, Dominion president of the W.D'.F.U., spoke of the aim and business of the division, and gave a very able address. Speaking, first of the W.D.F.U. book club, Mrs Poison said that its purpose was to supply literature (biography, travel, novels and magazines) to backblock districts at an annual subscription of 2s 6d. The method of circulating books was explained, five families forming a book club, one family being responsible for the books. Lady Alice Fergusson has made an annual donation of the latest biography and travel books. The McCarthy Trust lias donated £IBO, and other donations amounting to £225 have been received. The Manaia Library lias also to be thanked for a gift of 200 books.

Education of Country Children. —The insufficient medical inspection of country schools was referred to, as also was the matter of inexperienced teachers being drafted to tfye country schools. Children after gaining proficiency, have to pay so highly for suitable board in towns that many country parents were unable to allow the children to go on with their education. The W.D.F.U. aimed tq improve the system of board lor country children attending high schools, and to provide sdhool and hospital visiting in connection with counrry pupils and hospital patients. Recognising the efforts of the women’s divisions, the McCarthy Trust was now arranging to endow a scholarship for country children. Housekeepers—W.D.F.U. housekeepers come into three classes; (1) Visiting housekeepers ; (2) emergency housekeepers; and (3) registery office maids. These are free in cases of poverty. Ordinary wages were paid in ordinary cases, the amount being Unknown to any but the local president. None of these workers were under the age of 25 years, and were sent only to liguses where there are women and children. Tlve first-classes were guaranteed reliable and trustworthy to take charge during a mother’s absence, either on holiday or in hospital. They were always procurable by a telephone message to tlie secretary of the nearest branch, or headquarter’s secretary. H.B. Buildings, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. v

Maternal Mortality and the Bust Nursing .Scheme—The "W .D.F.L. nurses under this scheme were fully certificated surgical and mid-wifery nurses, always available at the shortest notice to any country case by ringing as for housekeepers.

Women’s Exchange.—Mrs Poison explained the system of exchange, knitting, sewing, jam, preserves, flowers and ’ fruit. These were forwarded to the women’s exchange m "Wanganui and received highest market price. The shop would be opened in the last week in November, and the. proceeds were for tlie private pocket money of those supplying goods for sale. Bach member sold under a number, so- that no one knew who were selling the goods. Rest Rooms.—The W.D.F.U. aims to< provide one in each country town. Two had been provided, one at Taumaranui and the other at Wanganui . GENERAL. It was decided to hold the street stall on Tuesday, October 25, and canvassers were appointed for the various districts. The meeting concluded with afternoon tea, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Poison for her address; thanks were also accorded the Rifle Club for a. donation of £5.