WOMEN’S DIVISION

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20501, 18 May 1938, Page 3

WOMEN’S DIVISION

PIAKO PROVINCIAL COUNCIL THIRD ANNUAL MEETING -VALUE OF HOUSEKEEPING SERVICE The third annual meeting of the Piako Provincial Executive of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’Unlon was held at Morrinsville on Friday. Mrs M. E. Barrowclough was in the chair, and the delegates present were as follows: —Mesdames F. W. Jenner, H. Lennan, R- A. S. Browne and Barrowclough (Morrinsville), Peek, W. F. Walton and E. B. Elliott (Tahuna), W. Scott and A. Donovan (Ngarua), D. Donald and Miss A. Martinson (Te Puninga), Eastwood, Hair. Lennard (Te Aroha-Waihou), F. J. Shirley, A. Old, W. Northcott and Miss Rushton (Tatuanui), Wilkins, Holmes and Wallace (Patetonga). Apologies were received from Mesdames E. G. Allison (Te Puninga) and S. C. Carter (Ngarua). Officers for the year were elected as follows:—President, Mrs Wallace (Patetonga) ; vice-presidents, Mesdames Barrowclough (Morrinsville) and Carter (Ngarua) ; secretary, Mrs 11. Lennan (Morrinsville) ; treasurer, Mrs F. J. Shirley (Tatuanui) ; housekeeping secretary, Mrs Hair (Te Aroha-Waihou); committee, the officers and Mesdames E. G. Allison (Te Puninga), Holmes (Patetonga) and 11. S. Stembridge (EJstow): lion, organiser, Mrs 11. Wilcox (Morrinsville); press correspondent, Mrs Barrowclough ; delegates to Wellington conference, Mesdames Wallace and Hair; delegate to National Council of Women in Hamilton, Mrs Wallace; delegates Jo Farmers’ Union conference, Mesdames R. A. S. Browne and Barrowclough. Mrs F. W. Jenner was elected an honorary vice-president in recognition of her valued services on the executive of the Piako council. Nearly Four Hundred Members In presenting the third annual report, Mrs Barrowclough said it was pleasing to be able to record a steady increase in membership, the total financial membership now being 390. During the year a new branch was formed at Patetonga, and two branches, Te Aroha-Waihou and Elstow, had decided to affiliate with the Piako executive instead of with the Thames Valley executive as formerly. This had considerably increased the area and number of members of the Piako executive, which now had nine branches under it's jurisdiction. During the year the president had visited each branch at least once and had an opportunity of speaking to the members of all branches, giving them reports of executive meetings, and of the Dominion conference held in Wellington.

The Dominion president of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, Mrs Drake, of Otago, paid a visit to Morrinsville in October and was present at a meeting of the Piako Council, when members were able to discuss with her many problems. Later in I lie day a social afternoon Mrs Drake addressed a large gal liering of Division members and Farmers’ Union representatives. Mrs F.- JRyburn, of Ohaupo, the nearest representative nn the Dominion Advisory Board of the Women's Division, and (lie president of the South Auckland Provincial Council, attended the February meeting.

Two members of the Piako Council. Mesdames TE A. S. Rrowne and M E. Barrowclough, had altended meetings of the Soul hern Thames sub-pro-

vincial executive of the Farmers’ Union, thus keeping in touch with the activities of the men’s division. In July the Piako provincial council was represented at the Dominion conference held in Wellington by Mesdames J. D. Williams and M. E. Barrowclough, while Mrs G. L. Kelt, representing the Tatuanui branch, also attended. In August a committee comprising Mesdames Kelk, Lennan and Barrowclough met the Government commission that was inquiring into the maternity welfare of the Dominion, putting forward several suggestions for improvements in maternity services for country women. Housekeeping Scheme “Since May 14 of last year our internal housekeeping scheme has been in operation,” continued the president, “and appears to be working successfully. Under the scheme every member who has been financial for six months is entitled, if she wishes to engage one of our housekeepers, to a rebate of 10s a week for at least two weeks during the year. This scheme has brought our service within the reach of many who formerly very much needed help but would not ask for assistance from the community chest. All branches worked hard to raise the initial sum of £SO upon which we began working. During the year each branch has endeavoured to donate something towards this fund, while £3l 2s 6d has been paid out by way of rebate, and £36 3s 6d has been received from the branches. “Throughout the year we have filled 46 engagements for periods extending from one to six weeks. Of these 37 applications were from members, and the remainder from non-members. Maternity cases called for 25 of these applications, serious illness 12, and holidays and rest nine. Letters of appreciation and expressions of gratitude from people who have benefited by our housekeeping service make us realise that it is a work well worth while, and one which we should make every endeavour to support. Thanks and appreciation are due to Mrs J. D. Williams, our retiring housekeeping secretary, for her untiring work. She has spared no effort and has given up a great deal of time to bring relief to families needing our housekeepers.” “Another activity of the Piako Council has been that of a travelling ‘sewing woman.’ This department is as yet in its infancy here, and could be developed with advantage.” Work for Four Housekeepers “We have during the year experienced considerable difficulty in securing the services of a sufficient number of housekeepers to fulfil all the demands for them. By borrowing from neighbouring provincial councils and engaging temporary help, we have been able to supply help for the most urgent cases, hut would like to do more and to be able to send housekeepers to women who badly need rest, thereby preventing some of the serious illnesses arising from overwork and nerve strain. During the year we lost with considerable regret the services of one of our registered housekeepers, Mrs Adams. We still have in our employ three senior housekeepers and one junior. By paying a retaining fee to our housekeepers when not engaged on a case, we hope to keep them with us longer.

“The various branches of the Division which we represent have done much during the year to brighten the lives of women in the country. The social aspect of our work is a big one, and has provided many lonely and friendless women with interests and entertainment besides contact with other women. The educational side has not been neglected, and talks and demonstrations have proved very helpful. Music circles and gardening circles have been active, and drama has also not been forgotten.

“A ready response has always been forthcoming for needy families, for the Sunshine League of the Waikato Hospital, and Hie Makogai leper stationRemits on the agenda paper for the

forthcoming conference dealing with problems of domestic workers, education arid economics, are indications that our women are taking an active interest in a wide variety of subjects.”