WOMEN’S DIVISION N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21829, 16 December 1932, Page 17

WOMEN’S DIVISION N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

BRANCH ACTIVITIES.

On December 7 the Taieri Mouth branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held its monthly meeting, which was largely attended by members. Mrs Sinclair, president, occupied the chair. Mrs Sinclair and Mrs Barber gave an interesting talk and demonstration on “ The Four-square Meal,” some tasty dishes being made and sampled by the members. The competition for the month, the last meeting of the year Mrs Sinclair, 1, and Miss F. Milne 2. Before closing the last meeting of the years Mrs Sinclair, on behalf of the members, presented Miss Scudamore, secretary, with a fountain pen and a large bottle of ink in appreciation of her services rendered during the year. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mrs G. MTntosh, Miss Geary, and Miss Harraway.

The monthly meeting of the Ratanui branch was held on December 15, Mrs Craigie presiding over a fair attendance. The meeting opened with the reading of the creed, after which the correspondence was dealt with. The roll cal] was answered by Christmas recipe or hint, which brought forth some new ideas. The competition, “Christmas gift suitable for lady or gentleman,” was won by Mrs Williamson, a fine display being shown. As the meeting was the final one of the year; the president wished all members a merry Christmas and happy New Year, and thanked them for their support during the past year. The hostesses at afternoon tea were Mesdatnes Frew, Findlater, and Hollands.

* * * The Kelso branch held its concluding meeting for 1932 on the afternoon of November 15 at Mrs A. MTntosh’s residence. Mrs A. Thomson, president, conducted the meeting and expressed pleasure at seeing a record attendance of members and interested friends. A hearty welcome was extended to Miss Tosh, a visitor and a member of the Clutha branch. A motion of sympathy with the relatives of the late Miss Logan was passed, members regretting the passing of one of the first members of the Kelso branch. Members agreed to assist in supporting a Flock House boy. The competition, “ Old Photographs,” proved very amusing. The competition, “ Best Article from Sugar Bags,” resulted in Miss .Blamires being first, Mrs W. Steel second, Mrs 0. Duff third. Mrs A. Wilson, Kelso, gave an interesting demonstration in the making and waxing of crepe paper flowers, also a demonstration in art wool work. A pretty bag made by Mrs Wilson was much admired. Mrs A. Thomson, president, in thanking Mrs Wilson for her capable demonstration, expressed the hope that she •would see some of the work done by members. A hearty vote of thanks was carried by acclamation. A vote of thanks to the hostesses, Mrs and Miss MTntosh. and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” closed a happy meeting.

The activities for the year of the Miller’s Flat branch came to a close on Saturday, December 10, -when the annual picnic was given for local children. Owing to the unsettled weather the gathering took place at the hall, games, races, competitions, etc. being run in the adjoining sports grounds. The zenith of the children’s happiness was reached when, fulfilling the eager expectation of many a small heart, Father Christmas arrived — carrying two huge sacks of toys and resplendent in his gay red and white costume —his customary garb throughout the ages. After greeting all the small children he gave each one a gift and later on presented the prizes to the older children, of course, promising to pay a midnight visit on Christmas Eve to all the “ good ” ones. He was given three lusty, ringing cheers and a most affectionate farewell. The usual picnic items —sweets scrambles and peanut showers—were included in the day’s programme. Thus ended a very happy, jolly day for the little people, and those who arranged the picnic were well rewarded by the happy faces of the bright, enthusiastic little folk all departing homewards proud in the possession of some small tribute from that grand old man —Father Christmas.

The Ngapara branch held a successful social evening in Ngapara Hall last Thursday. Each member took a friend, and the members of the Farmers’ Union and their wives were also invited. After the president had welcomed the guests, all joined in community singing. The remainder of the time was spent in games and competitions, interspersed with items. Those rendering items were;—Songs, Misses Denholm and Butt; recitations, Mrs Eckhold and Miss L. Bews. Each man present was asked to sign the roll book on entering the hall and was later called on to make an impromptu speech on “ What I Think of the Women’s Division.” This caused much amusement. Before supper the members held a display of house frocks, each frock costing not more than ss. After supper there was an auction sale of parcels which had been brought by the members. Mr F. Hood made a very efficient auctioneer. The singing of “ Auld Lang Syne ” brought a pleasant evening to a close. Miss F. Bews acted as accompanist.

The Maniototo branch held its final meeting for the year in the supper room of the Public Hall on November 30, when a large number of members .were present. A suggestion was made that a programme for 1033 be drawn up at the first meeting in March, and, with this in view, that members come to the March meeting with some definite ideas for next year’s activities. The meeting closed with a vote of thgnks to the chair (Mrs Greer) and to the hostesses, and then articles of basketwork from the Auckland Blind School were exhibited for sale. The sale was a very successful one, almost all the articles being disposed of.