Country Girls' Clubs bring together girls who have similar interests but few opportunities for an exchange of ideas. The aims of the organisation, the New Zealand Federation of Country Girls' Clubs (Inc.), is stated to be: (a) To advance the educational and cultural pursuits of its members, and their knowledge of agriculture, homecraft, and community life; and (b) to develop the spirit of leadership among the youth of the community. The clubs function for the purpose of enabling members to gain mutual support and companionship, and to maintain a high standard of efficiency and courtesy in their home-making activities. The clubs arrange lectures and demonstrations, internal and overseas tours, and many forms of gatherings for education and mutual help. They cooperate with any other organisations with similar aims, particularly with the Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs, Women's Division of Federated Farmers, and the Country Women's Institutes. The home science instructors of the Department of Agriculture take a lively interest in the clubs, and have been of great assistance to them in their activities.

In 1965 there were 158 clubs with approximately 2,000 members. In addition to the usual officers of an organisation, each club may elect up to three advisory members from the older women of the community, who give advice but do not vote at committee meetings. Trophies have been donated for competition at annual conferences, in debating, public speaking, posters, essays, needlework, efficiency, and leadership.

by Olive Rita Croker, M.A., Botanist, Wellington.