RICHMOND

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 17 April 1939, Page 11

RICHMOND

W.D.F.U. The sixth annual meeting of the Richmond branch of the .V.D.F.U. was held in the rest room. Mrs Hockey (president) presided over a good attendance of members, especially as many of our members are engaged in seasonal work. In the absence of the secretary. Mrs Woods read the minutes of the last annual meeting and the correspondence Election of officers resulted in Mrs Hockey being re-elected as president. The secretary, Mrs McNabb sent in her resignation, but the members felt she had proved such an excellent secretary hei services could not be dispensed with, and that she be asked to reconsider her decision. Miss Robson was elected treasurer and the committee consists of the following: Mesdames Palmer, C. Wells, H. McDonald. Andrews, Campbell, Brown, S. Croucher. James, Cromie, Troup. The president then gave her report of the year’s work as follows: “It is my privilege to bring before you the annual report. When we look back in review of the work of the past year, it has been a very interesting year and I think I can truly say a year of service and help to the members, where real and lasting friendships have been made, and all have profited by the talks and demonstrations. I would like to especially thank the committee for their splendid work. Twelve committee meetings have been held in the different members’ homes, and here members have given something of good practical service, that must have enriched their lives, as well as being of service to the borough. “We have had two addresses during the year by Mrs Lorimer, one on Indian women and their religion and another on the Fourth Emperor of India’s wife and the memorial the Emperor erected to the memory of his wife, the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. We are indebted to the Nelson Townswomen’s Guild for demonstrations. Mrs Plumridge and Mrs Anderson gave demonstrations on cushions, fancy aprons, and Christmas novelties and Mrs Challies on smocking. Dressmaking classes have been held during the year. “Our birthday party was held in June when we had the pleasure of visitors from other branches. Mrs Moynihan and party provided the programme; during the year we have had two travel talks, Sister Kidd on her trip to Honolulu, and Miss D. Wells on her holiday in New Guinea. The secretary Mrs McNabb and myself attended the Dominion Conference in Wellington and we realised just how much our organisation help the country women and children, especially in the backblocks. “Our Christmas Party was a jolly affair, and we are indebted to the Townswomen’s Guild for a feast of wit, humour and song that will long live in our memories. In July the honour was given the Women's Division of holding the opening ball in the new Town Hall, which was a wonderful success both financially and socially. The Circles are very active. The Arts and Crafts with Mrs McDonald junior a; convener have some beautiful and useful work to their credit.

To Mrs Troup, Gardening Circle convener, we give our thanks for all

she has done during the year, for decorations for our special meetings, and to Mrs G. Haycock for her demonstration on Floral Work. To Mrs Giblin, convener of the Play Reading Circle, we give our thanks, for her time and trouble in preparing and casting plays for our special meetings which members have so very much enjoyed.

Assistance has been given during the year to the Council for the Anzac Service and Physical Fitness Week and to the Farmers’ Union when the vicepresident of the Dominion visited Richmond. Through the kindness of Mrs Lorimer a Garden Party was held at her beautiful home in Hill street which was very successful. Through this effort wc have been able to help worthy causes. £4 was given to the Chinese Children’s Fund.

"Donations were also given this year to the Ciippled Children’s Funds, the Institute lor the Blind, Old People's Christmas Cheer Fund and we have doubled our donation to Community Chest, instead of the usual £5 we have sent £lO. Our ex-president Mrs Woods again gave us the use of her house and grounds for a Children’s Christmas Party and the ehildren were delighted to welcome Alice of Wonderland and the Travel Man.

"I cannot close this report without some reference to the forward move of our Women’s Division in the opening

of a rest home at Palmerston North. It has long been a dream of all our members throughout the Dominion, to have a home where tired mothers could spend a few weeks in relaxation, and this gift of a house and several acres of land from the Sheep Owners’ Association has made the dream a reality. "Kainga Moe,” “The Home ot Rest” is already quite full so the need was evident, it is not only a rest home but is training housekeepers, both Maori and Paheka, for service in New Zealand and only we women know how great is that need. “Delegates have attended the provincial meetings held in Nelson and Motueka and also some of our members attended the Pan-Pacific Association meeting, to hear Miss Seaton and Mrs Bent.ett; we hope to form Study Groups in Richmond, so that we may be well prepared for the Conference in Wellington next June. During the year we have lost some of our members who have formed a brunch at Appleby. We could not say we were pleased for them to go, but we were glad to know that the work is extending and our members went out to their opening meeting. We have also joined with other branches in their festivities during the year. “It was a pleasure to have our Dominion President, Mrs Wickham, in Nelson and to listen to a talk on her travels throughout the Dominion. “In conclusion I wish to thank Mr Watt for his kindness and courtesy through the year; to the Mayor and Mayoress for their practical support; to the Press for reporting our meetings; and to the people of Richmond who have shown their sympathy and interest.” After the report afternoon tea wa.< served, the hostesses being Mesdames Woods, Best, Andrews, Croucher Windleburn and E. Woods. Miss Baigent then gave a demonstration on hand loom weaving, and showed many beautiful scarves, woven by children. Mrs Lorimer moved a vote of thanks to Miss Baigent for her very interesting demonstration, the meeting closing with the National Anthem.