WOMEN’S LAND ARMY

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23080, 24 July 1940, Page 2

WOMEN’S LAND ARMY

ASSISTANCE FROM CITY

COUNCIL

The Business and Professional Women’s Voluntary Land Army met last evening in Hay’s Lounge to hear a talk given by Mr M. J. Barnett, superintendent of City Parks and Reserves. Mr Barnett announced that the City Council had procured the use of almost an acre of land adjoining Abberley Park, and would prepare it and ■have it ready for the planting of seeds by the beginning of September. The land had been lent by Mr F. Musgrove for the duration of the war. It was well-sheltered, good land, and was in a central position, said Mr Barnett, it was within easy reach of the tea kiosk, and members could use the gas-ring to make themselves tea in the morning or afternoons. There was also a council tool-shed nearby where tools could be stored until wanted. The council was prepared to supervise the initial training on this land and to arrange for instruction. Mr Barnett has interested St. Andrew’s College in the venture, and the gardener there will be willing to arrange a field day and demonstration in the college grounds some time in the spring. Arrangements have also been made through the Horticultural Society for lecturers to give instruction on the growing of winter vegetables. The first of these lectures will be given at the next meeting of the Land Army in a fortnight’s time.

WOMEN’S DIVISION OF

FARMERS’ UNION

FERNSEDE-SPRINGBANK BRANCH At the Fernside School on Friday night, the Fernside-Springbank branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union celebrated its ninth birthday. The president, Mrs G. Ward, presided. The large birthday cake had been made by Mesdames G. Ward and T. Mclntosh. The “tea committee” served supper. Many visitors were welcomed from Clarkville-East Eyreton and Swannanoa branches of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union and from Tuahiwi Women’s Institute.

Prizes were presented for most points won in competitions during the year, to Mrs H. E. Evans 1, Mrs W. Morris 2, Mrs T. Mclntosh 3. Mrs A. Smith won one competition, and a handpainted cushion made and given by Mrs Dyer, sen., was won by Mr R. Taylor. A sales table in charge of Mesdames A. Armstrong and M. M. Milne, did good business. Plays were presented by Mesdames N. Carter. M. J. Harman. Davis. Misses B. Evans, and M. Hide. Miss Forgeson and her pupils gave exhibitions of fancy and tapdancing. Mrs H. E. Evans, sang a solo, and Master Mama (Tuahiwi) sang to his own accompaniment. Dance music was played by Messrs R. Thwaites. W. Breach, and C. Evans. Miss N. Bailey played extra numbers. Messrs H. Guy and C. Evans were doorkeeper and master of ceremonies.

The profits of the birthday party, amounting to £9, will be sent to the Red Cross fund.

ALFORD FOREST BRANCH

The July meeting of the Alford Forest branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held in the Alford Forest schoolroom, with Mrs D. H. Maclean presiding. An interesting talk was given by Mrs D. Green on nursing .in the hortle. Results of competitions were as follows; Shrub; Mrs R. Grigg 1. Spike: Miss I. Durran 1. Mrs A. Hart -2 Mrs R. Grigg 3. Bloom: Mrs E. Grigg 1. Mrs R. Grigg 2. Mrs A. Hart 3. Vegetable: Mrs J. Biddick 1. Miss 1., Durran 2, Miss E. Johnston 3. Fruit: Mrs A. Hart 1, Mrs R. Grigg 2. A soldier’s knitted article; Mrs E. Grigg 1, Mrs R. Grigg 2, Mrs T. Mcßae 3.