WOMEN'S DIVISION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 191, 15 August 1933, Page 10

WOMEN'S DIVISION.

A meeting of the Waitemata, Provincial Council of the- Women's Division of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held in the Farmers' Trading Company board room last week, when the president, Mrs. Noel Adams, presided. A letter from the Health Department in reference to branches assisting in welfare work in certain districts was referred to headquarters for further action. Delegates reported that help was already being given in the districts mentioned. An offer to demonstrate reed loom work was received from Mr. Wm. E. 'Johns, of Mount Eden. Mrs. Hawke, of Pukekawa, also offered to demonstrate this work to nearby branches.

The housekeeping secretary, Mre. D. M. Bryan, reported that five applications for a housekeeper had been satisfactorily filled and three applications for positions as housekeepers had been received. It was decided that in tho meantime it was better occasionally to call on South Auckland for housekeepers than to engage further housekeepere whose employment might be intermittent. The question of members making temporary use of a lower-paid local help in place of the division's registered housekeepers was brought up, and stress was laid on the desirability of keeping division housekeepers employed as continuously as possible. The security afforded membere by tho division's scheme of insurance for its registered housekeepers was also mentioned. Plans for a special housekeeping scheme for the council were discussed, It was felt that the full charge of 25/ per week was a serious stumbling block to many members who were in need of a housekeeper's services, but who would not apply for reduced rates for themselves. It was suggested that a scheme whereby contributing members would automatically receive the benefit of a reduction in charges would prove of great value. It was decided to establish a special housekeeping fund for the council, such fund not to be operated upon until the sum of £100 i; in hand. The president announced a gift of £20 from the estate of the late Mr. T. Smith, and it was decided that this should be allocated to the special housekeeping fund. A remit from Taupaki in reference to publishing a community song book was placed before the council. It was decided to forward this suggestion to headquarters, and to suggest also that a competition for a womon's division song be instituted.

Mrs. K. M. Judson, secretary of the show court committee, reported a balance of £7 12/7 in hand after payment of all expenses, and gave details of assistance rendered by the various branches. Special mention was made of the demonstration of spinning given by Mrs. Older, of Onewhero, and the demonstration of weaving- by Miss Searlc, of Auckland. Mrs. Edward Allen presented certain figures in connection with the exchange ehop at Newmarket, which showed that the turnover would need to be greatly increased to make the shop self-support-ing. It was decided that the Auckland branch should forward to country branches a balance-sheet showing the exact position of the ehop to date, and ehould ask if Branches wish the exchange shop to be continued, and if so what support they are prepared to give. Branch Meeting. At the Karaka meeting of the women's division of the Farmers' Union there was a large attendance, visitors being present from Waiau Pa, Drury, Paerata and Patumahoe. A play, "The Rich Aunt from California," was presented. A song, "Annie Laurie," by Mrs. Newman, was given. For the best article made from a flour bag, Mrs. McGee (eupper cloth), and Mrs. Glen Woods (small boy's ehirt) tied for first place. At the meeting at Mangatawhiri visitors were present from Pokeno, and Mrs. O'Leary gave a demonstration of raffia and basket work. Mrs. Hunt arranged a competition, "Guessing Trade Advertisemente," and donated the prize, which was won by Mre. Pendergrast. In tho monthly crafts competition Mrs. Twining was first and Mrs. Hunt second. At Mauku, a parcel of sewing was made up for the Franklin Welfare League. Members will continue to assist with sewing. The prize for the knitting competition went to Mre. Faulkner, and a consolation prize to Mrs. Martin. Mr. Jarrett, Government poultry instructor, gave an instructive talk. At the Pokeno meeting the junior members provided the social programme, which consisted of songs by the choir, and a play. In the competition, an article, the materials for which cost 1/, Mrs. Clark Leathern was awarded first place for a drese made from dyed flour bags, second Mies Peacock (cushion cover), and third Mrs. Flay (child's drees, knickers- and sun bonnet). The members at Puni had worked aprons and many other nseful articles for the bazaar to be held in October, and materials were iseued to members to be made up. A biscuit competition was won by Mre. Gibson.