W. D. F. U.

Hawera Star, Volume L, 16 January 1931, Page 8

W. D. F. U.

j ADVANCE IN MEMBERSHIP DOMINION EXECUTIVE REVIEW. I SERVICE TO COUNTRY ( (By Telegraph—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Jan. 15. The Dominion executive of the Women ’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union commenced its first half-yearly meeting for 1‘931> in First Church Hall this morning, Airs C. C. Jackson, of Kopuaranga (Wairarapa), presiding over an attendance of JO delegates. .Motions of sympathy were passed with Mrs \V. G. Care (Cambridge) in the death of her son and with Airs Houghton '(Raetilii) in the death of her husband. In introducing discussion on the question of affiliation with the National Council of Women, the secretary (Airs P. iAI. Smith) said it was suggested that they should appoint two delegates from the Dominion executive to attend a meeting in Wellington. Country women were wanted. It was moved that the matter be held over till the conference. By way of amendment it was moved that the question be dealt with at once, somebody to be appointed to go into tin l matter. Airs 1). .Simpson (Alarton) said what they wished to know was whether it would bo possible for each individual branch to join up with the local body of tin* council if the division as an organisation affiliated with the national council.

After further discussion the amend meat was carried.

After some discussion concerning registration of the division as an incorporated body it was, decided, on the motion of Miss Poison (.Wanganui), \ Hint, legal advice be secured before anything was done. VITAL FORCE IN THE LAND. The president in her address referred to the progress the Women’s Division had made during the past six months and assured them that throughout the length and breadth of the division the [spirit of comradeship was in evidence and the hand of. friendly happiness was ever extended. They were making the lives of their countrywomen safer, happier and more attractive, and were 'being considered a vital force in the hind. At many receptions tendered to her on behalf of the division addresses by Mayors and 'Ministers of the Crown had acknowledged the fact that whenever a branch had been formed it had I been for the betterment of the district. It was the opinion generally expressed which assured them they were rendering service to "their country. It would be difficult to overestimate the importance of New Zealand of an organised body of thousands of women with aims and objects before them. They must realise that considerable responsibility was involved in being members of this splendid organisation, and they must individually and collectively keep their objective and constitution well before them. They must endeavour to do what was in the power I of all to further the spirit of comradeship and to inculcate the community ( spirit. It was important that theyl should realise to the full that their power lay in self-effacement for the cause for which they were all working and not in self-seeking. OUTSTA XD INC OBJ EOT IVES. There had been two outstanding objectives .during her term of office; first, to increase their membership, and secondly, to visit all branches possible. During the last six months their membership had increased by some hundreds of women. The organising committee set up in conference had done great work during the past months and the thanks of the division were due to those women who had given time and money for the advancement, of the organisation. Gratitude was due also to Mr Cameron (secretary of the Otago Provincial Council of the New Zealand .Farmers’ Union) for his assistance and encouragement, I

Mrs Jackson added that the Farm/rs’ Union had discussed the question of starting a Fanners ' Union paper and a committee had beer, set up to see if it could be established, but the time did not seem to ■><' opportune, and so on account of financial reasons tin; matter had l)oon pur off, perhaps for a year or two. However, it was hoped that they would some day get. a paper of their own, for although there were already many good papers they wanted a journal that would advertise their own work.

The president made an appeal to all members of the division to help in establishing a strong organisation bv asking their husbands, brothers and friends to become members of the Farmers' Union. By definite organisation they would better their conditions m every way, including the viewpoints "f education find medical and dental treatment. IHO T 7 B'EK'E El I EJR S WAG ES. Jn t-ie couiicry they did not have the same benefits that were ‘obtainable in the city, but there was no reason why the country should not be just as well settled. If they organise on a Domin-ion-wide basis they would have much ( more influence in their representations to the Government. The president was heartily thanked tor her address. The date of the next mid-summer executive meeting was fixed for January. an amendment in favour of February being negatived. The annual conference will also be held in January. it. was resolved fo make further inquiries into the position of the King George'Hospital at Rotorua and to urge that t'ho health of children should be looked after as efficiently in the future* 1 as in the past. Length \ discussion took pla.ee on housekeepers sa hi lies, and it was resolver] that owing | 0 the present mi- 1 Ia \ mini Ide economic conditions a re- j duct ion in those salaries was desirable. Accordingly it was decided that the present wages lx* reduced from JOs to Ids. lower grades to be reduced in proportion. and till new housekeepers to be engaged at L'os. If the motion should prove unsatisfactory the bush nurse and housekeeper auxiliaries will adjust tlie position. During discussion on the office of pi Osident the opinion was expressed that the next. Dominion president should be chosen from the South Island. It is expected the meeting will conclude its list of business to-morrow.