WOMEN'S DIVISION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 215, 11 August 1937, Page 13

WOMEN'S DIVISION.

QUARTERLY MEETING. The quarterly meeting of the Wellington Central Provincial Council of the Women's Division of the Farmers’ Union was held at Marton yesterday. Mrs Duncan Simpson (provincial president) presided and associated with her were Mesdames W. F. Stevens (Marton) and R. Ji. Buchanan (Feilding), vice-presidents; Mesdames F. Howie (Jvoekc), S. H. Lodge (Kiwitea), T. W. Pairinan (Mangaweka), W. H. Aldworth (Huntervilie), committee members; Mrs M. D. Colquhon, provincial secretary; Mrs W. F. Field, housekeeper secretary for the provincial council, and Miss M. E. Mathcson, hospital visitor. The meeting opened with prayer, led by the Rev. Mr Burton, and the recitation of the Women's Creed.

Mrs Simpson extended a welcome to the delegates present and said it was very pleasing to see such a largo attendance at this August meeting when generally' bad roads and being the busy season made it difficult for members to make the trip. An apology for absence was received from Mrs W. Howell (provincial treasurer), who was unable to bo present. A special welcome was extended the delegates from the recently formed Motuiti branch — Mrs Hobbs (president) and Mesdarnes Kauri and Aparama, also to the Ran giwahia delegates, Mrs Deroles (president) and Mrs Amadio (secretary). The following brandies sent delegates to the meeting:—Apiti. Bonny Glen, Feilding, Halcombe-Kakariki, Hunterville, Koeke, Marton, Palmerston North, Ratit-Putorino, Taihape, Turakina, Motuiti, Mangaweka, Ivimbol-ton-Kiwitca, Ran^iwahia.

A remit that the expenses in connection with intbrprovinciul conferences shall be borne equally by the provincial councils taking part, was carried. Mrs Field, who had convened two interprovincial conferences, pointed out that while the provincial council where the conference was held had been prepared to meet all the expense in connection with the meeting, the executive committee of Wellington Central had assisted by paying the cost of printing, postage, etc., and the meeting felt that it would equalise and simplify' matters if the expenses incurred became an equal charge on all the councils concerned. The action of the executive committee was endorsed.

Speaking on the information soughtby means of a questionnaire issued by the Department of Health in regard to the maternity service available throughout the Dominion, the president (Mrs Simpson) urged members, especially those from the outlying districts, to furnish as much information as possible to lay before the commission, and where possible .members are to attend and plsvre their views before the members of the commission who will visit the larger centres at an early date. In the opinion of the meeting the great need was for a cheaper service fox maternity cases. While the cry was on all sides for more children, it was felt that the fees of maternity hospitals and other incidental expenses made it a great hardship for people who really desired to have children. The Women's Division filled a great need by providing help to expectant mothers in the country by sending out housekeepers to look after the family during the mother’s absence from home, and in all such cases every possible assistance was given, financially and otherwise. Mrs Howie (Taihape), Mrs Brice (Marton) and Miss Mathcson (Palmerston North) consented to collect as much information in their 'own districts as would have any bearing on the question of obtaining efficient maternity service at a cheaper rate for country women.

Mrs Field reported that fifty-three engagements had been filled by’ division housekeepers during the past 16 weeks, and if such a demand existed during the 6lack period of the year the question was raised as to how it would be possible to supply the needs when the busy season came on. Two juniors had been employed since the last meeting and were giving good service. One housekeeper had been compelled to resign owing to ill-health, and it was decided to give her a bonus in appreciation of many years of faithful work for the division. The division dressmakers had been fully engaged during the winter months and letters of a eulogistic nature had been received from grateful employers. Letters of appreciation were also to hand from many country women who liad had the W.D.F.U. housekeepers to help them in time of need.

A letter expressing gratitude for the visits of the hospital visitor (Miss Mathcson) was also read to the meeting, and the report presented by Miss Matheson showed that she is carrying of,t the task imposed on her with a thoroughness that is the admiration of all who know what this work entails. To show that the W.D.F.U. was justifying its affiliation with the. New Zealand Drama League, a written report on drama activities in the Tailiape district was sent in by' Mrs Fergusson, of the Koeke branch, who had done good work in these isolated areas, and had already been successful in staging three plays. Miss Violet Blunden, of Halcombe, also reported on activities in her district and said it was the ambition of the Halcombe juniors to conduct a drama festival in the near future. 'The president commended Mrs Fergtisson and Miss Blundon on their enthusiasm and promised all the support possible. Mrs Williamson (Feilding branch) gave a short resume of the meeting of the National Council of Women which she had attended as a delegate for the Women’s Division. Mrs Simpson reminded members that the Press cor--1 respondent in .Marton (Mrs H. Lowe) was not being supplied with news from branches for publication in the pages of thei journals that are of special interest to the farming community, and reminded branch officials that they should attend to this matter. Mrs W. F. Stevens (Marton) and Mrs D. Buchanan (Tiakitahuna) were appointedadvisory members for the executive ia accordance with a rule passed at the conference providing for tliese officials. Mrs Simpson gave a very interesting and comprehensive report of the Do\minion conference held" in Wellington last- month, and other members also gave their impressions of a Dominion conference.

A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the ladies of the Marton and surrounding districts . who provided hospitality for the visitois and delegates, and the usual vote of thanks to the chair terminated a most enjoyable and successful council meeting. Delegates from Palmerston North branch included Mus W. F. Field, Miss Matheson, and Mesdarnes W. A. Davisoil (Rongoteu) and D. Buchanan (Ifiakitaliunu).