WOMEN’S DIVISION OF THE FARMERS’ UNION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19846, 21 May 1927, Page 18 (Supplement)

WOMEN’S DIVISION OF THE FARMERS’ UNION

A very large gathering of the members of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union met at the Luxor Cabaret on Wednesday afternoon, when business in connection with the Division’s various activities was discussed. The movement is growing steadily, nineteen branches having been formed in New Zealand, and the membership is about 800. The main object of the Division is j to help women in the back blocks, wo-; men who lead lonely lives, though often busy- ones, shut away from the little pleasures and friendships that women in closely settled districts enjoy. Often when sickness comes, there is no one who can help, and to supply this need, ihc Women’s Division have gathered from teas, shop sales, etc., enough money to send a qualified housekeeper and also a qualified nurse into the back country homes where theie services will be thoroughly appreciated. Anyone requiring their services should send in an application to the hon. secretary. Since August of last year £125 (the proceeds of a “shop” in December) has been sent, to headquarters, and £l5 in donations. No money has been spent in administration, as all the work tris been done by voluntary helpers, thus ensuring that the money gathered will be used for the object for which it was collected. Besides supporting the nurse and housekeeper, the members try to keep in touch with Flock House and public schcol boys, also country patients in hospital with no town friends. Books, magazines and clothing has been sent when needed. There is to he a competition open to; all. for a design for a badge for the Union. It must have the four colours — green for our country, blue for the sea linking our Empire, red for the Empire, and white for purity. Greetings have been received from the Country Women’s Association 01 N.S.W.—Heartiest wishes for our success. There is to bo a Farmers’ Union

week from May 23 to 28, when one thing discussed will be “The Usefulness of the Women’s Division.” During the afternoon, tea was served, and a very enjoyable programme was given by Misses Allomes, Greenwood, and Worry; Mrs. Spillane accompanying the singers in her usual finished manner. Dr. G. 11. Robertson addressed rhe gathering on “The Mental Factor in Disease.” The subject, he remarked, is a very big one, and he could only skim the surface, but it would provide food for thought. One is constantly coming across this subject in newspapers and books; people are searching more and more for the causes of things and realising how every little thing is stored in the sub-conscious mind, to make or mar our lives. All kinds of strong primitive instincts and emotions sway all we do a.nd say, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to adjust our live-. Io modern society. Troubles and difficulties which arc not faced but pushed away, arc not forgotten; they : re in the sub-conscious mind, and arc really undermining health. When a mind honestly faces a trouble, and changes its mental attitude, the bad results of the worrying often disappear. So many under-currents and sub-conscious experiences sway us that one cannot do too careful in training children. Careless remarks, etc., apparently unnoticed, might make all the difference in a child’s attitude to life later on. As one mother remarked, she wished she could bring] up her family all over again as it frightened her to think of the mistakes she had made. An old saying goes “That a healthy mind makes a healthy body,’’ and many people who arc really suffering could cure themselves if they would only cultivate a different mental attitude. The doctor touched on very many phases, showing how the mental attitude affects behaviour and health.