W.D.F.U.

Putaruru Press, Volume XI, Issue 511, 2 March 1933, Page 2

W.D.F.U.

REST-HOMES FOR MOTHERS. A chain of rest-homes for country mothers is to be established by the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union from Kaitaia to Bluff. The present economic crisis is bearing heavily upon the country women, some, of whom are quite worn out, and it is hoped these homes will relieve some of the strain. “ There is very urgent need for them,” Mrs. C. C. Jackson, Dominion president of the Women’s Division, said in an interview in Christchurch.

The scheme seems an ambitious one, but it is already in operation, and three homes are functioning one at Raglan, another at Temuka, and the third at Masterton.

The fact that the present need is so urgent is hurrying the division in the progress of the work. It is hoped that soon each city and small town will boast a rest-home where country mothers may receive the care and attention that they so badly need. As funds are not available to purchase or build homes, the division is sending its guests to one home specially selected in each town. This will be the official rest-home.

Expenses will be paid out of the division’s community chest. Here, in these homes, country women, recruiting after sickness, will be able to secure the care needed to build them up before returning to their families, and tired and wornout country mothers and children will receive change and rest. Mrs. Jackson detailed the work of the sewing women who are sent to help mothers with the making of garments for the family. “ Not, Parisian dressmakers, these, but women who can turn their hands to anything—father’s coat, mother’s frocks, pants for the small boys.” The division has also 50 housekeepers, who take charge while the mother is away in hospital, or taking a much-needed rest.