WOMEN'S DIVISION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22434, 2 June 1936, Page 3

WOMEN'S DIVISION

COUNTRY GIRLS' VISIT AN EDUCATIONAL COURSE The inaugural gathering in connection with the educational week that is bping jointly conducted by the Waitemata Executive of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union and the Auckland Provincial Federation of Women's Institutes, was held at the Y.W.C.A. yesterday. The gathering was welcomed by Miss E. Bennet, general secretary of the association, after which the president of the Waitemata executive of the Women's Division, Mrs. Noel Adams, and Mrs. S. Phillips, president of tinAuckland Federation of Institutes, welcomed the guests, who numbered about 60 various country districts There were in addition some of the members of the two organising bodies present. The meeting then adjourned to the City Council Chamber at the Town Hall, where a civic welcome was accorded the gathering by the Mayor, Mr. Ernest Davis.

In addressing those present Mr. Davis said he esteemed it a pleasure on behalf of the corporation and citizens of Auckland to extend a civil welcome to this year's Educational Week's students. "This annual feature," he remarked, "is gaining in popularity and on this occasion is jointly organised by the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union and the Auckland Federation? of Women's Institutes. Independently, these two bodies peform a valuable community service and their assumption jointly of the responsibility for the control and running of Girls' Week must be to the. distinct advantage of the participants. "There can be no question," he added, "of the value to city and country interests of such gatherings as Girls' Week. It makes for better personal contacts which lead to a better understanding of common problems, and it facilitates the creation of permanent friendships which mean so much in life. I wholeheartedly commend the principle of the arrangement, and I trust that its development and extension will meet in every way with success." A further word to the visitors was given when he said, "Ours is a beautiful city. Enjoy its amenities during your visit and do not forget to come again to Auckland." Associated in the welcome were Mr. Cuthbert, who spoke on behalf of the district school committees, and Mr. F E. Martin, secretary of the Auckland Labour Party. Replies to the welcome which had been extended to them all were made by Mrs. Noel Adams' and Mrs. S. Phillips, both of whom expressed warm appreciation of the interest that had been expressed in the undertaking by the Mayor and th<> two last speakers. At the close of the speeches, the gathering was entertained by the Mayor at afternoon tea. For the occasion, the chamber had been beautifully decorated with orchids, chrysanthemums and foliage plants.

Ln the evening an address was given by Mrs. W. H. Parkes on "Deportment." This was followed by games, competitions and items, the programme having been arranged by the girls of the Y.W.C.A. Supper was served later and dancing concluded a very pleasant evening. This morning the girls will be taken to the zoo. where a travel talk wilJ be given by Colonel E. H. Sawer Lunch will follow.