MOTUEKA W.D.F.U.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 17 April 1944, Page 6

MOTUEKA W.D.F.U.

ANNUAL MEETING PRESENTATION TO MRS STRINGER At the 13th annual meeting of the Motueka Branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union Mrs Stringer presided over a large attendance of members. In her report the president stated that most of the year’s activities had been of a patriotic nature. Soldiers on furlough had been entertained and farewell functions held. Suppers had been dispensed to members of the Air Force Concert Party and the Nelson Patriotic Revue Company. The yearly quota of 56 patriotic parcels had been sent with an additional £6 raised to increase this number. Christmas parcels had been forwarded to members’ sons and husbands overseas, to prisoners-of-war and to men on home defence. In the communnty sing series the division’s effort had resulted in the Patriotic Fund being augmented by £6O. Division members, in conjunction with the Women’s Institute, had entertained parents of prisoners-of-war at a social afternoon. Contributions had been made to the Crippled Children’s Fund, to the leper station, to “Melrose” and to community chest. The garden party for branch funds and soldiers’ parcels had proved most successful. Mrs Stringer thanked members and those holding office for their loyal support and extended special thanks to Mrs A. Douglas (leader) and members of the gardening circle, who had made it possible for the branch to acquire additional facilities at the hall. Thanks were also extended to Mrs McCallum for auditing the books and to Miss Jordan and Women’s Institute members for judging the competitions. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Stringer for her very comprehensive report. Satisfaction was expressed at the sound financial position of the organisation and the balance sheet was adopted, subject to audit. Before vacating the chair Mrs Stringer. who is shortly leaving the district to take up residence in Nelson, was presented with a handsome leather handbag and gloves in appreciation of her splendid work for the division and as a memento of her association with the branch. Mrs Taylor, vice-president, in making the presentation, expressed regret at Mrs Stringer’s impending departure and wished her success and happiness in the future. Mrs Douglas, in behalf of the Gardening circle presented Mrs Stringer with a shoulder spray. In returning thanks for the gifts Mrs Stringer said she could not have done the work accomplished during the year without the co-operation of members. Mesdames A. Wratt (secretary) and G. E. Smith (treasurer) were also the recipients of gfits. The election of officers resulted as follows: P:\sident. Mrs F. N. Drummond; vice-presidents. Mesdames Inwood and Douglas and Miss McGlashen; secretary. Mrs A. D. Taylor; treasurer, Mrs G. E. Smith; committee, Miss Newth and Mesdames Skilton and Snow: advisory members, Mesdames Bennett and Talbot; drama circle leader. Mrs R. Dunne; representative on Patriotic Society. Mrs Drummond; W.W.S.A. representative, Mrs G. E. Smith; social committee. Mesdames Snow. Dunne. Cate. Wilkinson, Skilton and Silke: pianiste, Mrs J. A. Smith; sales table, Mrs Snow; competitions committee. Mesdames A. Canton and J. Robertson: competitions judge. Miss Jordan. Prizes for last year’s competitions were awarded as follows: cooking. Mrs Skilton 1. Mrs Weir 2; sewing, Mrs Silke and Mrs Skilton equal 1. Mrs Dunne 3: gardening circle. Mrs Douglas 1. Mrs Wratt. 2.