SELLING HOME PRODUCE

Taranaki Daily News, 31 March 1934, Page 19 (Supplement)

SELLING HOME PRODUCE

NORTE TARANAKI W.D.F.U. SCHEME. SHOP TO OPEN AT NEW PLYMOUTH. To give country women an outlet for farm and home produce and for handwork and to offer them a means of earning extra housekeeping money, a shop in shortly to be opened at New Plymouth by the North Taranaki provincial executive of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. A mart was conducted in Devon Street, New Plymouth, on Thursday, the profits from which are to be devoted to the running of the shop. Mrs. C. J. Harris, North Taranaki provincial secretary, told a News reporter on Thursday that at first the shop would be conducted on Fridays and on Saturday mornings but in a short time it was hoped to open it daily. The division realised that much farm produce that could be sold was at present wasted. If an outlet were provided, not only would townspeople gain from extra commodities being placed on the market, but country women who in many cases were in straightened circumstances would have the opportunity of earning a little “hard cash.” The money thus obtained would be spent in other shops, so that townspeople would have a double gain. “Many country women,” said Mrs. Harris, “do not come to the town at present because they have no money to spend. They will now be given a chance to earn some by selling their produce and handcrafts. We desire to encourage a co-operative spirit among country women and we hope that the shop will develop into an institution that New Plymouth will be proud of.” The shop will be conducted by members of the New Plymouth branch of the division, assisted by country members. All will give their services voluntarily. Goods are to be drawn from the 18 to 20 branches in North Taranaki, from Ahititi to Rahotu. From the profits the shop will take a commission of 2d in the shilling. In conjunction with the shop a small rest room is to be opened. This will be free to both town and country women. Simple facilities for making refreshments are to be provided. Should the shop be financially successful and the patronage of the rest room warrant it, it is hoped that at some future date a fully equipped tearoom and a circulating library may be established. Ultimately the institution may develop into a country women’s club. Good business was reported at the mart on Thursday. Mesdames T. McPhillips and C. J. Harris were in charge and were assisted by Mesdames Marfell, W. K. Morris, Wilkins and F. Baker.