WOMEN’S DIVISION N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21920, 4 April 1933, Page 12

WOMEN’S DIVISION N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

A well-attended picnic, held in Rutherford’s grounds, was given by the members of the Poolburn-Moa Creek branch of the W.D.F.U. in place of their usual meeting. During the afternoon various sports and games were indulged in, prizes beingawarded to the successful competitors. To complete an enjoyable day, the branch gave a dance in the Poolburn-Moa Creek Hall, the function being well attended. During the evening various musical items were rendered by Miss- Stewart and Messrs Christopher and Ansell. The successful winners of the lucky spot waltz were Miss Vera Cinnamon and Mrs M'Ewcn.

On Tuesday afternoon, March 21, a meeting of ladies was held in the Katea Hall to consider forming a branch of the Women’s Division at Katea. Mrs J. F. Drake (provincial president), Miss F. V. Finlayson (organising secretary for Otago), and Miss E. Reid (of the Home Science Extension Service staff) visited the district for this meeting. Mrs J. Logan, of Owaka, and Mrs Craigie, of Ratanui, were also present. Mrs J. F. Drake spoke of the reasons for the formation of the Women’s Division in New Zealand, and of tfye work it had already accomplished. The social life of a district always improved after a Women’s Division branch was formed there. Miss Finlayson also spoke of the activities of the Women’s Division in Otago, giving details of the working of the housekeeper scheme, visiting dressmaker scheme, and market. Miss E. Reid spoke to the meeting of the work of the Home Science Extension Service, which was available to all organised groups of women throughout Otago. The contents of a sample box on “smocking” were shown to the meeting and excited great interest and admiration. Later, a small child present at the meeting tried on one of the little smocked frocks which was in the box, the garment fitting perfectly. Miss Reid also spoke of her proposed plan to have a member of the Home Science Extension staff resident in the Gatlins district for a stated period. Mrs Craigie (president of the Ratanni branch) gave glowing testimony of the good times they had had together in Ratanui since the formation of the branch there, and strongly urged the formation of a branch at Katea, assuring the ladies present that they would never regret this step. It was decided unanimously to form a branch of the division at Katea, the following officers being elected;—President, Mrs Landreth; secretary, Mrs Farquharson; vice-presidents. Mesdames M'Phee and Walker, with all the branch to form the committee. Mrs J. F. Drake comrratnlated the branch on is formation. Mrs J, Logan (Owaka) also congratulated the new branch. Before everyone dispersed, Mrs Landreth returned thanks to the visitors. Arrangements were then made for the date of the first meeting and for the programme for this meeting.