W.D.F.U. CONFERENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25036, 28 October 1944, Page 4

W.D.F.U. CONFERENCE

THE HOUSEKEEPING SCHEMLA busy week is anticipated at the Dominion conference of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union, when officials and provincial, representatives will meet in Christchurch from October 31 to November 3. The agenda is very comprehensive, and although the main theme of the discussions will be , the, emergency housekeeping scheme and the rest home work, many other important issues will be brought before the delegates. In spite of all the difficulties experienced in maintaining an adequate staff of housekeepers, the Dominion secretary's annual report shows that over 600 monthly engagements were filled by W.D.F.TJ. housekeepers during the last financial year, all in homes where there was a definite emergency. The emergency housekeeping scheme was established by the founders of the organisation in 1925 in an effort to provide a measure of relief to country women in time of difficulty.. The housekeepers understand country conditions and ar,e prepared to work in any district and undertake all home duties. Applicants who can afford to do so are expected to pay the full wage of £3 a week, but where this is impossible a subsidy is granted from the division's funds. It has always been recognised that the success of the scheme depends largely on the keepers, and the division, which has many fine women on its staff, pays

tribute to the splendid service ttey 1 give - ■"■■''■.'■ '■■,;■ ; . i I The diyision is now extending its t«t | home activities and in addition to tin 1 homes at Palmerston North and M®i, I where hundreds of women have grffltl? 'I benefited by a few weeks' rest, U I» 1 Kiteroa," in Waimate, will shortly be 1 opened. 1