WOMEN'S DIVISION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 71, 24 March 1934, Page 15

WOMEN'S DIVISION.

BRANCH REPORTS. Karaka. —In the absence of the president, Mrs. Lewis presided at the March monthly meeting. At the conclusion of the election of officers for the coining year afternoon tea was served. Several competitions were enjoyed, Mrs. McGee winning the prize for the best vase of flowers, Mrs. Tait for the best article made from a sugar bag, an.l Mrs. Lever the peanut competition. Mrs. Bethune won the guessing competition for a rooster which had been donated by Mrs. Montgomerie.

Mauku. —The annual picnic organised by the branch was held at Mr. Larren's property recently, when a beautiful day amid delightful surroundings ensured a happy time for all. An appetising luncheon was partaken of, after which a programme of sports occupied the greater part of the afternoon. An ice cream tent and cool drinks were appreciated. Prizes for the events were presented by Mrs. Bellhouse (president) and Mrs. West (secretary). Mrs. Rowe was in charge of the nail driving. In the evening an enjoyable dance was heH in the Mauku hall.

Mercer.—A meeting convened by Mrs. Graham, and attended by a representative gathering of the ladies of Mercer, and visitors from Pukekawa and Pokeno, was held in the Town Hall recently. The meeting was addressed by Mrs. Orr, president of the Pukekawa branch and honorary organiser for the Waitemata provinpial executive, Mrs. Bean, president of the Pokeno branch, and Mrs. Wells, secretary of the Pukekawa branch, and it was unanimously decided to form a branch of the division at Mercer. The following officers were elected: —President, Mrs. Graham; vicepresidents, Mesdames Smith, Bourne and Scott; secretary, Mrs. Moorhouse; members of committee, Mesdames Kerr, Wright, Wilson, Dean, Selwood and Mies Currie. Miss J. Currie was elected lion, musician. It was decided that meetings be held on the third Wednesday of each month. Afternoon tea was served, and

I musical items were rendered by Mrs. il Wells, accompanied by Miss Curric. The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the visitors.

Paerata.—The annual meeting of the arts and crafts and sewing circle of the Paerata branch was held on Thursday last, when a most enjoyable programme was arranged by the committee to mark

the end of the year's work. A eompre tensive report was read by Mrs. Flem

, ing, convener of the circle, who stated J that a total of 58 garments had been < distributed during the winter, months, m addition to a quantity of sewing liav- : ing been done for the Franklin Welfare ] League. Interesting demonstrations of the making of cako baskets with Japanese matting and raffia (Mrs. O. E. Burton), wool rug making (Mrs. Illsley) and organdie petal work (Mr 3. Fleming) had been given throughout the year. Mrs. Fleming thanked members for their loyal support and in particular thanked her fellow committee members, Mesdames Young and J. PegIcr, for their help and co-operation. Following on the report, a demonstration of moccasin making was given by Mrs. M. Lawson, of l'ukckohe, and a good start was made by many members on their first pair of moccasins. Two songs by Mrs. Lawson were also greatly appreciated. During the social part of the afternoon three competitions were greatly enjoyed. An original competition, to which names of members were the answere, was won by Mrs. Illsley, the identifying competition by Mrs. Scott, and advertisement "spotting" by Mrs. Dawson Adams.