WOMEN’S DIVISION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 21051, 1 June 1938, Page 12

WOMEN’S DIVISION

South Canterbury Council ANNUAL MEETING At the fifth annual meeting of the South Canterbury Provincial Council Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, Mrs B. E. Evans presided over a representative number of delegates. The annual report and balance-sheet were adopted, the latter showing a creditable statement. In retiring from the chair which she had occupied for five and a half years, Mrs Evans stated that she did not seek re-election. Mesdames Buchan, Reid, Chapman and Goulter, eulogised the enthusiasm and work which the president had put into the Division from its Inception in Tlmaru eight years ago, and very much regretted her retirement from the chair. Mrs Buchan asked Mrs Evans to accept on behalf of the executive two cups and saucers on which were engraved the Division badge. Mrs Evans thanked the members for their gift and kindly expressions. ‘‘Most of all,” she said, "do I appreciate the confidence and good will which you have shown to me in every district where we have a branch. This means more than any material gift. Although retiring from the chair I am not retiring from the work, and with your help, will still serve the Division. The following officers were elected.— President, Mrs Buchan; vice-presidents, Mesdames Goulter (Fairlie), Chapman (Kakahu), Burdon (Geraldine), and Miss Barnett (Waimate); secretary and treasurer, Miss A. Duncan; advisory house-keeping members, Mesdames Harvey and Geddes; delegate to National Council, Mrs B. E. Evans; delegate to S.P.C.A., Mrs H. Wordsworth. Annual Report The annual report contained the following.— It is very gratifying that many new branches have been formed. More branches mean that hundreds more women are being given the privileges which membership entails. The work of our Division has given us an education which we have not learnt at school. It has brought out the organising ability and the individuality of each and every member. It has developed friendship and understanding and has taught the country-women to know not only one another but to know themselves. It has taught us to be tolerant, tactful and to have an appreciation of other people’s efforts. We have learned to take an interest in public affairs and to accept a ruling whether it was pleasing to us, or otherwise. In spite of all the wonderful improvements in country-life and the extra facilities which we enjoy, we have not yet been able to make country-life as attractive as is the town to many of our young people. The greatest setback to-day is to see our youth—young men and maidens, turning their backs on the country-side and drifting to the towns. Who, we may ask, is going to take up the reins when those trained men now on the farms retire? Dr Wm. Boyd, of Glasgow University, after a visit last year to New Zealand, said that we were intelligent, but not intellectual, and that we lacked pep, that we need stirring and need somebody to hate to put more vigour into our fanner mentality. Let us rouse ourselves and show that we have pep and grit to throw off the shackles which are slowly but surely encircling us. The success of our Provincial Executive depends largely on the success of our branches, and I would like to congratulate the secretaries of many branches on the full, interesting accounts which have appeared In the newspapers. The Housekeeping Auxiliary is still our most Important work, and although we have filled many engagements during this year we could have filled double the number if housekeepers had been procurable. This condition applies all through New Zealand to-day, and the domestic help problem is a most serious one. This problem however, is being tackled more or less in most cities and towns, and we hope that some solution will before long solve the trouble. We should all be proud that we women of South Canterbury are making history in the work that is being done at "Stratheona” in an attempt to raise the status of the domestic worker and to arrest a dying rural population. After yfiars of hard work, building up and making secure the foundations of their branches some of our senior officers are standing down and other members are taking their places. We sincerely hope that we shall retain the services of these keen experienced workers. The younger officers should be guided by the experience of the older ones. Visits We have been pleased to welcome parties of visiting farmers and their wives to our district. These visits we may call a good will mission and will do a tremendous amount towards uniting the farmers in our various provinces. Those South Canterbury farmers and their wives who were fortunate enough to tour Otago in March have a very good idea of the value of these trips. This was an outstanding example of what good organisation can do along with that wonderful trail of wanting to do the best for the whole party. It was a real tonic to get away from the rain, with all its attendant worries to the farmer and to sit back and enjoy everything while someone else did all the thinking. Never shall we forget the hospitality of our Otago friends—long will our visit stand out as one of the happiest epochs in our lives. In spite of the fact that they were in the throes of one of the worst droughts in their history, they were able to greet us everywhere with a cherry smile—the outstretched hand of friendship and to put before us a banquet fit for royalty. After seeing what they were passing through we should at least be very thankful for our abundant pastures. We as mothers are very pleased to see how the Young Farmer Club Movement Is spreading through the various districts. The members must necessarily be the leaders of the Farmers' Union as years pass and the experience gained in the Club will prove of unestimable value. A large number of delegates attended the fourth interprovincial conference, which was held in Ashburton. The conference was fortunate in that it was held just prior to the Dominion Advisory Board meeting in Christchurcn, and the Dominion president, Mrs Drake along with several other Dominion

officers was present. This stimulated interest, and proved helpful when discussing questions of Dominion Importance. As your delegate I have attended regularly the Council meetings. Mrs Kemshed very kindly attended our December meeting and gave a most interesting account of the Dominion conference of the National Council of Women held in Auckland. We are pleased that at last those in authority are willing to appoint women police in New Zealand. We consider this a most necessary and important move, which has come about after years and years of striving. Housing problems, care of deserted women and children, child welfare problems have all been discussed. Dr McKenzie gave an instructive lecture on the prevention and cure of goitre. General During the year Miss A. Rutherford has been appointed dressmaker and had given satisfaction in the various places where she had been engaged. A field day held at Winchester had been a decided success in spite of a wet day. The Hon. W. Lee Martin and Mrs Martin were present. I wish to thank the Temuka and Geraldine Branches for their fine luncheon and all they did for the comfort of their numerous guests. Mrs Drake, Dominion president, and Miss MacMillan motored through from Dunedin to address the meeting. It said a great deal for the enthusiasm of these ladies to come so far. The progress reports have proved very helpful and interesting, and are certainly filling the gap—until we again have a magazine. We have by pushing our claims obtained much better education facilities for our country children. We are proud that Mrs Barrer M.A. has been appointed on the National Committee of education and we hope that more will be spent in education of the right kind, education which will train our people to think and study for leisure. HAZELBURN BRANCH There was a large attendance of members and visitors at the May meeting of the Hazelburn Branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. An appeal was received from the Karitane Baby Hospital to which the members liberally responded. It was decided to hold a euchre party and dance. Two very interesting demonstrations were given, one by Miss M. Cleland of the making of rucked cushions, and the other by Miss D. Carlton of hand weaving, for which they were accorded a vote of thanks. The competitions resulted as follows.—Best bloom: Miss M. O’Connell 1, Mrs Mowat 2. Miss H. Mowat 3. Nut loaf: Miss M. O’Connell 1, Miss E. Glennie 2. Smocked article: Miss E. Glennie 1. Miss H. Mowat 2, Miss E. Glennie 3. A very pleasant afternoon was brought to a close with afternoon tea served by the hostesses, Miss N. Watkins and Mrs White.