TO ARMS

Southland Times, Issue 20013, 29 October 1926, Page 8

TO ARMS

FEMINISM MILITANT FARMERS’ WIVES TAKE THE FIELD WOMEN’S DIVISION OF FARMERS’ UNION PROPOSED “Principles, not party.” The above estimable motto has been selected by a band of ardent emancipists who hope to form a division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. For some time it has been felt that an organisation along these lines would do much to further the interests of a section of the community which has remained unchampioned throughout the ages. The membership fee could not by any means be labelled as excessive, a modest half-crown per annum meeting the requirements in this respect. It is not known how the farmers themselves will regard this venture. Were we back in the stone ages or even the caveman period, this sign of feminine uprising would doubtless -be counteracted by a sprightly wielding of the good old club, but in these modern times men are inclined to accept these revolutions with an amused tolerance that probably is used as the cloak of an uneasy mind. At ail events the scheme has many enthusiastic supporters, and the proceedings at the inaugural meeting will be watched with more than a little interest. The aims and objects of the union are: 1. To strengthen the Farmers’ Union as it is only by the co-operation of both country men and women that this can be permanently and successfully achieved. 2. To improve the conditions of women and children living on the land. 3. To improve the schooling for country children. 4. To improve the system of board for country children attending High Schools. 5. To improve medical and nursing facilities for country women. 6. To secure more frequent medical inspection in country schools. 7. To secure more domestic help on farms. 8. To obtain visiting help or housekeepers. 9. To provide rest rooms in country towns. 10. To improve conditions of migration. 11. To strive for “The Bible in Schools.” 12. To inaugurate and preserve a Farmers’ Union sports day. 13. To secure school books for children at cost price. 14. To develop a community spirit and encourage the ideals of good citizenship. 15. To promote the welfare of the home, Country and Empire. 16. To brighten the lives of all junior migrants to the Dominion working on the land. 17. To endeavour to secure a Home Science Department at the University and Agricultural Colleges to enable country women to receive instructions in dress-mak-ing. millinery, bottling and preserving fruits and domestic arts together with lectures and demonstrations on public health, child welfare, prevention of disease, etc.