W.D.F.U.

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 60, 12 March 1943, Page 2

W.D.F.U.

PALMERSTON NORTH BRANCH In the absence of Mrs. W. F. Field * (president), Mrs. W. Montgomery presid-j ed over the March meeting of the Palm-1 erston North branch of the Women’s. Division of the Farmers’ Union, there being a good attendance. Opening the meeting, the chairman said it was gratify-1 ing that the members made the effort to attend despite the difficulties and the many activities upon Which all were engaged. Mrs. E. B. Jennings presented the financial statement, and arising from a discussion, it was agreed to make up the quota to the Rest Home Fund from funds | in hand. An invitation was received from the secretary, United Guild, to hear an address by Countess Wodzicka at their March meeting. The Dominion secretary asked that the claims of the Rest Home be considered when making goodwill donations. Earthquake damage to (he amount of £274 11s 7d and costs of painting, £298 15s, had been paid from headquarters meantime. The secretary, Wellington Central Provincial Executive, drew attention to the paragraph concerning junior branches to be revised at the inter-provincial meeting in March. The minutes of the quarterly meeting of the Wellington Provincial were before the meeting to be amplified by Mrs. J. Russell. Members of the branch agreed to provide and serve morning and afternoon tea at the inter-provincial meeting, Mrs. Crawford being appointed convener. The secretary, Miss M. Matheson, read many letters of appreciation from soldiers, also Sliss Joyce Green, overseas, who had ieceived parcels from the branch. Mesdames Wood (Ardmore branch), Central Auckland) and Cole (Beachlands) were welcomed as visitors, the former paying tribute to the facilities of the Rest Home. Mrs. Montgomery reported for the Sewing Circle that there had been a very good attendance and there was a satisfactory amount of material in hand. Miss Matheson reported that six parcels had been sent to members’ sons and the usual parcels for the Polish League and patriotic committee. Tuesday, March 16th, is next packing day. Mrs. McMahon was in charge of the bring and buy stall which did brisk business. A roster for canteen duty for April 4,5, and 6th was arranged. Mrs. Gooding reported on hospital visiting and Miss Matheson mentioned that the sowing circle had provided a bed-jacket for a young patient in hospital. The Wellington central provincial of the W.D.F.U. held its quarterly meeting ing in Feildlng. Mrs. J. A. Harris (president) occupied the chair and associated with her were Mesdames Jennings (treasurer), Millard (secretary), Brelt, D. Buchanan, R. H. Buchanan, Oliver, Pairman and Simpson. Mrs. Harris expressed pleasure at the number of branches represented and the good attendance generally at the quarterly meetings. It was very encouraging in these difficult times that so much interest was shown, women were now coming forward in public life, and there were now three able women in Parliament. In the rehabilitation programme, she said, agriculture 'must play a great part, as it was the economic foundation of civilisation and in this women could play their part and help as well as men. Problems would arise from the fact that 16,000,000 more acres in England were now under production. Among the remits to go forward were those dealing with reviewing and revising rules by the Dominion oxeoutive to bring them up to date; another was “that the W.D.F.U., in loyalty to the Mother Country and to ensure our future prosperity and the preservation of the British Commonwealth of Nations, undertake to assist associations concerned with peopling this country.” In a discussion un Rule 8 of the constitution, the presi- ■ dent outlined the value of young members moving up from juniors to seniors to avoid a gap. Hunterville and Marton delegates stressed the good work the juniors were doing. It was decided to again debate the subject at the interprovincial conference to be held on the I9th inst., convened by Mrs. Millard. An exhibition of needlework was held and Mesdames D. Buchanan and Gibson acted as judges; Miss Joan Fergusson 1, Mrs. Smith 2, Miss Jean Rosser 3. The next competition will be knitting from homespun and ordinary wool. Mrs. F. Brett, of Halcombe, is now undertaking tho duties of housekeeping secretary because of the illness of Mrs. W. F. Field, who has resigned the position.