WOMEN’S DIVISION, FARMERS’ UNION.

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 57, 30 November 1929, Page 23

WOMEN’S DIVISION, FARMERS’ UNION.

About thirty-five women attended a meeting, held in the Y.M.C.A. building in Christchurch to consider the advisability of forming a Christchurch branch of the 'Women’s Division of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union. Mrs. J. D. Hall presided. Mrs. C. C. Jackson, Dominion president, described the formation, a few years ago, of the Women’s Division, which came into existence during a conference of the Farmers’ Union. Fifteen members were enrolled, with Mrs. Polson as president, and Mrs-. Jackson was elected treasurer in charge of the entire finances, which then amounted to £3/5-. The division, she said, now has a membership of 4700, and the last annual conference was attended by 130 delegates. The aims of the division were: (1) To strengthen the Farmers’ Union; C2l to better the conditions of women and children in the isolated parts of the country dstricts; (3) to improve medical and nursing facilities in the country districts; (4) to provide temporary help in backblocks homes in times of " illness, absence of the mother, or in exceptionally busy times, such as during shearing, harvesting, or spring cleaning. , , The division provided tor its members, nurses, or housekeepers, as required. The householder, if Jiis circumstances permitted, paid in full for this help, but, if his burdens were heavy, the division executive paid all or part of the cost. The executive. Mrs. Jackson said, had recently been inundated with appeals for help, and she was pleased to say that in her three years’ experience, she did not know of a single case in which the division had been imposed upon. The annual subscription was 2/6, and occasional garden fetes, sales of.produce, etc., were organised to augment the funds, which were kept in the “community chest,” and except for £5O received at its inception, the Women’s Division received no financial aid from the Farmers’ Union, and it received no Government subsidy. At the conclusion of Mrs. Jackson s address it was decided to form a branch of the Women’s Division in Christchurch. Mrs. J. D. Hall was elected president, Mrs. R. E. Alexander and Mrs. M. Bethell vice-presidents, and Mrs. Gilbert honorary secretary and treasurer. . On the motion of Mrs. H. A. Knight, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs. Jackson for her interesting and informative address. , » »

In view of the decreasing numbers using the Y.W.C.A. cafeteria it is felt that, perhaps, this service to the girls of the community may not longer be needed, and therefore . light refreshments only will be served after December 12, the service to be discontinued at the close of the summer months. The need of the girl who brings her own lunch, and uses the rest room, is still being met by the serving of tea, soft drinks, stewed fruits, scones, etc. Christmas presents that are as unusual as thev are dainty will be found at the sale of work to ,be opened at the Y.W.C.A. Hostel, Brougham Street, by the Mayoress this afternoon. The club girls have been working for a - ; considerable time, and as a result the stalls are crowded with beautiful gifts. In addition, there will be flowers, produce, and sweets on sale, while ices- and afternoon tea will be served. The proceeds of the afternoon will be in aid of the association.

NOISE IN CHURCH. Last Sunday’s congregation was disturbed bv a chorus of coughs. The season of colds; the congregation had them badly. What a difference a tin of Pulmonas would have made I Coughs vanish—colds disappear. Pulmonas for coughs, colds, asthma, bronchitis and lung troubles.. Is. 6d. and 2s. Gd. from all chemists and stores. —Advt.