WOMEN ON THE FARMS

Taranaki Daily News, 17 November 1926, Page 15

WOMEN ON THE FARMS

(To the Editor.) Sir, —May I pount out the fact that I think a wrong impression is given in the closing sentences of a .report in your columns on Saturday last, the one in connection with women on the farms. Tn tile passage I refer to, I am given credit, which is not mine, for taking a leading part in the formation of the women s division of the Farmers’ Union. There has been a great deal of arduous work done by several ladies to set the movement on foot, and I should be grieved to think that any of the honour due to them had been diverted, especially in my direction. I certainly did organise the first branch of the division in Taranaki, but that is the limit of my activities as far as pioneering is concerned. I do not think that any organiser has been appointed for Taranaki, but I have offered and do offer to go to any district within reasonable distance to help in establishing a branch. I believe the women’s division is going to do a great work, especially for the women in the backblocks, and it is at present the needs of these women that should come first. I should like to bring this point, before all farmers? wives—that although they cannot see any immediate benefit for themselves in joining up. they are the only backing for the only champions that the backblocks women have. It is really for,. ,s&e

of these sisters of ours that we are banding ourselves together at present. They have hardships of a very special nature to face such as should be abolished as soon as ever it is possible in a civilised country. YVhen the country is more thickly populated—in a hundred years or so—these troubles will no doubt have no place in the national life. But women are suffering at this moment because of them, aaid it is for these women that we ask the sympathy and support of all fanners’ wives. The women’s division was inaugurated by Mrs. Polson, wife of the president of the Farmers’ Union, and the office-bearers are: President, Mrs. \V. J. Polson (Wanganui); treasurer, Mrs. C. C. Jackson (Kopuarangi, Masterton.; secretary, Mrs. J. Pow (Kensington Street, Wellington).— I am, etc., HELEN HARRIS. Oaknra, Nov. 13.