RURAL WOMEN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 151, 27 May 1938, Page 8

RURAL WOMEN

INTER-PROVINCIAL CONFERv ENCE. DIVISION OF FARMERS’ UNION. The intei-pi'ovincial conference of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union opened this morning at the Empire Hall. Delegates were present from Southern Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, Wellington, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Palmerston North and the surrounding district branches, Mrs W. . F. Field, of Palmerston North, being the convener. The stage was attractively decorated with bowls of chrysanthemums, spindle berries and greenery. Dominion officials and branch presidents were seated on the stage. The Mayoress (Mrs A. E. Mansford) was present at the opening, and Canon G. Y. Woodward led the gathering in tprayer. Mrs Mansford apologised for the absence of Mr Mansford, who was unable to be present. She extended a very warm welcome to the delegates and offered good wislies tor the success of the meeting, on behalf of the citizens. She hoped that as it was such a pleasant day, they would also have time to view the beauties of the city. Mrs Duncan, Simpson proposed that the highest ranked official present should take the chair. Mrs J. C. Wickham, Dominion viee--1 president, declined the honour, and Mrs Harris (Turakina) was unanimously elected to the position. Mrs Harris returned thanks for her election and extended a warm welcome to the delegates. She said that there was a remit tabled with regard to the inter-provincial conferences which should put them on a proper footing. The Women’s Ci’eed w-as then recited. Mrs Field read the minutes of the last meeting, and explained the reasons for holding the conference in Palmerston North, which was considered more convenient than Wellington. Mrs Jackson moved that Mrs Field be asked to carry on till after luncheon as convener, and this was carried unanimously. Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames Preshaw (voluntary organiser), Beatson, Laldley, Reed (Maharahara), Clapliam, Day (Pahiatua), Colquhoun (Manawatu), Bai’rer, Winter and Misses Simpson and McDonald, and others. Greetings were received' from Mrs W. J. Poison. It was decided to limit the time for speakers to three minutes.

A notice of motion, for the Dominion conference, that an inter-provincial conference be held annually and run on the same lines as the Farmers’ Union conference, was read by Mrs Harris and was left over to be dealt with in the afternoon. Miss Poison was appointed timekeeper. Questions were answered and remits for the annual general conference discussed, and suggestions for future conferences considered. THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS. A letter was received from the honorary secretary of the Terrace End School Committee the proposed aboltion of'Bible reading in schools and asking the member to consider a request to the Minister to delay the amendment for a month to enable parents to take what steps they considered necessary. A remit was tabled accordingly, to be dealt with later. The remit stated: —“That in view of the national importance of the Bible in schools this meeting wishes to associate itself with the recommendation sent in by the various Ministers’ Associations.” Proposed by Mrs J. C. Wickham (Wanganui) and seconded by Mrs C. C. Jackson (Wairarapa). • Morning and afternoon tea were provided by the Palmerston North, Ivimbolton, Rongotea and Feilding branches. DISCUSSION OF REMITS. Remits discussed were : > “That in order to keep rising costs down, the progress report be printed in Point Blank and Farming First.” (Wanganui).—Lost. Mrs C. C. Jackson said that the executive deeply regreted that the division had no magazine of its own. She moved a notice of motion that steps be taken to establish such a publication.

“That the Dominion executive consist of the Dominion Advisory Board and provincial presidents throughout the Dominion” (Wellington). —Lost. “That Rule 34 should read: —‘Winding up.” In the event of the winding up of the division, the distribution of fpnds and property of the division shall be decided by the members thereof by a three-fifths majority’.” (Central Tfiranaki). —Carried. “That nominees for Dominion office be given the opportunity to address the conference before voting is taken” (Central Taranaki). —Lost.' A vote of ■ sympathy with the flood sufferers in the Hawke’s Bay area, and a vote of appreciation to Mrs Honeybun, president of the North Hawke’s Bay branch and the helpers who did such excellent work in that areaj was accorded on the motion of Mrs Barken