Women’s Division of The Farmers’ Union

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 110, 12 May 1939, Page 11

Women’s Division of The Farmers’ Union

PALMERSTON NORTH BRANCH Mrs. W. F. Field presided over the May meeting of the Palmerston North branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held yesterday at Messrs. Collinson and Cunninghame’s, there being a large attendance. The president extended to all present a cordial welcome, particularly mentioning those who were making their first appearance.

Mr. D. R. Mills and daughters wrote m appreciation of sympathy received in their recent bereavement.

The secretary, Manawatu branch of the Crippled Children's Society, acknowledged with appreciation the appointment of Mrs. Croucher and Miss Matheson as representatives on the executive, and the interest of the division in the work.

Mrs. Field reported with regard to the proposal to hold a children’s fancy dress ball as a combined effort with the Crippled Children’s Society, that after the sub-committee had conferred with the Crippled Children’s Society it had teen decided to abandon this idea, but a further suggestion to hold a garden party later in the was favoured. She asked members to give this consideration.

Miss Matheson reported on the progress of the locality commit tee for the forthcoming Pan-Pacific Women’s Association to which the branch is affiliated, and urged the necessity for forming study groups to acquire the necessary knowledge of the subjects to bo discussed. Those interested were asked to communicate with Mrs. Field or Miss Matheson.

The Dominion secretary wrote in appreciation of the gifts made by members to the rest home.

In this regard it was mentioned that Mrs. Murray, matron of “Kaianga Moe,” was expected to leave hospital at the week-end.

A member wrote in grateful appreciation of the services of one of the division’s housekeepers. Mrs. Field gave notice of the open meeting of the National Council of Women, t© be held on Monday next, when Mr. H. C. Somerset would speak on “Women’s Worldly Goods.” The president appealed for help for the Winter Show stall, which would be conducted throughout a week and a day and for contributions of milk or other gifts.

Mrs. Spall’s offer of an iced cake was gratefully accepted. Mrs. J. RusseH, delegate to tho annuai meeting of the Wellington Provincial, presented a comprehensive report of proceedings. It was gratifying to find yet another member of the Palmerston North branch an official of the provincial executive, Mrs. Field said, referring to Mrs. Jenning’s appointment as provincial secretary.

The reports that had come forward at the provincial meeting concerning the division’s activitiea were astonishing, Mrs. Field said, particularly with regard to drama woriy. It was evident that people in the baickblocks had time for special hobbies, Mrs. Field said, but in the centres members were rather apt to be overwhelmed wsth a diversity of interests.

Mrs. Field thanked Mrs. Russell for her very informative report and at the request of those present gave the report of the Housekeeper Scheme as presented to the provincial which was enthusiastically received.

A reminder of the birthday party of the branch to be held the last week in May was given, Mrs. Millard’s offer of the birthday cake being gratefully received.

The vice-presidents, Mesdames Green, Russell and Millard were appointed door-hostesses and the programme was left in Mrs. Field’s hands.

In order to relieve Miss Matheson in the strenuous duty of hospital visiting for the provincial, Mesdames Harkness and H. Screech volunteered for this month from the branch, Mesdames Montgomery and Atkin to assist for the next month. In connection with hospital visiting Miss Matheson expressed alarm over the number of countrywomen who suffered nervous breakdowns. The division housekeeper scheme was the fairy godmother so far as they were concerned, she said. The following new members were welcomed: Mesdames Brougham, Bennett, H. Kristensen, Garbutt. Mrs. Field agreed to act as press correspondent. Prior to the general meeting a com mittee meeting was held, Mrs. Field presiding. Also present were Mesdames J. Russell, W. Montgomery, M. H. Harkness, G. Muir, 11. R. Green, H. Millard, W. Tomlinson, W. G. Shannon, O. Eglin ton, R. B. Robertson, W, J. Croucher, H,.

Middleton, E. B. Jennings, 11. H. Harris, Misses Rawstron and Mathcson (lion..

secretary). The particular business of the meeting was to arrange for the stall at the show, final arrangements oeing left in the hands of Mrs. Field and Miss Matheson.