FARMERS’ UNION

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 24 September 1927, Page 5

FARMERS’ UNION

HAWKE'S BAY WOMEN'S DIVISION. A “BOOK” TEA. The activities of the Hawke’s Bav Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union are increasing month by month, due to the interest shown by the members. A number from the local branch were entertained bv Mrs Riggir. their president, with Mrs Balharry as co-hostess at the beautiful home belonging to Mr Balharrv’s sister in York street. Mrs Joll. the secretary, was also present. The day being summery and still, the visitors wandered about the beautiful grounds, admiring the choice spring bulbs, the rookeries, and pretty Japanese water garden, with its little stone bridge. Croquet was played on the lawn, and the spring frocks of the guests proved that win ter is now a bugbear behind us. Mrs Riggir was wearing a very pretty garden-party frock of navy blue georgette, mounted on cerise crepe-de-chine, with insert cerise georgette panelling the long-waist-ed bodice, and bending the full skirt. A navy blue hat with French flowers in cerije tones matched her frock. Balharry was charmingly attired in heavy navy blue wool-back satin supple, the top bloused with new effect and inset with vest of beige georgette, the skirt banded with black to match long tie-ends of black from the neck. A navy blue crinoline straw hat with soft satin crown was worn en suite. The entrance hall was decorated with long sprays of double rose flowering peach in large jars, and in the “den” were vases of pink prunus, with camellias and maple foliage The afternoon was called a “book" tea, each guest contributing a book to be sent towards the Bush Club, which has its headquarters at Marton. From there bundles of six books with magazines and papers are tied up. and these are circulated among women living in the backblocks of New Zealand, who only pay 2s Gd a year to enjoy the privileges of the union and this “Bush Book Club."

Another excellent side branch is the sending of housekeepers to the countr.v to help out a mother in any time of urgency for a few weeks. These capable women are ready to ne sent at th shortest notice to help in any way. At present housekeepers can be procured quickly from AA’anganui, but the great hope is to be able to afford a housekeeper and nurse resident in Hastings for this district. Town members can join as associate members by paying 2s 6d a year, all subscriptions giving extra impetus to this movement of public-spirited citizens.

During the afternoon croquet was won by Miss Masters, a bowling competition by Aliss Evans, and orange pip guessing by Miss Frobath. Much pleasurable excitement was _ enioved over finding a number of prizes during a garden “treasure hunt.” Over one hundred books were received for the “Bush Club" as a practical result from the enjoyable afternoon. •