FARMERS' WIVES MEET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20922, 11 July 1931, Page 19

FARMERS' WIVES MEET.

DOMINION conference.

WHEN women co-operate.

The great increase of branches and of the women's division of the Farmers' Union throughout New Zealand va s emphasised by Mrs. C. C. Jackson, Dominion president, at tho annual conference) which was held in Wellington' this - week. During, the year 81 new tranches had been opened and there were j,,)W 7328 members of the women's division. The extension of tho auxiliary, had teen specially great in Otago and Southland. Canterbury and Taranaki had also been very active, and altogether there i'ad been a wonderful spread of interest. 'Also, the first branch of the junior division had been formed at Itiglewood and officers appointed. She had visited the North, and in a wide tour formed a great jlanv branches, finding a welcome and much enthusiasm and co operation on tho part of men and women. Thanks were j] ue to the Auckland Farmers' Union for assistance in planning her itinerary. A Wellington district branch had been formed and Nelson and Marlborough would next receive attention. ' Co-operation, not competition, was what was aimed at, said Mrs. Jackson. The ■whole organisation was non-party, nonsectarian and aimed only at general principles of good for women and children. It was intended to incorporate the body at an early date.. Sympathetic allusion was made to the earthquake disaster and 8 . brief account was given of the fine organised effective, relief work accomplished by all branches throughout the Dominion. Money, clothing and personal nervico were ungrudgingly offered, with a special offer to the Government to adopt any orphans and see that they were brought up woll in a country environment. Assistance was also offered to fruUf&rmers and growers. The great lesson of the earthquake was co-operation in relief, without overlapping. "Why do we not always have this community spirit?" asked Mrs. Jackson. Regarding bash nursing and the supply of housekeepers, this faork had been most acceptable to the people, and the nurses and housekeepers had done splendid service. All kinds of work came to them and was done ungrudgingly and well. They often had to work in most difficult and uncomfortable circumstancos. Want of finance only prevented the division from giving more assistance to sick and overworked mothers. Allusion was made to the work of the Book Club and the work connected with both Flock Houses.