WOMEN’S DIVISION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 67, Issue 243, 26 July 1947, Page 3

WOMEN’S DIVISION

DOMINION CONFERENCE Mid-Canterbury was well represented at the Dominion conference of the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers, recently held in Wellington. Lady Freyberg paid a tribute to the work of the Division at the official opening, when she addressed an audience which crowded the Wellington Town Hall Concert Chamber. She said she had visited some of the rest homes, and was much impressed With the worthwhile work which was being done by the members of the W.D.F.F. Mrs Elliott, Dominion president, gave a comprehensive and challenging address. Provincial presidents were presented to her Excellency Lady Freyberg at the social hour following the opening ceremony. Remits covering a wide range of matters concerning country women’s activities were dealt with. They included educational, health, rest home work, seaside cottage retreats, immigration, . and moral ,and general matThe housekeeper, section was fully discussed. It was decided to hold the next conference in Dunedin. Owing to unforeseen circumstances and difficulty of travel, Mrs Elliott, Dominion president,'was unable to atend the Amsterdam “Associated Ceun-try-woftien of the World” conference. It is expected the next A.C.C.W. conference will be held in Australia in 195.0. ' . . Mrs Elliott was elected Dominion president for another year. Mrs Black (Gisborne) and Mrs A. S. Hayman (Mid-Canterbury) were the newlyelected members on the Dominion Advisory .Board for the North and South ■lslands respectively. Over a period of years the Southland executives have been working toward the establishment of a family rest and holiday home where mothers and children could enjoy a vacation. The sum of £IO,OOO was the objective, and by a gigantic final effort, £12,000 was the total amount received. Plans are in hand for, the erection of a suitable building aud environments. It is expected in the near future to open a rest and holiday home in Auckland. , . n „„. Reports of the existing rest homes were very encouraging.

ASHBURTON BRANCH The monthly meeting of the Ashburton branch of the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers was held m the Foresters’ Hall. Mrs A. S. Hayman presided and welcomed new members. , A vote of sympathy in bereavement was passed with Mrs E. M. Begg. Mrs Johnstone reported on hospital visiting. Mrs Begg gave the housekeeper report. Arrangements were made for the birthday party to be held next month. Mrs G. Moore visited the branch, and spoke on the travelling dressmaker itinerary.

Mrs Ward addressed the meeting on the establishment of a creche in Ashburton.

Mrs Begg gave an interesting paper on “Florence Nightingale,” her life and work.

Mrs Hayman spoke on the recent visit to Christchurch of Mrs Russell, delegate from the Associated CountryWomen of the World.

Competitions resulted: Large Bloom: Mrs Millar 1, Mrs Harper 2, Mrs Watson 3; Small Bloom: Mrs I-larpor 1, Mrs Millar 2, Mrs Watson 3; Shrub: Mrs Watson 1, Mrs Wightman and Mrs Millar (equal) 2; SDike: Mrs Watson 1, Mrs Millar 2; Violets: Mrs Watson 1, Mrs Millar 2; Vegetables: Mrs Watson 1, Mrs Harper 2; Apron: Mrs Wightman 1, Mrs Watson 2.