WOMEN’S INSTITUTES.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3045, 29 August 1933, Page 3

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES.

WHAT MAY BE GAINED FROM THEM. INFLUENCE FOR GOOD. PROMOTION OF WORLD PEACE. (By A. J. Pollock, in the Waihi Telegraph). I was blessed —or cursed—with a "very shy, reserved disposition, with a tendency to moon along comfortably in one rut. I should much prefer to stay at home, with a book by the fire, than face the ordeal of conversing with strangers. To potter round home and stagnate would be -the easiest thing in the world. In our travels it has been difficult for me to become acquainted with so many different sets of people, but by joining the Institute here the process in Waihi has been made much easier and I have found several true friends and many pleasant acquaintances. Apart from this I have derived other gains, less tangible, but just as real to me. Worth-While Pursuits. Looking backwards, I have seen with regret the passing of the old arts and handicrafts, and with them, apparently, was passing also a profound steadfastness which is an essential part of the British nature and necessary for the final stabilisation of the world at large. After the years of war, and with increasing mechanisation, a restless striving after excitement characterised a jazz-crazy, cocktail-loving youth, lacking in reverence or respect. It- is my firm belief that by reviving interest in these fascinating arts and crafts, the Women’s Institutes are doing a splendid work for the new generation. With the possibility, of increased leisure there will be greater necessity for worth-while pursuits. If we can induce our children to take an enthusiastic interest in some of these handicrafts, together with good music, wholesome dances and sports, we shall provide them with a safeguard and a healthier outlook on life. * Call for Organisation. As when looking backwards, I am afforded a real satisfaction by the Women’s Institutes, so on looking forward I derive from them a feeling of hope and security. I have long felt that there should be some organisation of women, embracing all creeds and classes, that indeed there will soon arise a vital need for them. Men’s governments have failed. Their social and economic systems are breaking down. The head has had its day and the heart must now try. In past years, at Home, I have felt physically sick to .see the misery and poverty in some of the big industrial areas; the sordid homes and surroundings where the bloom of youth is scarcely seen in childhood, and crime early sullies the boys and girls who should be facing life with a clear, bright glow. We women in New Zealand have long struggled and schemed to make ends meet, for this country is now; on the downward grade, The Institutes have helped by bringing

before us all kinds of useful economy hints, but these are only temporary expedients. We are now forming into line to demand . permanent remedial measures. In matters which affect the home, and women and children, we can strongly influence public opinion. Crowning Achievement. Our scope, too, is gradually widening. Rumours of war grow more persistent and we shall find ourselves dragged, willy-nilly, into some fiendish struggle, born of economic chaos, one which must needs involve harmless women and children. Is it to provide food for cannon that we have pinched and scraped, sacrificed and suffered? Let us then rise above our little differences, cultivate a sympathetic and tolerant viewpoint, be true to woman’s nature, and I have hopes that where disarmament conferences fail, the united Women’s Institutes will have this crowning achievement, that of promoting the peace of the world. Thus, the more we give, individually and collectively, the more we shall derive from these Institutes of ours. As we sow, we shall reap, and that abundantly.