The Country-Woman's Corner

Otago Witness, Issue 4031, 16 June 1931, Page 14

The Country-Woman's Corner

BY

Jean

OUR OBLIGATIONS. 1 live to learn their story, who suffered for iny sake. To emulate their glory and follow in their wake Bards, Heroes, Martyrs, Sages, the greatest of all Ages Whose deeds crown history’s pages And Time’s Great Volume make. They shall not grow old, as we that are ’eft grow old, Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. “ The country people in the devastated area have absolutely nothing, and will need all our care and help.” —Mrs C. C. Jackson, W.D.F.U. Dominion president, in her report of the relief committee’s visit to the earthquake country in Hawke’s Bay. Kipling sounded a note of warning to the nations of the world when he wrote “Lest We Forget.” Each one seems to be overwhelmed with private worries and responsibilities, that the greater trials of others less fortunate are not realised. There is a story told of a traveller attacked by a robber on a lonely road. After a struggle the traveller was overcome and relieved of his money and valuables. As he lay on the ground, wounded and despoiled, the robber added insult to injury by asking:— “ Were you ever in a worse plight than you are now?” “ Yes ” the traveller replied. “When were you in such a position? ” “ When I was trying to keep up appearances without the means.” Most of the worries of life are connected with finance, with bills that must be met, and with the planning of ways and means to enable us to attain those things which we desire so much. But like the farm mother’s philosophical observation “ somehow or other we get along.” This week, I would ask my readers to read Mrs Jackson’s report of her visit to the earthquake areas, and try to realise what this awful visitation means to the country folk in Hawke’s Bay. The primary producer has a hard struggle at any time. But when the farmer can come home to his cosy home, and see his implements safely housed, and the horses in the stable, he can rest from the toil of the day. But when the home that has been built with toil and sacrifice is wrecked, the pretty china smashed, the rows of preserves in their glasses add containers all a mass of splinters, the furniture collected with care and polished with such housewifely pride a hopeless tangle of broken boards, what can be done then? Some day we hope to get something to take its place, but there will never be to the owners the associations and memories that were linked with the old household gods. Besides the primary producers there is another class which always suffers keenly in a disaster of this kind, the gently nurtured folk who have retired from the active affairs of life, who have built a comfortable home and are living quietly in the evening of life on the savings of years of hard work. Many people who had enough to live on, and who before the earthquake, were in some cases, well off, have had their sources of revenue swept entirely away. It is for those who have homes untouched, and their means of livelihood unimpaired to help these sufferers, and there are committees who can arrange to have assistance given where it is needed most. In the organisation of town and country work in Hawke’s Bay, the rest or the Dominion is standing by ready with help and sympathy, and all are ready to fall in with any suggestions put forward by the relief committees. In that very interesting junenile periodical, My Magazine, by Arthur Mee, which is just as popular with the grown-ups as it is -with the little ones, the editor always emphasises the debt which British agriculture owes to scientists and scientific farmers, who did so much to improve the quality of our farm stock. In one of my Homestead Papers I gave our readers an account of the good qualities of the Ayrshire cow, called by her admirers “ the Governor’s cow,” because his Excellency, Lord Bledisloe, favours this breed. A prominent lady farmer, who always keeps Shorthorn cows, asks me to “ put in a word for the Shorthorn,” as she maintains that this breed is the most suitable for the woman who wishes to get a good return from butterfat and the sale of young stock. She says: “ Dear Jean, —In these days of depression we must do our best to make our farming successful by selecting the stock that suits our requirements. Were I a working woman on a small suburban section, I would keep a Jersey. If I

had a fair-sized paddock and a milkrun or lived near a cheese factory, then the Ayrshire would be the best breed, but when I send away the cream and rear young stock, I think the Shorthorn is the best breed. . The calf club idea is an excellent plan for bringing country people together, and it is lovely to see the children with their animals. This is the best way to teach young people farming. For my own part, I have learned a great deal since joining up.” We are indebted to breeders and stockraisers who made a life study of biology, of plants, and grasses most suitable for the production of the best milk, beef, pork, and mutton. “ The gravy in the pan ’’ would not be nearly so appetising but for the hard work and close study of these pioneers of better farming. Professor Strong and her lady assistants have been advising us to dispense with our extra-agant and useless methods of housekeeping and go in for plain living and high thinking. In order to have an abundant supply of fresh and succulent vegetables, we must study methods of tillage and the plants that are most suited to our soil and climate.

