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r ~ 2 â€" seek information of Y8l4e in their undertakings entitles them to the best that science, experiment, and practical experience has to Oi‘i‘er;’ The past year has been one of outstanding importance and significance for orâ€" ganizations of rural women throughout the world., At a meeting, the first of its kind, held in London, England, in May last, reports were presented from the national orgenizations of rural Women from the folldwing countries: Australia, Belgium, Caneda, Czechoâ€"Slovakis, Dgnmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, The Netherlands, How Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Scotland, South Afxica, Switzerland, and the UnJ:ted States. While it is impossible to review the comâ€"~ plete proceedings at this most important gathering, let us consider some of their findings. In the first Plaf!e, the delegates recognized the importance of the countzy women‘s mission from the point of (1) Agricultural Production; (2) Upkeep of rural homes;(3) Upbringing of children; (4) The promotion of the social life of the countty, The farm women of Ontario are coming to appreciate more and more the importance . _ of a profitable agriculture if the opportunities and advantages which tkey seek for themselves and their children are to be provided. The necessity for a standard in $ household conveniences, comfort and healthâ€"giving qualities is recognized, if the °_ aembitious boys and girls are to be induced to look forward to the farm home as a perâ€" ~ _ manent residence, The study of child character and development is receiving more and more attention, and the promotion of a wholesome social life in the countryside is a _ recognized responsibility of the Institutes in many districts. So, it would appear that country women in many lands have much the same ambitions, hopes and fears. The expressed desires of the representatives at this internétional gathering in resolutions passed included: (1) Equal encouragement and assistance to associaâ€" f tions of country women as is given to associations of agriculturists; (2) The great i valus of conferences and systematic instruction for their members and the importance & of reaching the young people in their educational and social activities; (3) 4n apâ€" ‘. peal to the international Institute of Agriculture to include in its researches the . organization of farm household work; (4) & recognition of the importance of the rural . household in world economics; (5) The importance of training for family life and comâ€" q munity services i So, these leaders expressed the belfef that wamen‘s work and responsibilities ) is entitled to equal consideration and financial support with societies of agriculâ€" turists, and we are fortunate in that the various governments of the province of Onâ€" tario have recognized this equality from the beginning in 1897. We have, in Onâ€" tario, appreciated the importance of having conferences and holding classes atcentres where the rural dweller can take advantage of the same without having to travel too far or be away from her home responsibilities for more than & day or two. It is these women of everyday responsibility who are contributing so much to the Institute and who are taking full edvantage of the privileges enjoyed. We have in recent years . given due prominence to the needs and desires of the girls of the rursl districts â€" and the services in the future will, we hope, be of still greater velue to those who soon graduate into the senior organization. & I am voicing the desires of the members of the Institutes when I appeal to the research foundations of both the province and the dominion to give due prominence to women‘s responsibilities and work. Surely, there is nothing more farâ€"reaching than the housing, clothing and feeding of the femily, health education and the prevention of disease. The prominent part which women are taking in those undertakings which affect directly or indirectly the whole people entitles them to adequate training in preparation for family life and community service. When we remember that it was reported at this interaational gathering that "the first country to organize rural â€" women into secieties of their own seems to have been Ontario", and when re recognize that according to the reports presented, possibly the most effective work is being carried on in Canada, we are brought face to face with the fact that the Institutes of Ontario have a responsibility, not only to theirâ€"own province, but to the whole world in so far as coâ€"operative effort on the part of voluntary organizations and government service is concerned. | We have met together again in Annual Cohvention, the 26th time for me, in order that the Institutes may be of greater educational value, & more wholesome social factor, ahd render better service throughout the Institut_e year upon which we have entered, While the reports from the chairmen of the various StandingAComit?egs.are exhaustive, I shall take the liberty of stressing some of.the (_nutstandlng activities worthy of special mention as seen from the Departmentel viewpoint, C c f ‘ Under Household Eeonomics the requests for.]_if:erature, applications fgr inâ€"-4 _ structors, prograims prepared, and wo?k r(_apor-bed indicate a keener E.md.more intelliâ€" ® gent selection, preparation and comblnatlonlof foods and an apprecmtlon.oi‘ labor _ saving conveniences and equipme®t, & recognition of the value of fresh air and the effect of beauty and color in the home.