WOMEN'S DIVISION

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 9 December 1931, Page 10

WOMEN'S DIVISION

DOMINION ACTIVITIES PROGRESS OF LOCAL BRANCHES VIEWS ON VARIOUS' SUBJECTS. (Special Correspondent.) - The Marton branch hais held a series of demonstrations at monthly meetings which have proved most successful. Exhibitions also have been given of beautiful needlework, which revealed the most lovely old embroideries and samples which aroused great interest. On Dominion book day an exhibition of old editions and book plates amazed many that such treasures were to be found in their neighbourhood. An interesting competition j was held for the most original Christ-, mas gift made from materials costing| Is or less. Mrs D. Simpson won this prize. The sale of these articles and a. guessing competition for a Christmas cake brought in £2 8s for the community chest. Mrs McDougall and Miss Gilchrist, gave a most interesting demonstrationg of spinning and carding wool and showed several wools dyed-beautifully with- ■ - native- _ wood dyes. At this meeting, held in November. over 70 members were present. Mrs W. Stevens presided.

During .November the Wellington branch were given a delightful party l»v Mrs T. H. Angus, when a splendid musical programme was arranged, including vocal items by Mrs Goodson. Great interest centred round the latest addition to the branch, little Michael Neal, the baby son of Mrs Stephen Neal, branch secretary. The president, Mrs U. E. Ward, on behalf of the branch, presented to the baby a handsome silver mug as a small token of affection and appreciation of the services rendered by Mrs Neal as secretary. ‘ **•**- *

Mrs Ward expressed appreciation of the kindness of Mrs Angus and thanked her for her gracious hospitality.

Mrs Middleton. Hawker Street, was hostess at a bridge party held in aid cT the community chest funds. Mrs Middleton also held a delightful afternoon for the members of the sewing branch, which is managed by Miss ■Tean Laing. Mapv useful garments wore cut out and made up. The next bundle of children’s clothes is to. go to Hawke’s Bay for those in need in the certhonake area. The hospitality of Mrs Middleton is much appreciated.

Mrs Dennis, of Brougham Street, also- put her house at the disposal of the branch when a large bridge party in aid of the funds was held. Mrs Dennis was assisted by her daughter, Mrs MoKillop.

The Eltham branch is protesting against the small reduction of 6d per week in the housekeepers’ salaries, and also to.any proposed scheme to lengthen daylight saving to one hour. The branch also do not favour the rest home scheme in Wellington, or linking up with the Pan Pacific Women’s Association. *****

The last meeting of the Mantua branch was held at the residence of Nurse Merrie, when Mrs. Sutherland presided over a large gathering of members. The branch decided to join the Pan Pacific League and also to donate £2 2s to the Manaia Town Board to help their Christmas Eve festival. A bring and buy afternoon found trade brisk and all goods were sold at satisfactory prices.

The Raukapakapa branch has decided to support, the rest home scheme, it is also donating large humoors oi old medicine bottles, ointment jars, etc., to the Rev. Jasper Calder’s free dispensary, which is always in need of them. As this mission dispensary does such wonderful work for tne floor aim needy, members gladly respond to appeals for help. ■* * * * The Helensville Women’s institute’s invitation to an “At Home” in liecomber was received with enthusiasm. ■* * * -3:- « The Raukapakapa branch lias linked up with the South Auckland Provincial Council and has sent in a donation to the community chest. The exchange 1 tables were very successful, tomato plants, lemons, cuttings and small flower plants being readily disposed of. ! The hostesses were Mrs. Sussex and Mrs. Cox. •* * * * w At the last meeting of the Alton branch two new members were enrolled and one was transferred from the Lepperton branch. A Christmas cake baked by Mrs. Illingworth and iced by Mrs. Gibbs, was offered for a prize in a competition. Mrs. Nickel also provided a competition, which was won by Miss Burnand. The next meeting will be held in March. * *• + *». At the monthly meeting of the Cruti branch, presided over by Mrs. Butt, fresh books were distributed among the book club members. This is a strong feature of this branch. To augment their funds a luncheon was held in connection with the Uruti sale. * * M > * Mrs. Wickham , of Wanganui, has had a very busy time both in her capacity as Dominion vice-president and as president of the local branch. I She has visited Pahiatua, Feilding, lOtaki, Taihape, Wangaehu, Pordel] and and Okoia, and Ohingaiti and attended the Bush Nurse and H.A. in Palmerston North, as well as doing much organising work with the book drive and wool displays. In addition to W.D. work Mrs. Wickham is a. prominent member of an unemployment committee and lias bad, and still has, a. very, busy time interviewing and placing women and girls in positions for work. ! *#*■#■.* By the courtesy of the tennis dub the Whangamoniona. meeting was held at Tvohnratahi in their sunny and pleasant pavilion. Mrs. Stock well presided over an attendance of 10 members and dealt with cases for relief which had come under their notice. Nurse MeOarrol gave an interesting address, followed by the usual cup* of ten. The Opunake branch continues'to increase in membership and in activities. A lamp shade demonstration was given by Mrs. Ritchie, who was presented by Mrs. Chambers with a dainty posy, made by Mrs.- Campbell. Their newly renovated meeting and luncheon room was a great convenience for both the W.D. and the Farmers’ Union meetings. Mrs. Lambie demonstrated icing a cake, and this month the judging of articles made from sugar bags will take place.