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Consumer Producer Conforming CONFERENCE called by the federal government in March, the Women‘s Institutes were ably represented by the Ontarlo President, Mrs. Leonard Trivers. Mrs. Trivers said: “In speaking of Consumer-Producer rela- tions from the viewpoint of the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario I have two obâ€" jectives: to show, first, that the-F.W.I.O. as a group is representative of Ontario‘s consumers; and second, that a resolution expressing the opinions of the members is carefully screened so that those which do reach the manufacâ€" turer are not trivial, but are planned for the greatest good to the greatest number. “The Federated Women‘s Institutes is an organization of homemakers, both provincial and national in its scope: thus we can present a consensus of opinion from a large part of the population. In Ontario we have a member- ship of about 37,000 in 1,400 branches. It was originally a rural group but at present it is by no means all rural. Our members are engaged in many occupations besides farming so they are able to form Opinions about most types of consumer goods. Our work which aims at the education of adult women is carried on through various committeesâ€"Citizenship and Education, Home Economics and Health, Historical Research and Current Events, Agri- culture and Canadian Industries and Reso- iutions." As an illustration of the consumer educaâ€" tion available to Women’s Institute members, Mrs. Trivers produced samples of fabrics, some printed on the grain of the material, others printed off-grain. If the material printed off- grain is cut with the printed pattern in the right position, the finished drape or garment won‘t “hang right." If the cutting is done in line with the grain or weave of the material, the pattern is off courseâ€"so you lose either way. Mrs. Trivers explained that Women’s Institutes learn about such consumer prob- lems in home economics courses provided by the Department of Agriculture. 0n the question of resolutions, Mrs. Trivers outlined the screening process before a resolu- tton is finally passed and forwarded to the authority concerned. She said: “When members of an Institute branch wish T0 Suggefit a change in any existing condition, a resolution IS drawn up setting forth their Complaint and the specific change required. In 1‘ T THE CONSUMER PRODUCER the case of manufactured goods this or t. he a complaint about a producer‘s good- cit-kâ€" aging or selling practices. About two: ,i‘ per cent of our resolutions in the pa years have dealt with manufactured pl lots. The others cover a wide range of sul‘i ._ highway safety, standardization of Sch ml books, succession duties; their name it “m “The resolution with accompanying Ior. mation to justify the complaint is first er -.ed by the local branch. Then it must be a ,cd by the voting delegates at the Distt .md Area levels before it is presented to i! 4-,). vincial Board of Directors for their CD ira- tion. In the case of a consumer-to-p. My resolution, if the Board of Director ‘ree that there is sufficient proof that the SI, in] change will benefit consumers as a wh: the resolution is supported and is sent to [h ho are in a position to take action. \\ he sent many resolutions to the COnsumer so- ciation of Canada. Every Institute ht . is urged to be a member of this ASSOCqu .nd to be informed of their work throut- Ic'll' bulletin. I might add that the change the packaging of bacon and the sizing of c' as clothing according to height and weig ere both presented in Women‘s Institute ill- tions for some time before being broti. no effect. “To give some idea of the type or resolutions these are a few of tho- :0- ported in the past three years: In the t mg field, we have requested stronger port wa- terial in work clothes, vertical button l in blouses, a wider seam allowance in \e dresses, matching buttons and patchil me terial supplied with readymade garmen at stock answer to this, of course. is tha. at of these things depend on the price to It: the clothing. But our aim is to pros. ":6 rank and file of consumers who are n. t 3 position to buy the highest-priced goods too, are entitled to good value to '31! clothing dollar. We have requested a 1“ variety of clothing styles for the get woman: a change in the size of quilt r 0f the home sewer, and have protested the _ 1:13" of knitting wool for work clothes and t“ 0i- ton thread on the market. .. “Another of our campaigns by reach -I- Mrs. Trivers continued, “has been again‘ 'Fe' miums in packages. We have proven th the buyer pays more than the retail price III the premium included and at the same Us PC‘ HOME AND COLLJRY