N.Z.F.U.

Northland Age, Volume 1, Issue 34, 7 August 1929, Page 3

N.Z.F.U.

Women’s Division The following from a South Island paper will be of interest to local members of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Uuion Some three years ago the farm women in the North Island formed the women’s division of the Farmers’ Union. This was a band of women helping the Farmers’ Union with special interest in all that concerns women’s life and activities on the land. Branches were formed and meetings were held for social intercouse and discussing the best means for country educational facilities. A central fund, called the “Community Chest” was started. Volunteers for bush nurses and visiting housekeepers came forward, and this efficient band of women are doing a great work; and we may safely say that this department of the activities of the women’s division is going to in-

fluence the life of t,he rural community in every agricultural country. When the services of the bush nurse or visiting housekeeper are required, the mother knows that her home and family are in charge of one who is not only an expert in her own line, but that she is a woman intimate with country condition-S and that she will see that everything about the house and farm will receive proper attention. The settler who cannot pay the full amount for the services of the nurse or housekeeper does not need to worry for the balance is paid from the Community Chest. So at last the vexed question of domestic help on the farm for those who are engaged in the struggle of making a home and rearing a family on the land has been solved. Ihe North Island has every reason to be proud of this development of women’s work. It does not matter how great the distance to be travelled o: hew simple the accommodation provided; indeed the greater the difficulties, the more fun these pioneers seem to get from the work they have undertaken. The tired mother gets over her illness or away for a rest, and is able to take up her wi k refreshed in mind and body. *