PUBLIC OPINION

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 241, 14 June 1928, Page 5

PUBLIC OPINION

(A COLUMN FOR THE PEOPLE)

(To the Editor). Sir, —I have been instructed by the committee of the Women’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union to write correcting an error made by you, in your publication of the report of the initial meeting of the above organisation.

You refer to the division as supporters of the Country Party, whereas there is absolutely nothing political about the movement, it being run on exactly the same lines as the men’s branch of the Farmers’ Union, and, generally speaking, with much the same objects in view. Analysed more particularly, the Women’s Division aims at trying to establish better school facilities for country children, free school books and more medical inspection. Along other lines, the division is concerned with the provision of qualified nurses and experienced housekeepers to help, as occasion arises, the farmers’ wives. I could enumerate quite a number of other objects the division has in view, but as, no doubt, your space is limited, I might say that the Women’s Division is out to help, in every practical way, the women and children on the land. I might add that the movement was inaugurated, not with the Idea of frittering away in idle inconsequential talk, a few leisure hours, but with the object of being of some material help to the farming community. Lectures on subjects of interest to the members will be given as opportunity arises. I trust this explanation will dispel any misunderstanding among intending members, which must have been caused through your report. I have been asked to emphasise the fact that religious and political matters are absolutely banned, our membership including adherents to all creeds and parties.—l am, etc., B. A. KARL, Hon. Sec., W.D.F.U.

[Reports of both meetings were forwarded to us, the Press being informed that neither was open to reporters. As our information was that Mr. Feisst would address the men, and Mrs. Feisst the ladies, we naturally took it that both meetings were called with the same object in view. —Ed., Press].