WOMEN’S DIVISION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 127, 31 May 1937, Page 2

WOMEN’S DIVISION

INTERPROVINCIAL CONFERENCE ' At the annual Interprovincial coni ference of the Women’s Division of i the Farmers’ Union, held in Danne- [ virkc on Thursday, there was a large >• and representative attendance of delegates from the seven provincial executives which constitute the interprovincial area. As showing the interest and enthusiasm in the workzigs of this large organisation, there were re- ; presentatives present from the follovv- ; ing branches: Porangahau, Te Horo, : Hutt Valley, Hunterville, Wanganui, j Stratford, Woodville, Feilding, Ma- ! harahara, Hastings, Havelock North, ! Motuiti, Makirikiri, Takapau, Levin, | Dannevirke, Puketoi, Pahiatua, Tui taenui, Umataoroa, Turakina, Marton ! and Palmerston North. Mrs. F. C. [ Barker was in the chair and associat- ; ed with her on the platform were Mrs. [ W. F. Field (convener), Mrs. Duncan Simpson (Marton), Mrs. McLean and Mrs. Wickham (Wanganui), and Mrs. T. R. Barrer (Masterton), the last four named being members of the Dominion advisory board. The meetting opened with prayer led by Rev. G. B. Stephenson. Mrs. Baker, who ably filled the position of chairwoman, welcomed the delegates, and the Mayor of Dannevirke accorded a civic welcome to the members. Sir Alfred Ransom extended a welcome on behalf of the whole district. Other speakers included the actingPrime Minister (Hon. P. Fraser), who took for his principal subject “The Consolidation of the Schools” movement. He said the Government was anxious to bring about a system of education giving our country children the same privileges as town children, which he considered very desirable and just, and that he as Minister of Health and Education was trying, as far as was humanly possible, to overcome many difficulties that confronted the people engaged in the arduous task of farming in many districts. In his opinion many boys and girls of great promise were stultified through lack of opportunity. Many difficulties that the Government were trying to overcome were brought about by the geographical situation, and the size of the family (larger families should be given greater opportunities). The corresponding school, with over 2000 pupils, was doing wonderful work and an inspection showed that the method had proved a very efficient way of bringing education into remote placas. He paid a great tribute to the mothers in these backblock areas. On viewing an exhibition of the work, one was surprised and overwhelmed at the results. The work was up to the standard of the primary schools, and the children who received their education in this way were to be commended. Mr. Mullholland, Dominion president of the Farmers’ Union, spoke on similar lines as the previous speaker, and said the ambition of all should be to aim at the development of children — to fit Them to take their part in the life of the community. The oneteacher school had failed lamentably and could not develop the self-reliance and give the children the ability to take their places in the world. He also touched on immigation. The W.D.F.U. had urged the Government to introduce immigration to solve many labour problems, as had the Farmers’ Union; both points of view were identical, but there was a difference of opinion, and the position would have to be tackled very seriously. They could not bring more people here to add to the difficulties of unemployment. At the present time Britain wanted all her trained people, who were those wanted in New Zealand. What we ought to be doing was to be preparing and taking steps in this matter for the days to come. The class that could always be absorbed were domestic workers, trained industrial workers and trained farm workers.

Mrs J. C. Wickham, Dominion vicepresident, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the speakers. She’ said that they had given the conference members much matter for thought. The National Anthem concluded this part of the programme, and the business of the meeting was proceeded with. Telegrarps of good wishes were received from the president of the Pongaroa and Fordell branches of the W.D.F.U. Others who sent apologies for absence were Mrs H. R. Green (Kairanga), Miss Simpson (Marton), Mrs R. H. Buchanan (president, Feilding branch), and Mrs W. F. Stevens (Marton).