Women’s Division Farmers’ Union

Northland Age, Volume 1, Issue 5, 6 November 1931, Page 1

Women’s Division Farmers’ Union

Meeting North Auckland Provincial Council

•The second meeting of the North Auckland Provincial Council of the Womens’ Division of the Farmers’ Union, was held in the Soldier’s Club, Ohaeawai, on 21st October, Representatives were present from ten branches, while three sent apologies. As there are altogether fifteen branches in the North, this was considered most encouraging. Those present were Mesdames Ferguson, President; Morgan (Dargaville) and Lewis (Kaitaia), Vice-Presidents ; F. Orr (Kaikohe) and W. H. Lane (Whangaroa) members Provincial Executive ; also, representing different branches—Mesdames Young, Stancich, Penney and Rockell (Kaikohe), A. F. Giles (Wharerakau), G. V. Ludbrook E. Walker, C. Jones and Miss Jones (Pakaraka), Mesdames Dawson, Girvin and Preston (Towai), W. V. Page L. D Bourke, Fell and Melrose (Waimamaku), P. Roke, S. Smith, F. N. Silk, F. Maddox and Miss Shepperd (Whangaroa), Mesdames A. E. Harding, S. McCullough and B. Clements (Dargaville), Robinson, Bates and Miss Bates (Kerikeri), Mesdames H. K. Hatrick, S. S. Pennefather and G. Griffin (Ohaeawai). In the afternoon there were also present Mesdames F. Brown, S. F. Mountain, McGrath, Boswell and Faithfull (Ohaeawai). Apologies and wishes for a successful conference were received from Maungakaramea, Kaukapakapa and Ruawai branches. The President welcomed the delegates, gave a brief review of the past six months’ activities, and announced her own and the secretary’s resignation. Much regret was expressed at this announcement, and it was resolved to appoint a new president and secretary after the morning meeting. In the meantime, Mrs. Pennefather was appointed to carry out the duties of secretary.

Dental Treatment for Country Children

The matter of dental treatment for country children was reviewed. Some of the branches are fortunate in having dental clinics already established in their districts. On behalf of the others, a petition was made out, signed by residents of the districts interested, and presented by Mrs. Jackson, Dominion President of the W.D.F.U., and Captain Rushworth, M.P., to the late Minister of Health. The reply, which was not unexpected at the present time, was to the effect that the Department could not see its way to do anything in the matter.

Members were of the opinion that a mobile dental service for the Bay would be the most practical and inexpensive solution of the difficulty, and it was resolved to set up a sub- committee of three to go into the matter and ascertain all details, particularly the probable cost. The committee is to report to the Provincial Secretary who will, if a workable plan be evolved, arrange to have it presented to the Minister of Health. The sub-com-mittee appointed were Mesdames Girvin, Lewis and Lane. Various matters were then brought forward for discussion, and advice and information was sought by members on affairs connected with Womens Division activities. These included rules governing the Division housekeepers and nurses branch, “exchanges!” distribution of clothing for the needy, and suggestions for making monthly branch meetings interesting. The meeting adjourned from twelve to one o’clock for lunch. Election of President and Secretary On resuming, Mrs. Lane was elected President, and Mrs. Pennefather, Secretary of the Provincial Council. A hearty vote of thanks to Mrs. Ferguson for her able and impartial control, of the former and the present conference was carried. Remits to Dominion Executive The Council framed several remits to be forwarded to the Dominion Executive meeting to be held in Auckland in January. The possibility of sending one or more delegates to this

meeting- was discussed, but none of those nominated were definitely able to promise to go. It was therefore arranged that any members who may find themselves able to attend are to notify the Secretary before Christmas, in order that a selection may be made. Next Meeting It was agreed to hold the next Provincial Council meeting on the first Wednesday in May, and the Secretary was instructed to write to Mrs. Jackson asking if it would be possible for her to attend. Votes of Thanks Votes of thanks to Mrs. Harding, for interesting information about New Zealand industries, and to the chair, concluded the meeting. Afternoon tea was then served by the Ohaeawai branch, who received congratulations on having materially assisted with the renovation of the club room. Members now feel that with the establishment of the North Auckland Provincial Council, the Women’s Division in the North is on a firm footing. The meetings every six months are looked forward to as providing opportunity for mutual assistance and widening the outlook of those taking part.

Impressions of the Conference

- “A very happy and friendly meeting,” said Mrs. D. H. Lewis, President of the Kaitaia branch, when asked how the Conference had gone off. “There were between forty and fifty members present from the ten Northern branches, and I was only sorry that I was the sole representative of Mangonui. Our members would have enjoyed it, and it makes one realise the value of these gatherings from the personal contact gained with members of other branches—hearing what they are doing, exchanging experiences and cultivating personal friendships among members who have few chances of meeting otherwise. Here we are rather isolated, and we need to realise in this way that we are part of a bigmovement doing a very necessary and very valuable work in country districts. These conferences generate enthusiasm which sends us back with fresh vigour to work.

“As to the Conference itself, what impressed me was the prompt busi-ness-like way the work was done. In Mrs. Ferguson we have a good President, but she is leaving the district, and in electing Mrs. "Wilfrid Lane to the chair, we made, I think, a happy choice. Another thing was the great improvement in our meeting place, the Soldiers’ Club at Ohaeawai. Part of the proceeds of a social was given, I believe, by the local Women’s Division for this purpose, and it has been spent to good effect. “One question I was specially interested in, that of the housekeeping scheme, came in for a good deal of discussion as to its working. In our own district, this scheme is working exceedingly well, and I was able to contribute our experience. We are fortunate in having- a resident housekeeper who has given us every satisfaction, and who has been of great value in times of household stress.

“As I have said, the whole proceedings were of the most happy character. The local committee left nothing undone that could contribute to our comfort, there was no friction of any kind, and we got through the business expeditiously. Yes, these conferences are certainly worth while—our Women’s Division gets very good value for the time and trouble they cost. I hope the Provincial Conference in Auckland in December, to which we are sending a delegate, will be equally successful.”