NEW BRANCH

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 291, 4 September 1931, Page 4

NEW BRANCH

Women’s Division, Farmers’ Union MEETING AT FERNSIDE Almost every week, a new link is forged in the chain of branches of the Women's Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union that is rapidly bringing into closer and more sympathetic co-operation the country women, not only of Canterbury, but of'the whole Dominion. Recently at ‘'Hillcrest, the home of Mrs. A. M. Carpenter. Fernside, over 30 ladies attended a meeting called to discuss the formation in Fernside of a branch of the Women’s Division. Mrs. J. Drvden Hall, president, and Mrs H. G. Denham, hon. secretary of the Christchurch branch, and Mrs. Colin Mclntosh, president of the West Eyreton branch, addressed the gathering, briefly and clearly explaining that the division aimed at the betterment of conditions for women and children living in the country, especially in the more isolated parts. It was unanimously decided to form a branch at Fernside, and the following officers were elected President. Mrs. A. M. Carpenter; vice-presidents, Mrs. H. E. Evans and Mrs. C. Rands; secretary. Miss Carpenter; committee. Mesdames W. .Smith, G. J. McGloin, H. A. Bennett. W. R. Hutchinson, Milne, J. W. Brosnan. J. Miles, and T. Mclntosh, with power to add. , , , The ladies present showed keen interest in the movement, particularly in the “exchange,” held monthly in Christchurch. All the visitors were entertained at tea by Mrs. Carpenter, the drawing-room being gay with chrysanthemums and autumn berries. Tai Tapu Branch. The monthly meeting of the Tai Tapu and districts branch of the division was held in the Ladbrooks Hall. Mrs. Henderson presided, and welcomed Mrs. I. W. Weston and the Misses Welch as new members . Miss Freda Mcßean was also elected a member. . , ' Miss K. Kimber was asked to convey the sympathy of the meeting to her mother. Mrs. H. A. Kimber, in her prolonged illness. , , A considerable amount of correspondence was read by the secretary. Miss 11. Fiecken, after which Mrs. Henderson gave a demonstration of “Swiss darning.” and the refooting of old stockings, which received much interested attention and proved most instructive. On the motion of Miss Sharp. Mrs. Henderson was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. It was decided that the “variety evening” to be held in the Tai Tapu Town Hall in September, when it is expected that all members Will contribute to the programme. Christchurch Branch. At the last meeting of the Christchurch branch, held in the Y.M.O.A. rooms, Mrs. Buchanan gave a demonstration of spinning and weaving to members of the branch. The demonstration, which proved both interesting and instructive, was very well received. The “women’s exchange was also open during the afternoon, and a ready sale was found for the stock of poultry, eggs, and farm produce there displayed.