SIXTH BIRTHDAY PARTY.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4329, 31 August 1937, Page 5

SIXTH BIRTHDAY PARTY.

ARROWTOWN BRANCH CELEBRATES. MOST AUSPICIOUS OCCASION. The ArroAvtown Branch of the Women’s Division of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union is to be warmly congratulated on the success of its Sixth Birthday Party, which was held in the Atliencum Hall, Arrowtown, on Friday evening last. The activities of this live branch were surely reflected in the large attendance, which constituted a record one. Mrs Elliott, the popu- \ lar president, in her interesting address given during the evening, aptly remarked that the support accorded the function by the public was a splendid tribute to the work of the Arrow branch of the Division. The branch has undoubtedly firmly established itself in the district, and has supplied a felt want in its social activities and humanitarian ser- 1 vice. The party was attended by visitors from far and wide, close on thirty coming from Clyde, Cromwell and Bannockburn branches. Among those present were Mrs Elliott (Otago Provincial president), Mrs Annan, (president of the Clyde branch), Mrs Horn (secretary, Milburn branch), Mrs Ritchie (secretary, Cromwell branch), and Mrs Pizey (secretary, Athol branch). The ladies of the Wakatipu branch had gone to no end of trouble in preparing for the party, and although the attendance must have exceeded their anticipations, they wore quite equal to the occasion. The hall and | stage had been tastefully decorated I for the function, and everything had ) been done to cater for the comfort and convenience of guests. Prior to the commencement of progressive euchre which occupied the first part of the evening, Mrs A. V. Miller, president of the Arrowtown branch of Women’s Division, came forward on the stage and extended a cordial welcome to all present. At the end of about two hours the card games were brought to a conclusion and the prize-winners proved to be: Lady’s,, Mrs C. Swann, who won ,a tie between she and Mesdames Kit"to and W. Warring and, men, Mr J. McDonald. The consolations went to Miss M. Shaw and Ed. Henderson. At the conclusion of the cards prominent members of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union were escorted on to the platform by Mrs A. V. Miller and introduced to the audience. Prior to several short addresses litt’e Misses Margaret Paterson and Avis Johnston presented beautiful ful posies to Mesdames Elliott, Annan, A. Y. Miller, and Mrs McEntyre (secretary of the Arrowtown branch). The posies were kindly made by Mrs Foils on (Arrow Bridge). Mrs Elliott thanked the . Arrow branch of W.D.P.U. for the cordial invitation extended to her to be present at their sixth birthday party,. She also expressed her thanks for the gracious tribute of a beautiful posey of flowers which was handed to her. Continuing, Mrs Elliott said that the splendid attendance at the sixth happy party of the branch was a compliment to the representatives of other branches under the Otaeo Division, as well as that of Arrow. It was most encouraging to the Executive. The speaker was not unknown to a number of people in the hall that evening, as she once lived in the district. She was indeed glad to meet these and make fresh friends. Mrs Elliott then went on to give a short outline of the objects of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. Some people, she said, wanted to know il it was necessary to have a Women’s Division. In answer, she said it was very necessary. The women of to-day were not satisfied just to live within their own homes,, consequently there was a ■ tremendous movement all over the world —west to east and north to south —to provide enlightenment and education for women of all classes. They had a membership of 19.000 throughout Few Zealand and could fairly claim that something, tangible was being done for the betterment of women. The_ Division had five distinct planks l in its iplatform. Phi’anthropy was _ their biggest and noblest work, lor it was for the betterment of women who were up against it. They were able to help provide housekeepers in cases of emergency. They had the educational side whereby they Avere able to help to assist country women in the tuition of their children. There was next the social side, so essential in the life of Avomen: the creative side giving scope to the brain, and lastly the spiritual side. Fo organisation could expect to live without j the aid of the latter, Avbich came foremost. The Hon. Peter Fraser, said the speaker, acknowledged that

the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was doing a tremendous work for the women of Hew Zealand. The organisation was making headway; it 1 nad proved to be well worth while and any help that can be afforded the local branch would be deeply ap predated. Mrs Annan, president of the Clyde branch, thanked the Arrowtown uranch of the WD.F. Union for their invitation, and expressed her appreciation of the efforts in providing for such a wonderful party. She wished to convey the best wishes of the Clyde branch to the Wakatipu members and to express the hope that their membership would continue to increase. Mr W .H. Thompson, president of the Wakatipu branch of the Farmers’ Union, tendered the best wishes of the farmers off the district to the Women’s Division. It was realised that the women did much to help the union, and every farmer’s wife or daughter should therefore join up. _ It was the only women’s social organisation. Mr Thompson spoke oi the benefits of the community chest, which was established to provide : Housekeepers for the farmers’ wives lin cases of necessity. It was the greatest boon in isolated districts. Mr W. FI. James, Mayor of Arrowtown, stressed the educational and social sides of the Women's Division’s activities. He congratulated the Arrowtown branch on the success of its sixth birthday party and hoped that it would continue to prosper in the interests of the farming community. Mr W. H. Overton, Mayor of Queenstown, thanked the executive for the opportunity given him to be present, and also offered lus congratulations on the great sue ess of their birthday party. The increased interest being shown by the public showed that the branch was growing. He was of the opinion that in every community the people composing same should as far as possible take an interest in each others welfare. If this principle were carried out there would be greater geniality and happiness among the people. They should endeavour to improve the living and working conditions of everyone around them. He congratulated the branch on the good work it was doing. A bountiful and appetising supper was then handed round by the members of the branch, after which the formal ceremony of cutting the birthday cake was carried out. The honour of lighting the candles was accorded Mrs Crombie, secretary of the Bannockburn branch, and Mrs Horn, secretary of the Milburn branch extinguished them. The cake was then cut an everyone received a piece. A .guessing competition for a dinner was won by Mrs Fraser, of Invercargill. The result will very materially help the funds. Though the hour was late when the formal ceremonies were concluded, the hall was cleared for dancing ,and an hour or so was very pleasantly filled in to music supplied by Beg. Bomans’ orchestra. At intervals vocal items were contributed by Mrs A .V. Miller and Messrs J. J. McNeill and Jas. McDonald.