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With the Federated Women’s Institutes of Canada The Women‘s Institutes of Nova Scotia reâ€" port a milestone in their history. A lively “Let’s Talk It Over" discussion followed an ex- ecutive meeting of the Digby District W.I. The topic was racial discrimination and prejudice, with particular emhpasis on the negro-white relationship. The consensus of opinion was that despite the publicity that seems to indicate otherwise, the Negro is not discriminated against as much as he was a few years ago. Publicity is good if it leads to realization of needs. but the type that leads to racial hatred and bloody rioting can only harm the cause of the Negro. Changes will come, but must come slowly, built on a firm foundation of goodwill and understanding. There must be a change of attitudes and we can help by giving friendship and moral support. Education is the key â€" Governments can help by making laws against discrimination; against prejudice they are help- less. “That doesn‘t sound like anything very new or startling, does it?" the report goes on to say, “but wait â€" The Women’s Institutes taking part in this discussion were from three Branch- es: Bear River, which is English speaking: Me- teghan River-Lower Saulnierville, which is French; and Acaciaville, the only Negro Wom- en’s Institute in Canada. Where else.“ the writ- er continues. “could you find three such groups in one small district? Though the French and English Institutes have always worked together in complete harmony and friendship, they are now proud to say that the inclusion of the Acaciaville W.I. has brought to all a new understanding and liking for the Negro. We meet and talk, agree or disagree, simply as Women‘s Institute members â€" and friends," concludes the report written by Mrs. Thelma Buckler, District Secretary. Another pertinent note is the fact the District President is from the Acaciaville W.I. All nationalities and creeds are found in the Women‘s Institute. not only in Canada but around the world, but as this is the only Negro W.I. in this country, the Nova Scotia W.I. may well be proud of this milestone in their history; a practical application of the theme of this year on Human Rights. A FINISHED PROJECT The Women’s Institute at Discovery, North- west Territories, a community 800 miles north of Edmonton finished its centennial project, a quilt bearing six hundred signatures of former residents. Proceeds from the sale of the quilt will be used to help a girl living in Hong Kong whom the group has adopted. 22 The Federated Women's Institutes of C,“ da is the only National women's organizat. that speaks for rural women, claims the it. presented to the Royal Commission on the f.: ms of Women in Canada at the hearing in t tawa October 2. 1968. Out of its membeiu of 62.000 a high percentage is composed women who work with their husbands in - production of toad. For this reason Spt‘ emphasis was placed on the position 01' farm wife. The Brief went on to say that in mam stances the wife has to be in the labour it taking the place of unavailable male farn. bour. Here she finds herself without the pi lege of remuneration. In addition to the u household responsibility of the home, the t wife has to be muoh more. She is expectcu be the bookkeeper of a complex and hi skilled industry. a gardener, chauffeur; to sist with harvesting of crops; drive the l tractor, and help with many other farm (ll because of this lack of farm labour. “ what do farm wives receive in recompenst their role in this multitude of professio asks the Brief. “Are they paid a wage c mensurate with their labours? If so. are . bands allowed to claim this as legitimate i expense? Do their husbands get a fair ext tion for them? Not at all! Seemingly, the 1 wife has not the status of a business partnci The Brief enlarged on the three specific ics as indicated by the Commission: Mari- Divorce and the Domicile of Married Wo Women in the Labour Force; Taxation a pertains to Married Women. It outlined vant resolutions that have been submitted I time to time on such topics as Health Ce cates prior to Marriage: Amendment CI nal Code to make sale and use of Contra» tives legal; Establishment of Family Plan- Centres; Legalized Abortion under strin. controls; Extension of Grounds for Diw Maintenance in Case of Desertion. Other recommendations pertained to N mum Age of Marriage; Consent for Mew Operations â€" either parent, not just father in some provinces; Ownership of Property law allows husband to barely sustain his if he so wishes; Increased Exemption of 1. come Tax ($2,000); Exemption for housel'w help â€" why should man be able to claim is emption for household help when there are ‘ pendent children where a woman cannot? Pu - sion Benefits and Succession Duties -â€" in event of a wife dying a man retains his It“? pension. If he dies first, his widow receives : HOME AND COU N'IF. .r'