WOMEN’S DIVISION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 265, 8 October 1940, Page 9

WOMEN’S DIVISION.

INTERPROVINCIAL CONFERENCE. An interprovincial conference of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held at the P.D.C. tearooms yesterday, the areas represented being Wellington Central, Central Taranaki, Manawatu, Southern Hawke’6 Bay and Wairarapa. The delegates were welcomed by Mrs J. A. Harris - (president of the Wellington central area). Mrs K. Groves (Wairarapa) was elected to the chair. and Mrs C. Gawith was appointed, minute secretary. There was an attendance of about 60 delegates and 40 visitors, the former including representatives from the following branches: Palmerston North, Dannevirke, Levin, ltongotea, Wanganui, Utiku, Taihape, Mangaweka, Hunterville, Umutaoroa, Ratupiko, Shannon, Stratford, Cardiff, Warehuia, Halcombe, Kakariki, Ohau, Masterton, Marton, Pukeroa, Maharahara, Wliangamomona, Stratford, Woodville, Takapau and Tutaenui. The following provincial presidents attended : Mrs J. C. Wickham (Wanganui), former Dominion president, Mrs K. Groves (Wairarapa), Mrs H. McLeavey (Manawatu), Mrs Hunt (Central Taranaki), also Mrs H. Millard (secretary of the Wellington provincial). Mrs Harris explained the purpose of the conference, which was to encourage closer co-operation between the provin- ' cial areas and to consider helpful suggestions. The country women were making a good contribution to the ivar effort, but it must be considered what w'ork it would be most helpful to concentrate on and how best to uphold the ideals of the movement. Mrs J. Livingstone (Dannevirke) mevved as a recommendation “that all 1 provincials consider the question of becoming honorary njembers of the Farmers’ Union.” She felt it was not possible to decide on war policy without definite schemes to lit in with the whole. The division had been formed to strengthen the Farmers’ Union and could give the support of 20,000 members. Mrs McLeavey asked that, in order to simplify matters, this recommendation be sent to the conference, asking that headquarters be given power to make the applications. This was approved. Several speakers considered the interprovincial conference should have tho power to consider remits and decide on those which should go forward to conference. After further discussion the recommendation finally approved was: “That interprovincial conferences be made part of the constitution and that conference meetings be held not later than March 15.” It was also decided that interprovincial conferences be held at Palmerston North for the duration of the war instead of at Wanganui and Palmerston North alternately. A discussion took place on the Duchess of Northumberland’s benevolent and comforts fund for the Auxiliary Territorial Service, it being suggested that blankets be sent. Other suggestions were that more personal gift 6, such as woollen comforts, bo sent, or home-made quilts. Another idea put forward was that this appeal be an alternative to the Spitfire Fund, but it was pointed out that this fund was practically closed and the money had been collected specifically for the Spitfire Fund. It was reported that over £4OOO of the £SOOO aimed at had been collected. It was decided to recommend that blankets and comforts be 6ent to the Duchess of Northumberland’s fund as a gesture from the W.D.F.U. HOUSEKEEPERS’ WAGES. The question of housekeepers’ wages was raised by Mrs Gawith. It had been decided by Mrs Adams (Dominion president) that 35s should be the standard wage, increases in special cases being arranged privately. It was explained that difficulty in keeping housekeepers at 3os was experienced when some branches advertised their wages at £2. Mrs Wickham pointed out that in industrial areas such as Wanganui housekeepers could nbt be obtained for less than £2. Mrs W. F. Field said she thought that all the housekeepers should be paid £2. It was recalled by several members that 35s had been fixed by the Dominion Conference as a fair average. Wages over 35s were paid by arrangement. After further discussion it was decided not to make any recommendation. In reply to a question on the functions of the Women’s War Service Auxiliary, Mrs Barrer, who had served on the provisional committee in Wellington, outlined its aims.

A resolution of appreciation to tlie Wellington Education Board for introducing the Lord’s Prayer into the primary schools, and a recommendation that members of the W.D.F.U. use their influence to extend the practice, was carried unanimously. It was also recommended that all branches add a prayer for help to the creed at the opening of meetings. Discussion took place on the greater production of eggs. Mrs Wickham appealed for support for the division rest home. Only £SOO had been devoted to the rest home against £7OO to other purposes, she said. Miss M. Matheson, cited a local doctor’s tribute to the home and the matron. Mrs McLeavey proposed a recommendation that branches bo notified that they could not divert division funds to outside purposes. Members were urged to give the rest home all the help they could. Mrs Harris thanked Mrs Barrer for her helpful report and suggestions to the board of management. Mrs Barrer urged that a policy for the future, after the Avar, be considered. She moved a recommendation that branches support the League of Nations Union and this was carried.