W.D.F.U. Inter-provincial Conference

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 64, 18 March 1944, Page 2

W.D.F.U. Inter-provincial Conference

The inter-jirovineial conrerence of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union held in the Congregational Hall, Palmerston North, yesterday, marked an important occasion in that provincial representatives were meeting for the first time with constitutional status. Mrs. J. Harris (Turakina) opened the meeting with prayer, associated with her being Mrs. H. Millard (liangiotu), convener. Offering a warm welcome to the delegates, Mrs. Harris referred to their new status -which, she said, should provide greater opportunity for members unable to attend conference. This was in the nature of decentralisation. Humanity was facing a world bristling with problems and members must be prepared to take their share in finding solutions. Mrs. Millard called for nominations for chairman, Mrs. J. C. Wickham (Wanganui), past Dorninj ion president, being elected and returning thanks for the honour. Mrs. • Millard was elected secretary. There } were apologies from Wellington, Wanganui and Manawatu provincials. : Delegates had come from as far away as Stratford, the Main Trunk, Wairarapa and Southern Hawke's Bay, anu | discussions centred round health, educa tion, primary production, domestic help in the homes, social welfare and policy. The meeting stood in silent sympathy J with members who had suffered bereavement since last meeting. Mrs. Wickham took the opportunity of thanking Mrs. Harris and all who had helped to bring the inter-provincials into constitutional lines. Like pioneers of any movement they had had to work hard. With regard to rules, it was recommended that inter-provincials should meet annually in March; that the constitution of the Farmers’ Union bo followed as far as possible; that only remits approved by the inter-provin-cials bo sent to conference. A recommendation from Hunterville that part-time organisers be appointeu and tried out was approved for con sideration at conference. Among the recommendations approved to send to the Dominion executive were the following from Wairarapa:— “That as a matter of routine cvcrv pregnant mother when notifying her doctor or registering at a maternity home should have the Wasserman test applied.” “That in view of the grave shortage of food in Britain, the Government be asked to ration cheese immediately. ’ ’ “That in view of the great shortage of help in the homes, for country mothers, and because tho number of housekeepers is totally inadequate, the Minister of Manpower bo asked to release some suitable women to augment the housekeeper scheme. ’ ’ “That the Division follow up the remit passed at conference concerning compulsory savings among the young people receiving high salaries.” “That conference allow timo to discuss and invite criticism on the mothers' aid scheme outlined by Mrs. Dymock. ” “That owing to tho poor quality of serial stories broadcast, especially for the children's session, sponsors be asked for a higher standard of stories.” ! “That the Farmers’ Union rule re--1 gardiiig the appointment of honorary life members be added to the W.D.F.U. rules. ” t “That tho W.D, as a whole take a more active part in social problems.” “That the remit on tho prohibition of liquor as a war measure be again included’ in tho conference agenda.” “That all business of conference including remits bo concluded beforo outside speakers be heard.” Southern Hawke’s Bay: ‘ 1 That better means of transport bo made for women herd-testers and an allowance of petrol be made available.” “That the systems of visiting teachers for children taking correspondence courses be restored and extended.” Recommendations put forward by Mrs. J. Harris were: “That tho system of collection agents for farm butter be

instituted; that the Division suppo. 1 '* tho method adopted by the Wairarapa farmers and the Government.” “This meeting is of opinion that floods should be regarded as a national disaster coming within the same cate- I gory as earthquakes or enemy action, | and that adequate relief should be i granted.” The meeting decided that letters of' appreciation be sent to Mr. Gerard and Miss Mabel Howard, M.P.’e, for j complimentary remarks regarding tho ‘ work of the Women’s Division in Par- , liament recently. i Miss Salisbury, matron of the Rest Home, was welcomed as a visitor to tho ; meeting and told the delegates some- | tiling of the working of the home to i which members came for rest from tho i far north and south, appreciating its j j facilities. A recent visitor had paid : Mi tribute to the trainees and tho , atmosphere of the home. Mrs. .T. M. ! Graham (Woodville), chairman of tho! f Rest Home Committee, paid graceful ■ compliment to the good offices of Miss i Salisbury which had contributed to tho ' success of the home, she said. Mrs. Field was elected convener for the next meeting and returned thanks, and the meeting accorded Mrs. Millard grateful thanks for her work as convener, a similar compliment being paid Mrs. Wickham. Thanks were conveyed to members of tho Palmerston North branch, who provided morning and afternoon tea and an impromptu lunch for some of the visitors. In view of her approaching marriage to Lieutenant Lance Price, on furlough from tho Middle East, Miss Jean Marshall, member of the staff of the Intermediate School, was met at morning tea yesterday and presented with a wedding gift from fellow members of the staff. Mr. J. C. Whibley, principal, made the presentation to Miss Marshall with good wishes for her future happiness. Miss Marshall was also the recipient of a gift from her last year's class. She leaves for Wellington to-day. The Palmerston North Sunshine Club held their monthly social on Thursday last when Mrs. Waller presided anu welcomed an excellent attendance ol members and their friends. The programme, which was in the capable hands of Mrs. W. H. Boon, was much enjoyed. An instrumental trio opened proceedings, Mrs. Withers (mandolin), Miss Hum (ukulele), Mrs. Boon (piano). Elocutionary items were given by Miss McCulloch and Mrs. Humph- j reys. Songs by Mrs. C. Jamieson anu , a humorous sketch by Mesdames Alderson and Spencer provided further ,en- < tertainment. Competitions were won by Mesdames Wilson, Clark and Miss j McCulloch. Afternou tea was serveu, ( the hostesses being Mesdames Waller, Boon and McMillan. Members entered into community singing with enthusiasm. It was reported that a jumble sale for funds for - the patriotic shop realised a good sum and appreciation was expressed of the assistance given by members :n servicing the shop. l’ho annual meeting of tho i'alinerston North branch of the Wanganui 1 College Old Girls’ Association took place on Thursday. Mrs. A. Adcock, who presided, thanked those members who, since the last meeting, had given their time in helping with the servicing of the A.N.A. canteen and the patriotic shop. It was decided to make a donation to tho Y.W.C.A. appeal. Mrs. Bcattio (president of the parent association) reported on the memorials for the late Misses Newcombe and Gruickshanks. Mrs. Adcock spoke on discussions which had taken place at the meetings of the National Council of Women concerning matters relating to women and education, Mrs. B. R. Johnston proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Adcock, who had in the past filled the position of president so admirably, and Mrs. Billons thanked last year's committee, fine election resulted: President, Mrs Adcoek; vice-presidents, Mesdames Johnston, Bishop and Eglinton; secretary, Miss Nancy Russell; committee, Mrs. Spier, Misses J. Caverhill, Iv. Coup, P. Christmas and J. Sommerill; delegate to the National Council of Women, Mrs. Adcock.