WOMEN'S DIVISION N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21951, 12 May 1933, Page 15

WOMEN'S DIVISION N.Z. FARMERS' UNION.

The monthly meeting of the Waikouaiti branch of the union was held in St. John's Hall on May 5. There was a full attendance of members. After routine business was concluded Mrs Woods read a paper on " Poultry for Profit." Mrs Fry had on exhibition a new and pretty pattern ofcrbchet slipper which all interested learnt how to make.

¥ f * The" monthly meeting of the Glenomaru branch was held in the Glenomaru Hall last Saturday evening. The president (Mrs J. Jones) presided over a good attendance of. members. After the usual business was attended to the roll call, "My Pet Economy," was taken. A box from the Home Science Department on fiist aid was then discussed. The hostesses for the evening were Mrs Coughlan and Misses J. Gall and G. Wilson.

A meeting of the Taieri Mouth-Taieri Beach-Kuri Bush branch was held in Taieri Mouth Hall on May 3. Mrs Sinclair presided over an attendance of 22 members, and an enjoyable afternoon was spent. The roll call, "My Favourite Hobby," was ably answered. Mrs Barber gave an interesting talk on the process of wool-cleaning before being made into quilts, etc. The competition, of four oven scones, was won by Miss Junge, with Mrs Sinclair and Mrs H. M'lntosh coming equal second. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames Joseph, Ogilvie and Sadler

A good attendance of members of the Omakau branch met on May 4, with Mrs Charles in the chair. By the sale of " Poppies" £2 5s was collected for the Returned Soldiers' Association, Dunedin. After the business to hand had been thoroughly discussed the hostesses, Mrs Naylor and Mrs Truesdale, jun., entertained the other members of the branch, the latter giving an interesting demonstration on "Tatting." A competition for the best trimmed hat was also held, Mrs Truesdale, sen., being awarded first prize. A manikin parade headed by the lucky winner caused much merriment.

A pleasant evening was spent by the Miller's Flat branch on May 3, when 25 members attended, several of these being new for the coming year. Mrs J. L. Smith, president of the Cromwell branch, one of the many visitors, received a special welcome from all present. Two books.autographed by all members were presented to the past president and secretary for their splendid service during the past two years and a-half. Sister Reilly, matron of the Roxburgh Hospital, delivered an inspiring appeal for support toward improvements in the home, individual help beinc guaranteed. This appeal was also loyally supported by Mr L. Faigan, of Miller's Flat, and Mr S. P. Michelle, of Roxburgh, who received a welcome response. The Farmers' Union later joined the ladies.

The monthly meeting of the Herbert branch was held on Wednesday. There was a good attendance, about 30 being present. Clothing for necessitous cases and relief depot was asked to be brought to the next meeting. A home science box was opened and explained by Mesdames Marshall and Aitchison. The competition. " Something from two skeins of wool," was won by Mrs J. M'Millan first and Mrs Kirkwood second. The judging was ably carried out by Mrs E, E. Andrews and Miss Ferrier, and gave every satisfaction A 15-mimlte entertainment was given by Mrs Marshal] (son<; and reading), Mrs Aitchison (song and recitation), and community singing by all. Mrs C. Thompson was accompanist. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames Reid, William Wilson, and E. 11. Ross, and Miss Nicholson.

The first meeting of the newly-formed Clydevale brand) was held on Thursday afternoon at " Hinemoa." the residence of the secretary (Mrs Macfarlane). The president (Mrs Kee), in welcoming members, explained the aims and objects of the movement, which were,, embodied in the first month's motto: "Service Before Self." Six new members were enrolled, and a pleasant time was spent. It was decided that the president and secretary attend the annual meeting of the Provincial Council of Otago as delegates from this branch. Mesdames Anderson. Quaife. and Oeddes were elected to fill the vacancies on the committee. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames Kee and Macfarlane, assisted by Mrs Quaife and Miss May. An amusing memory test, " School-day Poems," was well responded to.

Berwick branch held its monthly meeton Thursday evening, May 4, when there was a good attendance of members. Mrs J. Miller (president) and Mrs A. J. Spencer were appointed as delegates to represent the branch at the provincial conference. It was decided to hold a children's party again this year. Mrs Miller thanked all the members who had helped to make the Poppy Dance such a success. Miss Alice Carruthers explained various ways in which a cold joint could be used up, and handed round the madeup dishes, together with recipes for same, which she had received at the Home Science Leaders' School. Mrs Miller thanked Miss Carruthers for her attractive talk. The members then joined the men's branch to hear a talk by Mr Struthers on "The Farm Accountancy Scheme," which was much appreciated.

The monthly meeting of the Clyde branch was held in the Town Hall on May *6. The president read the account of the meeting of the Provincial Executive, and a discussion took place on whether it was advisable to split the executive as it now stood into several small executives which would meet in country centres. The feeling of the meeting was against any change being made, as it might lead to a loss of interest in the larger activities of the W.D.F.U. Mrs Annan (president) and Mrs Auscombe were appointed to represent the branch at the Provincial Conference. A Home Science box on " Soap-making," which was then presented by Mrs Bould (box secretary), proved very interesting and instructive. The members of the Fruitgrowers' Association joined the ladies for supper. The hostesses for the evening were Mesdames Attfield, Aitken. and Anscombe. A vote of thanks to the chair closed the meeting.

The fourth annual meeting of the Palmerston branch was held in the supper room of the Town Hall on Friday evening. April 28, Mrs John Craig presiding over a good attendance. The president extended a cordial welcome to the visitors and new members. The remarks of the retiring president (Mrs Craig) on the year's .activities were listened to with keen interest. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: — President, Mrs W. R. Wedge; vice-presi-dents, Mrs J. Ballingall (re-elected) and Mrs F. C. Collins; treasurer, Mrs A. T. Field; Advisory Committee —president and Mrs M'Kenney (re-elected); General Committee—Mesdames Craig, M'Kenney, Clearwater, Galloway, Walker, Sheat, M'Gregor, Brown, Service, Dempsey, and Coutts, and Misses Chisholm, M'Ritchie, and F. Coutts. The appointment of the hon. secretary was held over until the May meeting, the retiring secretary (Mrs Field) being willing to do the necessary work in the meantime. When the business was completed progressive euchre was indulged in, members who had been attending the annual meeting of the Farmers' Union being also present to enjoy a social hour. At an interval before supper was served a short programme of songs by Mrs Wedge, Miss Spence, Mr E. Sheat, and recitations by Miss E. Moodie gave much pleasure to the gathering. The euchre prizes in each case had to be drawn for, Mrs C. M'Gregor and Mrs Galloway winning the ladies' prizes and Messrs H. S. Sheat and F. Collins the men's. Mr J. Clearwater, on behalf of the guests, expressed thanks for the hospitality and the enjoyable evening's entertainment. j