We are under obligation to the pioneers in better ways of child rearing and education. The other day “ The Bookworm ” read out an incident from a popular novel of a generation ago. The heroine gave her friend’s baby the sops from a biscuit soaked in her teacup. Surely that was before the days of the Plunket teaching? Those who have good teeth have been reared on hard crusts and biscuits. We also owe a great debt to the writers, poets, artists, and musicians who have left us such a heritage of beauty. There are ways in which we can help to make the world better; it may be in a humble sphere, but we should not let the opportunity pass. I live for those who love me, For those who know me true, For the Heaven that smiles above me, And awaits my coming too. For all human ties that bind me, For the task that God's assigned me. For the good thoughts left behind me, For the good that I can do. ¥ ¥ ¥ WOMEN’S INSTITUTE NOTES. By Mifawny. Dear Comrades, —I am not giving any note this week, but I entreat all readers as well as W.I. members to take very careful note of the letter of “ Our Daughter,” the W.D. Dominion president. We ask all readers to give Mrs Jackson’s letter very careful study. —Yours for service, Mifawny. # WOMEN’S INSTITUTE NOTICE BOARD Miss Joan Spencer. Chief Organiser, New Zealand Women’s Institutes, Omatua (Private Bag), Napier. Telegrams and Telephone, Rissington. Miss A. T. Stops, Hon. Organiser, Women’s Institutes, care of Mrs H. D. Cooksley, Hon. Secretary, Otago and Southland Federation of Women’s Institutes, Rural Mail, Clinton. ¥ ¥ ¥ At the May meeting of the Roxburgh Women’s Institute the year’s draft programme was discussed, and the president was elected delegate for the annual Otago and Southland Federation Conference. Mrs Quinn, of Invercargill, gave a delightful travel talk, illustrated by postcard views.

The May meeting of the Pukerau Women’s Institute was held in the hall, when Mrs Nixon presided over an attendance of 39 members. Three new members were enrolled. After the meeting had been opened in the customary manner, a discussion on the remits for the Dunedin conference ensued. It was resolved to obtain a crate of articles from the Jubilee Institute for the Blind at Auckland. Arrangements for the birthday party to be held next month were set afoot, and the members decided to contribute Is apiece towards the cost of a birthday cake. It was agreed to purchase plays suitable for play-reading, and Miss Charles very kindly offered to do any typing in connection therewith, her offer being most gratefully accepted. A number of choice and tasty tea-dishes were the result of the roll-call. This was followed by a demonstration of cane tray-making by Miss Jean M‘Lay, who was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for her assistance. At this meeting the results of a potato-growing competition were brought to light, and some astonishingly good yields were obtained. The competition was held to see who could obtain the greatest yield from three seed potatoes. The heaviest crop was produced. by Mrs G. Scott, who brought along 421 b, but who, because she had provided the seed, withheld her yield from competition for the prize. The next heaviest yield was that of Mrs W. Taylor, who produced 281 b and was adjudged the winner, the prize being donated by Mrs Knox. Mrs Scott kindly offered to provide the seed for the next

competition if one were held. Afternoon tea provided by the hostesses (Mesdames M'Lay, Knox, and Miss Maslin) concluded a most enjoyable afternoon.

The Heriot Institute held its first birthday on May 20. This took the form of an open evening, and over 100 guests were present. Social items, games, pingpong, cards, and dancing kept things going well. Mrs King (president) spoke on the aims and objects of the institute, and the birthday cake (with one candle, which was lighted by the secretary, Mrs Calverley, and blown out by the vicepresident, Mrs Sinclair) was cut by Mrs King and handed round to the guests. The finance of the institute will benefit greatly by this function.

Members of the Waiwera Women’s Institute held an interesting afternoon on May 26, when Mrs M'Donald, of Clinton, gave a demonstration on the making of children’s toys. Mrs M'Donald had a large collection of finished toys -on view, and demonstrated very clearly by means of patterns, drawings, and finished articles. An amusing competition of alphabetical telegrams, held during the social hour, was won by Mrs Stevenson. There were 33 ladies present.

Janefield Institute met on May 8, when there was a good attendance, and thrc° new members enrolled. A rug-making demonstration by Mrs Haggart was given and much enjoyed, as Mrs Haggart explained her methods of working and drafting her patterns. The resolutions sent by the federation secretary were read, and two delegates appointed to attend the June conference.

The May meeting of Taieri Women’s Institute fell on the very worst day of winter so far. Twenty-five brave women faced the storm, and live visitors from a neighbouring institute helped to swell the numbers. After the usual business and consideration of resolutions for the annual meeting, Sister Kirkpatrick gave a most helpful and instructive talk on home nursing, with a practical demonstration of bed-making, washing patient, setting tray, etc. Afternoon tea was disposed of and three members gave a play-reading. “ Between the Soup and the Savoury,” which was much enjoyed by all. Mesdames Morton, Miller, Mason, and Kirk were hostesses.

The monthly meeting of the Waimuniu Women’s Institute was held recently, the president, Mrs Goodwin, presiding over an attendance of 35 members. Correspondence from the Blind Institute was discussed, and it was decided to send for a erate of goods to be sold by members. An interesting lecture and demonstration on first aid was given by Dr Woodhouse. A guessing competition held by Mrs D. M’Gill was won by Mesdames Forbes, R. Johnston, and M'Sweeney. Afternoon tea was partaken of, and a hearty vote of thanks accorded Dr Woodhouse, this bringing a pleasant and instructive afternoon to a close.

