Feilding Women’s Division Birthday

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 238, 8 October 1938, Page 3

Feilding Women’s Division Birthday

11TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED Colourful Iceland poppies set m vases on occasional tables made a complete and satisfying decorative setting for the 11th birthday gathering of the I’eilding branch of the Women’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers Union at the Odd Fellows’ Hall yesterday afternoon. Tho artistic work was most effectively carried out by Mrs. H E. Hocken with the help of Miss Haze Hocken, and cn the top table was dis played the handsome birthday cake, tiu gift of Mrs. R. H. Buchanan, and iceby Miss Hocken, carrying its eleven candles. Seating accommodation wataxed for this very popular celebra tion, over which Mrs. H. Beatson (president) presided. Supporting her were Mesdaines J. C. Wickham (Dominion president of the Division), J. A. Harris (Turakina), W. F. Field (Palmerston North), W. G. Clapham (Kiwitea), W. J. Davis (Rongotea), S. H. Lodge (Kiwitea), H. E. Hockea (Colyton), R. H. Buchanan (Feilding), the Hon. J. G. Cobbe and Mr. H. D. Richardsson (president of the Feilding branch of the Farmers’ Union). Mrs. Beatson cordially welcomed members and visitors and expressed pleasure at the presence of Mrs. Wickham, whom she invited to speak. Mrs. Wickham, who was received with applause, extended congratulations to the branch upon attaining its 11th birthday, an event which was a matter for gratification. The speaker proceeded to deal with the jjrogress of the movement, which had won such a prominent place in the public life of the Dominion. An outstanding achievement in the history of the Division was the recent acquisition of what was once known as the Awapuni Flock House for girls. This had been taken over as a rest home by the Division and would be used as a training ground for housekeepers and domestics as well as for the accommodation of those mothers from farms who needed a rest, and for those recuperating after hospital treatment. The venture was one which reflected the development of tha Division and was the fulfilment of an objective wherein the organisation would be able to extend its usefulness to the farming community. Mrs. Wickham touched upon the great value of the Division’s housekeeping service, stating that the demands made upon the service indicated clearly that the Division was supplying a very definite need. She concluded by again extend ing sincere greetings to the branch and expressed the hope that it would continue to prosper.

Mr. Richardson offered congratulations on behalf of the Farmers’ Union and acknowledged the debt owed the Division for its efficient housekeeping service, which, had proved a boon to farmers.

The Hon. Mr. Cobbe said that he was most thankful to the Division for the invitation extended to him and while at first he had been rather, timid about entering the hall in the presence of so many ladies, feeling that he was the only member of the “minor” sea piesent, he had become re-assured on recognising Mr. Richardson. He wisned to congratulate the branch on the wondenul progress it had made over the 11 years—if such progress continued, he was sure it would not be long before the Division would control New Zealand. (Laughter). He hau been greatly interested in the address ox Mrs. Wickham, which had indicated that women were capable of taking in hand most difficult objectives and carrying them through with every success. He recalled the foundation oi the movement wflen Airs. Poison had discussed the whole venturo with the speaiter, who had then expressed the opinion that such an organisation was eapaolo of rendering wonderful service. At the time of the launching of the movement ho was chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board and the, board then had the pleasure of entertaining the visiting delegates to a harbour trip. On that occasion the Division appeared to have many men among their number, but to-day he noticed that the women were managing to do without the men. He wished to speak in the highest possible terms of the excellent -work done by the Division. He was aware of the great value of the housekeeping service and knew that the Division’s work generally was actuated by the highest possible motives. People living in the backcountry had every reason to be proud of the Division, which had achieved results beyond the capacity of any Government. “You have done great work and have been wonderfully successful,” ho said, “and, on behalf of the men, 1 want to congratulate you and to express the sincere hope that you will continue to prosper. Some future historian will, I think, be able to speak in glowing appreciation of the great work performed by the women of New Zealand through the Division.” (Applause).

“I am very proud to be with you on your Hth birthday,” said Airs. Harris, who brought greetings from the Turakina branch and all absent branches. She had been asked to give a travel talk on her recent trip abroad, but had decided to defer that for another occasions. She was very pleased to see Mr. Richardson present and recalled that she had always advocated the necessity of the Division co-oper-ating with the Farmers’ Union. Airs. Harris concluded with washing the branch many, many more happy birthdays. (Applause). Apologies for absence were received by telegram from tho following:— Mesdames D. Buchanan (Tiakitahuna), D. Simpson (Marton), E. W. Barnett (Halcombe) and Viles (Apiti). Greetings were extended on behalf of theit

respective organisations by the following:—Alesdames E. O. Bond (Awahuri branch), J. E. Barltrop (Cheltenham W. 1.), P. Simpson (Makino W. 1.;, Davies (Halcombe W. 1.), W. G. Clapham (Kiwitea Division), Alarshall (Stanway W.L), J. Carrick (Feilding Plunket Society), J. Darragh (Women’s National Reserve), B. AlcLeod (Waiata W. 1.), Field (Palmerston North Division), Davis (Rongotea Division), B. R. Spence (W.C.T.U.), Miss Pearce (Colyton W.L), and the Kopano Women’s Institute.

Musical numbers during the afternoon included items by Mrs. Bingham (Palmerston North) and Mrs. Curtis (Halcombe). The arrangements and the sumptuous repast in celebration of the occasion were carried out under the supervision of the secretary, Airs. E. Scott,