W.I. AND W.D.F.U.

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23372, 1 December 1945, Page 3

W.I. AND W.D.F.U.

Case Offered For Amalgamation Advantages Outlined SPECIALLY WRITTEN FOR “THE TIMAIir HERALD" IBy DEMETER) Efforts are being made to amalgamate two women’s organisations: the Women's Institute and the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. Efforts are also being made to oppose the amalgamation. The idea of amalgamation is the outcome of wide vision, national interest and common sense. The opposing of it is demonstration of deep devotion to individual branches and diehard parochialism. With a little more wisdom and foresight, those sponsoring the amalgamation might have been prompted to set the wheels of collaboration turning during the war, when unity and “country first’’ were foremost in citizens’ minds. The stimulus of war fades as quickly as a morning star. The dawn of peace is smirched with petty differences.

In jocular mood, the Women’s Institute is a favourite term of address in male circles; a butt for allusion to female social workers as a whole, intensely busy with their trivial competitions. The reference is received in the same spirit as it is accorded, without malice by women who, through their organisation, have climbed out of the rut of physical and mental confinement to w’ider fields of action and thought. Their hearts have been lightened, and their minds broadened by the comradeship and interests in arts and crafts provided by their Institute. It is recognised that the intelligence of the country woman has advanced considerably during the last decade. The “country bumpkin, ” happily, has passed into oblivion; and it is a distinctive, derogatory tone that the country woman now labels her town sister a "towny. ’’

The Women’s Division seems to present a picture of stout-hearted, hardworking women, with their sleeves rolled up. prepared for any emergency. The lighter side of life certainly enters their curriculum, but the picture is not deceptive. Their outlook is more practical, as is evident in their housekeeping scheme, and the outstanding success which has been achieved. What could be a greater asset to the country than the combination of these two bodies, -with their respective spiritual and material outlooks and achievements? Comparatively, there appears little to give up and much to gain. To the public and the State, the difference in the two organisations is unrecognisable. One organisation of countrywomen would receive definite recognition here and abroad. Benefits from the State in connection with adult education and help in the homes would be simplified. Members would receive more advantages. The earlier foundation of one organisation, the parting with a name and the amalgamation of funds are small factors in the face of unity and strength. Considerable thought, trouble and time were incurred in the amalgamation of the Sheepowners’ Federation and the Farmers' Union. That achievement has resulted in a whole-hearted response from all sections of the farming community. The Federated Farmers, with wider outlook, knowledge and understanding, is working for the common good of all sections. By placing less emphasis on results of competitions, and by regarding necessary relaxation in forms of wider and more stimulating interests at countrywomen’s meetings, mental horizons would be broadened. When the stunted view of local idealism is supplanted by a panorama embracing nation-wide interests, amalgamation is simple, particularly in this case, where the other necessary attributes for a successful organisation already exist: a spirit of comradeship and devotion to duty.