Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 1947. COUNTRY WOMEN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 60, 30 July 1947, Page 4

Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 1947. COUNTRY WOMEN

COMMENCED in 1925 in an endeavour to ease the burdens of country women in the more out-of-the-way districts, the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers has become one of the most active organisations in the Dominion watching the interests of its womenfolk. On the occasion of its coming-of-age last year, the division announced that its membership had reached 20,000. At this year’s annual conference in Wellington, a further increase of nearly 1400 members was announced, bringing the total to 21,410 members spread throughout 605 branches. Underlying the activities of the Women’s Division have been high principles and ideals which have found practical expression in many ways. While members have been bound together by'a simple creed acknowledging the best in life, they have also co-operated in many activities of practical and cultural benefit to the women on the land. Among such activities may be mentioned the provision of rest homes, emergency housekeepers, special nurses and general assistance to needy cases. The extent of these activities can be gauged in some measure from the fact that, as the Dominion secretary stated in her annual report, 1774 weeks had been worked by Division housekeepers involving the payment of £6002 in wages with a subsidy of £1345. Concerning the division’s three rest homes; it was reported, 668 women had enjoyed holidays at the homes. While the provision of assistance for the country woman has become increasingly necessary in recent years, the division has acknowledged also the need for providing cultural amenities for those who do not have the normal access to libraries and other facilities in urban or semi-urban districts. To meet this need the division has operated a library system of its own, while special literature, such as the division’s popular cookery book, has been prepared to meei, country needs. The growth of the organisation in tacit evidence of the value of such a means of bringing countrywomen together to discuss matters of common interest, to

provide assistance in needy cases, and to aid women m all parts of the farming community in enjoying a full and satisfying cultural life. ' ... ..