The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SOUTH AUS- TRALIAN COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCI- ATION The first Branch was formed in this State in 1926 Fâ€" only 46 years ago â€" by Mrs, I. J. Warnes in an endeavour to overcome the lone- liness of the country woman. Mrs. Warnes, later our first State President, lived on a sheep station where she rarely had contact with an- other woman. Following the formation of two more Branches, the Association came into being in 1929. As word of the work of the As- sociation spread, country Branches were formed and in many townships C.W.A. was the sole means of social contact. Being a non- sectarian and nonâ€"party political organization made it possible for all women to become members. As the years have passed and with the introâ€" duction of better means of transport, the mass media, improved educational opportunities and living conditions, needs of the country woman have changed and the Association has tried to meet these needs as they arise. Now more emâ€" phasis is placed on cultural activities and schools of short duration in handicraft, choral, drama, painting, floral work, home decorating, writers and reporters, International Affairs etc. give members lasting enjoyment and an incentive for further knowledge. State Choral and Drama Festivals are annual events. Leadâ€" ership schools too are conducted for the cor- rect administration of Branches. There are just Over 300 Branches with 13.- 000 members â€" the Association is divided into Divisions and the Divisions into Groups and Groups into Branches. There are 17 Branches in the Metropolitan area. There is a State Conference, 2 State Executive and 2 State Council meetings each year. Groups also have an annual Conference. Branches have general meetings monthly, with usually a sepa- rate day for Handicraft and other cultural pursuits. The agenda of the Branch meeting contains business, educational and social items. There are some evening Branches to cater for local conditions. The Postal Branch and Branches of the Air have a distinct air of ro- mance about them and the Postal Branch is unique. Most of the far outback properties have the radio equipment necessary for conâ€" tacting the Royal Flying Doctor Service and through the courtesy of this Service, air time is allotted for the conduct of meetings of the Branches of the Air at Alice Springs and Port Augusta. These Branches form a link with women in widely separated areas in the north and west of the State. Meetings are conducted in the usual manner but when a proposition is before the chair the Chairman Will say â€" 16 "Those in favor, please keep quiet." Men-Ii,Ch become firm friends even though they um, never see each other. The Postal Bram serves another group of lonely women “LI are not within the orbit of the Air Branufl â€" boundary riders’ wives, isolated Stati, . mining areas, lighthouses etc. A Round Rt r, Letter keeps them in touch with one and while our weekly newspaper "S. , Countrywornan” gives them current no“ i the Association. The officers of this Br, ., live in the city. South Australia is the , State with a Postal Branch and member. scattered all over the continent, On a part of the land in Adelaide when C.W.A. members residential Club stands fine State Offices were opened in 1963. . day Homes are situated in the city and urbs and throughout the State while ovei Rest Rooms have been erected for the fort of members. Two highly succc Homes for the Aged are conducted in cot, areas. There is a State Housekeeper Sc‘ providing reliable help in homes in tiin, sickness and other difficulties. Each year there is a State Objectii which all Branches are invited to subs Over the years these Objectives have cu a very wide field and help to alleviate Ct pressing needs. Because of prevailing dr- and economic conditions in many Cn- areas, the present Objective is “Rural whereby practical assistance is given to whose way of life is threatened. Friendship between Branches is engen by the Home Link Scheme operated State Office. Branches link with one an with visits and letters learning more of th sociation, the State and themselves. A ‘ Book containing highlights is encourage the two year period suggested gives tim lasting friendships to be established. November is International Month country is taken for study and you vr pleased to know that this year the cotin Canada. A State International School good speakers. films and discussion greali sist the Branches to successful meetings. State contains many areas more or lea. nuded of trees and tree-planting has bi- feature of our work throughout the lifetii‘. the Association. Our aim is the promotion of any which makes for Improvement in rural and members are happy to use their taIEI‘» any community work where the main 0' tive is to the benefit of women and child HOME AND COUN vi