WOMEN FARMERS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 68, 13 December 1930, Page 7

WOMEN FARMERS

Branch Activities ENTHUSIASM SHOWN There has been renewed energy and activity everywhere in the work of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ UnJon. Large parcels of clothing have been’sent to the needy, and as many calls ate expected on the community chest, it Is hoped that all branches will send in good contributions. The Taumarunui branch has been actively engaged in arousing interest in all its outlying districts, and has been most successful with large meetings everywhere, while locally they have established a wdmen’s division rest room. In this district many emergency housekeepers have been employed throughout the year, and quite a number of young girls have been placed through the division as mothers’ helps. At the Taneatua branch meeting, Mrs. Priest, a women’s division housekeeper, gave an interesting address on the experiences and hardships endured by many women in the country, and showed how cheerfully women’s division housekeepers adapt themselves to every emergency, and to all circumstances. A “bring and buy” afternoon realised a good sum. The Kaukapakapa branch has just donated £3 toward the new school piano there, while a cake icing was given by Mrs. Betteridge. Miss Miller won the cake.

The Wellington branch has done wonderful work in giving assistance with clothing whenever called upon by those burnt out and otherwise in need. They also raised a large sum for the. community. chest by means of a popular bridge party. Although in its infancy, Te Aroha branch la doing much work, and has already- sent £5/14/6 to headquarters. An original address on women’s wages was given by one member, and Mrs. Robinson gave a demonstration of cooking by electricity. The members of the Toko branch have been busy making and selling Christmas gifts to raise funds, and. they have given £1 to the school committee for a, Christmas tree fund. I

The Okoke and Urenui branches combined in; a pleasant social afternoon, and Okoke made a profit of £3 from a dance. • In Southland one branch \ demonstrated Christmas gifts such as coathangers made from paper, little feather dusters, and many other things, some sent from the Home Science Department of the Otago University. ■ At Auroa forty members were present at an afternoon devoted to exchange of seed-, lings and plants at 3d. per bundle, and to demonstrations on making "something for nothing,” and to giving recipes. An interesting exhibition of pictures was shown to Waverley branch members by Mrs. Whiteman and Mr. Hay Campbell. The Oamaru branch raised a good sum from a rest tent at tbelr A. and P. Show. They are busy preparing Christmas, gifts for Flock House cadets, and making small donations to the Salvation Army and to the rest room. A very interesting travel talk with views was given by Mrs. W. Walker.

The Avapohne Mitiba! branch have sent a large quantity of clothing to headquarters for distribution, and have held competitions to defray the cost of sending parcels. At the monthly meeting at Otautau, Mrs. Niederer gave an interesting address on the housekeeping and bush nurse schemes. Interesting hints were also given on the best articles made from waste materials. The Uruti branch continues to increase in membership, and Is joining up with Urenui in a social function/

Although newly-formed, the Ohaeawai branch is actively engaged in assisting in the establishment of a dental cllnie in the Bay of Islands. Arrangements have been made to hold a “bring and buy" stall, and a Paddy's market, for raising funds. At Opotiki a sugar bag competition was held, the winner bejng Mrs. Jennings, of Paerata. The many articles were afterward sold.

The Norsewood branch are holding a Christmas tree social this month, and are giving a prize to the one who secures most new women’s division members. The Maurlceville-Ihurana branch are arranging for a women’s division rest room in Masterton.

The Cardiff members of the Stratford branch gave a social afternoon in the hall, when Mrs. Phillips gave an address on women’s division work, and on country women’s interests.

Ohakune has a young but large branch, and Mesdames Cooper and Mountford gave an Interesting demonstration on rug making, while arrangements have been made for a “bring and buy” afternoon. An enthusiastic branch has been formed at Geraldine, where Mrs. Oliver, of Timaru, gave an Interesting address on women’s division work and aims, which, on account of usefulness, has become one of the greatest social and, mutual aid organisations in the country.,