WOMEN’S DIVISION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 264, 5 October 1940, Page 5

WOMEN’S DIVISION

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED. The 13th birthday of the Feilding branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was celebrated yesterday afternoon in the Oddfellows’ Hall, there being a good attendance, and visitors were present from district branches and Women’s Institutes. The ' decorations, which were the work of Mrs H. 12. Hocken, consisted of bright tulips and pastel shaded Iceland poppies, arranged in low bowls. A festive atmosphere prevailed and vocal and | musical items added to the enjoyment. • Mrs R. H. Buchanan presided and also present in an official capacity were Mesdames J. A. Harris, Turakina (Wellington-Central provincial executive president), W. F. Field (Palmerston North, provincial housekeeping secretary), H. Brett (Halcombe), W. G. Clapham (Kiwitea), H. M. Beatson (Aorangi), and Mrs R. E. Seddon (Mayoress). Mrs Buchanan welcomed those present, stating that the branch was happy to sec so many thero to celebrate the birthday of one of the strongest branches in the Wellington provincial area. Greetings were read from the Kiwitea-Kimbolton, Hal-combc-Kakariki, and Palmerston North branches, and the Makino and Colyton AVomen’s Institutes, Hon. J. G. Cobbe, M.P., and Mrs H. Burgess (Patca). The apologies for absence included messages from Mrs AV. J. Davis (president of the Rongotea branch), the Mayor (Mr T. L. Seddon), Messrs H. D. Richardson and C. V. Jewell.

Airs B. McLeod extended greetings on behalf of AA’aiata.

Mrs Harris offered her congratulations to the branch on attaining its 13tli birthday and expressed her confidence that it would continue to function in the same efficient and progressive manner as it had done in the past. Referring to the work of the organisation, Mm Harris said that the branches throughout the Dominion were stimulating the drive for increased production as part of the Empire’s war effort, and it was a matter for satisfaction that the organisation was able to function actively and without restriction during war-time. She mentioned the fate of similar organisations in some other countries, where the war had resulted, in the cessation of activities.

“People sometimes ask what our policy is and what we are doing,” continued Mrs Harris, who went on to say that the work of the division spoke for itself. Particularly during war time was it necessary for the organisation to function at full strength in order to make its contribution to the work of rehabilitating the soldiers, and in this connection . she stated that the division’s branches had collected £3500 to date for war purposes. An invitation to members to attend the interprovincial conference to be held in Palmerston North was extended by Airs Harris, who mentioned that a message urging the furtherance of the drive for increased production had been received from the bead of the International Council of AA’omen.

Airs F.ield also congratulated the branch and made reference to the housekeeping side of the organisation’s activities, stating that there was an unsatisfied demand for housekeepers, and although the organisation had been able to place many housekeepers in work, moro were needed. Airs Field also mentioned that money had been raised in Palmerston North to assist those in need. Regarding the rest home at Palmerston North, Airs Field urged members to take more advantage of that service, and pointed out that it was available to anyoue who was unable to get help. She would like to sec members visit the home.

Airs Buchanan thanked the speakers for their remarks and announced that £ll 10s had been donated by tub local branch to the Fighter Plane Fund. It was announced that the raffle, drawn under police supervision, liad netted £3S 13ts Od. The money raised would bo devoted to the housekeeping fund, and Mrs Buchanan thanked those who had assisted in the competition by selling tickets. The effort liad been a gratifying one. The handsome birthday cake, bearing 13 candles, was made bv Airs Beatson and decorated by Aliss Baker. The cake was cut by the Alayoress and the candles lighted and extinguished by Mesdames Field and Harris respectively. Afternoon toa was served, but at the conclusion of the proceedings Mrs Beatson moved a vote of thanks to the entertainers, Airs Hocken, Airs E. Scott (the energetic secretary), in whose hands much of tho work of organising tin; function had been left, and all others who had assisted in making the birthday party a success, The motion was carried by acclamation.

Those who contributed to the musical programme were Mesdames Barber (Shannon) and A. E. Dewe (Feilding) and Aliss N. Lawrence. The interest in the organisation shown by Airs Hocken is noteworthy in that for several years past she had been responsible tor the artistic floral decoration.