HOME ECONOMY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18832, 21 March 1931, Page 20 (Supplement)

HOME ECONOMY.

ORGANISED WOMEN INTERESTED MEETING IN TIMARU YESTERDAY The Timaru Branch of the New Zealand Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union convened a meeting held in Timaru yesterday of representatives of women's organisations throughout South Canterbury, including Women’s Institutes, Women's Citizen’s Association, and branches of the Women's Farmers’ Union, for the purpose of discussing the Home Science Extension Service, associated with the Otago University, which places useful information at the disposal of affiliated organisations. Mr J. O. Olliver. president of the Timaru Division of the Farmers' Union, occupied the chair, and there was a very large and representative attendance. The president welcomed the gathering. and introduced Miss M. A. Copeland, Home Science teacher at the Timaru Girls' High School, and Mrs O. E. Stephens, of Temuka, both of whom, she said were fully conversant with the scheme, and had promised to give an outline to the meeting. “Stern Endeavour Needed.” Mrs Olliver said that the economic situation of the country was causing all thinking men and women grave concern. From the farmers’ point of view, or perhaps that of his wife, to reduce the wage of the labourer, was not the main factor in the solution of the problem, and though small savings would tot up in a wonderful way, in most cases the saving would be about only £26 a year. An all-round reduction of interest charges would be more effective, as these were far too high. Thousands of producers were paying j and 10 per cent, for accommodation, and with rapidly falling prices this spelt ruin. “His Excellency the Governor-Gen-tral has shown us how fully he realises the economic situation by requesting that his official salary and allowance be subject to a 10 per cent, deduction,” continued Mrs Olliver. "Country women to-day are faced with a most difficult problem—to successfully reduce the standard of living.” She said thas spending power was curtailed by income, and, with most primary products below cost of production, it was impossible to judge what the income on the year's working would be. Fortunately a silver lining was showing round the wool problem. Mrs Olliver said she did not think most people realised to what an extent New Zealand's prosperity rested on the primary producer. The need for organisation was greater than ever before, and by united effort the farmers should endeavour to adjust the margin between the cost of production and what they received for their produce. It seemed to her that they must look forward to several years of stern endeavour, and the knowledge that their young boys and girls would have difficulty in finding positions, seemed to point to the necessity of encouraging home industries, and boys’ and girls’ agricultural clubs similar to those practised in France, Belgium and Denmark. The National Council of Women in Auckland were seriously concerned with the problem and girls who had no unemployed insurance. Inquiry to be Made. Miss Copeland and Mrs Stephens then gave short addresses on the Home Science Extension Service, stating that the headquarters in Dunedin were very willing to assist anyone desirous of economising in a household. It was stated that literature, such as addresses and boxes containing articles for useful practical instruction, were forwarded to affiliated organisations, and in groups they could profitably study the data, and as a result of general discussion, combined with practical suggestions, they would be able to accrue unlimited advantages through the scheme.

A special box sent from Dunedin was used to illustrate the remarks, and the gathering appeared enthusiastic as to the possibilities of material benefit. In addition to patterns and suggestions for household economy, it was stated that the different boxes contained addresses on health, diet, and other subjects with a tendency towards increasing domestic interest.

Mrs Stephens mentioned that the bureau Dunedin was' always available to individual inquirers, stating that several persons had received valuable advice and assistance from it. As an example of what the bureau did, she evidenced the case of one woman whose husband earned £4/10/- per week, and with three children they were having a struggle for existence. The bureau furnished a statement setting out household management as far as food was concerned for one week, which showed that the five could live comfortably with sustaining food at the rate of £l/15/- per week.

It was unanimously decided to seek further particulars of the scheme with a view to making it operative an engst the different organisations.

A hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Stephens and Miss Cooeiand was carried by acclamation. .