The Riversdale Women’s Institute recently held a social evening to celebrate its first birthday. There were about 60 present, and a most enjoyable evening was spent at games, dancing, cards, and community singing, while the following rendered items: Miss Warring (pianoforte solo), Miss B. Watt (song), Miss R. Wright (club swinging), Mr Noel Derrett (song), Miss M. Shea (fancy dance), Master B. Kerr (recitation). The competitions were won by Miss Warring and Miss Fleming. A beautiful birthday cake, baked and decorated by Mrs Denniston, was cut by the president of the institute, Mrs Paterson, and pieces were distributed at supper time. The singing of “ Auld Lang Syne ” brought a pleasant evening to a close. Miss Warring acted as accompanist for the evening.

The first birthday party of the Gore Women’s Institute proved a huge success, there being a very large attendance. A lengthy toast list was honoured, and interspersed with many delightful witticisms. Reference was made to the steady growth of the institute and of the instructive and helpful nature of its objects. During the evening games and competitions were indulged in, while a number of' musical items were contributed.

The monthly meeting of the Waipahi branch of the Women’s Institute was held in the hall, Mrs Collins presiding. There was a good attendance of members considering the bad weather. The rollcall was “ What I would best like to be or do.” Mrs J- Cumming and Miss M. Lauren were elected delegates to attend the Otago and Southland Federation Conference. A display of fancy work and needlework was exhibited by the members, some very fine work being displayed. Afternoon tea was served, the hostesses for the occasion being Mesdames Beccard and Brown.

AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE. By Mrs C. C. Jackson (Kopuaranga), Dominion President of the Women’s Division of the Farmer’s Union. The work of finding homes, clothes, and medical attention for those suffering from the awful visitation of the earthquake was not likely to be finished in ashort space of weeks or even months. It was realised it would have to go on until business and homes were restored. With this end in view, relief depots were set up in Hastings and Napier, so that people returning to their homes would have all the assistance possible. The relief depot in which the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was specially interested was the Hastings one. In order to help those living in Hastings and the small towns adjacent, all women’s organisations were called together and a committee was set up, with Miss Holland as president. A subcommittee, with Mrs Herrick in charge, was organised to look after the people in the country. The sub-committoo consists of Women’s Institute, Women’s Division, and IV .en’s Reform T •'><rue members. Those of us who are presidents of these organisations in Hawke’s Bay are members of this sub-committee, with power of setting up investigating committees to see to the needs of the country people. I visited Hawke’s Bay early in April. From Waipukurau to Wairoa no chimneys, nor any brick or concrete work, was standing, and all cooking had to be done outside. Tents were everywhere, no one caring yet to sleep inside, for earthquakes were still very frequent and often quite alarming. The results of the terrible earthquake Were as evident in the country, as in the cities of Napier and Hastings. The country beyond Napier looks as if you had taken it in your hands and shaken it. All the earth had moved on the hills, while immense boulders had rolled down, blocking roads as well as rivers, the latter menacing homes and farms.

We visited many homes which were only partly habitable. Many had moved off their foundations; windows and the entire stock of crockery and much furniture were smashed; in fact, it was no uncommon thing to find that the chimneys had come right through the ceilings and walls, carrying everything before them. The shock was severely felt at Petane, Tongoio, Mohaka, Frasertown, and Wairoa; huge crevices, broken bridges, huge slips, in fact, thousands of tons of earth, carrying everything before them, especially damaging fences and railway lines. This country, being of pumice formation, is very easily affected, by rain or shock. At all townships and settlements arrangements were made with settlers to investigate the requirements of those who had suffered severely with losses of crockery, household goods, and clothes. Housekeepers and nurses to help and take charge of homes were provided for those suffering from nervous shock and strain. In the interests of settlers who had suffered loss from fallen chimneys, broken dams, damaged troughs for watering dairy cattle, and broken fences, I took note to bring these needs to the notice of the Farmers’ Union, and arrangements have been made to remedy these losses. W.D.F.U. members, along with others on the Relief Committee, are still working in Hawke’s Be- forwarding crockery, food, blankets, end bed< r ig, and it will be necessary to keep up the work for this year at least. In the near future Hawke’s Bay will again be visited, and we trust that we shall find the work going on well. Of late the news has been more cheering, for the homes mostlv have now one chimney where the children can be fed and kept warm, but still there is much hardship to be fac~d, which can be overcome only by financial help and wide sympathy. Branches who wish to send clothes or money should address orders and parcels to the Hastings Rekef Committee, care of Mrs Joll, Hastings. •* ¥ ¥ FARM CLUB NOTES. Congratulations to the Southland Farm Clubs for their excellent display, a nd . their calf parade. Southland promises well. for the maintenance of the British farm tradition.