Women’s Division of The Farmers’ Union

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 296, 15 December 1939, Page 11

Women’s Division of The Farmers’ Union

HAPPY CHRISTMAS PARTY The Christmas meeting of the Palmerston North branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, held yesterday at Messrs Collinson and Cunuinghame’s, drew a large attendance to enjoy the programme that had been arranged. Mrs. W. F. Field presided and, offering a cordial welcome, expressed her pleasure in the attendance, which went on increasing as the meeting progressed, and which, she said, was an indication that interest in the work was very much alive. She voiced the hope that the afternoon would prove enjoyable. Sympathy was expressed with Mrs. Thomson, who has been ordered to bed for a month or two; with Mrs. Eaton, who is convalescing at “Kaianga Moe”; with Mrs. Boyce, who has been in hospital; and with Mrs. Adcock, whose son is ill. Pleasure was expressed to Miss Matheson (hon. secretary) in her presence after her indisposition. Reporting on the visits paid to patients in hospital by Mrs. Taylor and herself, Mrs. C. Eglington said they had felt their efforts on behalf of the sick folk had been much appreciated and they had heard many complimentary remarks regarding the division’s work. Mrs. Olsen (Opiki), a foundation member of the Whangarei branch, was transferred to Palmerston North. Mrs. C. Akers (Opiki) and Mrs. T. Pratt (Palmerston North) were welcomed as new members and a welcome was -also extended to Miss Norma Avery, secretary of the Bulls junior branch. Miss Matheson thanked the members who had assisted in the making of Christmas stockings for the patients in the annexe at the hospital. Items providing pleasure were contributed by Mrs. J. Riddle and Miss E. Orr (pianoforte duets); Mrs. Cameron (Bunnythorpe), vocal solos; Miss M. Cranston (elocutionary items and humorous stories);-Mrs. Jamieson (vocal solos). Mrs. J. Riddle was the accompanist. There were surprises in the way o special gifts, Miss Raustrom having the lucky chair, Miss Mills (Blenheim) being the farthest from home, Mrs. T. J Taylor the newest member, Mrs. Tomlinson’s birthday being nearest to Christmas, Mrs. Brougham lucky plate, Mesdfunes W. Howell and Bond who had been at the first meeting of the branch. Gifts of baskets of sweets were presented to the president, secretary and treasurer by Mrs. Tomlinson. . Pink carnations formed the effective decorations of the tea tables and the Christmas cake was also pink and decorated with silver. Mrs. W. Howell (Raumai), who had been the second president of the branch and a foundation member, was asked to cut the cake and offered the members many happy Christmases ana even greater success in the coming year. Thanks were conveyed to Mrs. C. Lind (Rongotea) who had made the cake, to Mrs. Millard who had iced it so beautifully, to tho artists and to Miss Matheson who had arranged the competitions, by Mrs. Field.

{Streamers were thrown to add to the festive spirit and the gathering terminated with seasonal greetings from the chair and thanks to all who had assisted, the singing of the National Anthem in honour of the King’s birthday, and ‘ ‘ Auld Lang Syne. ’ ’ Prior to the social gathering a committee meeting was held, Mrs. Field in the chair, also pi-esent being Mesdames D. Buchanan, W. Croucher, C. Eglinton, H. R. Green, H. H. Harris, J. McMahon, H. Middleton, M. Muir, H. Millard, W. Murray, A. E. Nicholls, W. G. Shannon, W. Tomlinson, Robertson, Misses A. Rawstroni and M. Matheson Mrs. C, Akers (Opiki) was elected a new member. Mrs. Field (housekeeper secretary) reported that one housekeeper had been engaged in the district. Notification was received of a meeting of the Pan-Pacific Women’s Association to be held in Wellington in January, Mrs. McMahon and Miss Matheson, who hope to be in Wellington at that time, being asked to represent the branch.