WOMEN’S DIVISION N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22098, 31 October 1933, Page 15

WOMEN’S DIVISION N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

Mrs Belcher (vice-president) presided over a good attendance of members of the Hampden branch, at the monthly meeting held on October 19. The roll call was answered with “A Handy Household Hint.” Mrs Bishop gave an interesting demonstration on “The Making of Woollen Quilts,” at the conclusion of.which she was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames Cameron anl Kemp.

There were 20 members present at the meeting of the Taieri Mouth branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union on October 25. Mrs Graham presided in the absence of Mrs Sinclair (president). Correspondence was quickly dealt with, and the rest of the time was spent in making final arrangements for the second birthday party. Five pounds has been sent to the Community , Chest Fund. The roll call, “Your Favourite Verse,” was well responded to, and the competition for the month, “A Covered Coat Hanger,” was won by Miss Milne, eight points, and Miss F. Milne, seven points. Hostesses for the day were Misses F. and N. Harraway and Mrs Benson.

The monthly meeting of the Hilderthorpe branch was held on October 25 at the home of the president, Mrs M’Latchie, who occupied the chair. The roll call was answered with “ One’s Hobbies,” which brought forth a variety; reading and gardening proved to be the most popular. Mrs Ingram, of Pukeuri, kindly gave a demonstration on “Rag Rugniaknig.” The finished article displayed, being smart _as well ag serviceable, was greatly admired by those present, who took the opportunity of securing designs. The demonstrator wa s accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mrs M'Latchie and Miss Connell. A vote of thanks to the chair brought a pleasant afternoon to a close.

The Owaka meeting for October was held in the Memorial Hall, Owaka, on October 26. The attendance was good, Airs Wright, president, The roll call was well responded_ to in riddles. The competition on “ Darning ” was won by Airs Wright. Several matters which had been brought up at conference were dealt with;,'and when the business for the afternoon was completed, Sister Templeton, from the local hospital, gave an able address on the “ Plunket System,” describing fully the aims, and objects of the Plunket Society. At the conclusion of her address, Sister Templeton was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The hostesses were Alesdames Logan and Kielty.

The Palmerston branch, of the Women’s Division held its monthly meeting in the Athenteum on Friday, Airs Wedge presiding over a fair attendance. The roll call, "A Alotto or Funny Story,” was well responded to. The programme for the evening was arranged by Alesdames Philip and Ross. Airs Ross gave an interesting and instructive demonstration on making humpties, which was_ much appreciated. An original competition by Airs Philip was won by Airs Ross and Airs Ward. Members from the Farmers’ Union and Young Farmers’ Club arrived later from their meeting and were entertained at supper, Mr Clearwater afterwards thanking the ladies for their hospitality. The hostesses for the evening were Alesdames Ballingall, Ward, Wedge, and Sheat.

The members of the Tapanui .branch met in the Oddfellows’ Hall on October 13, Airs J. A. Al'Donald presiding over a large attendance. The president made the presentation of a sum of money to the infant daughter of Mrs E. Arnold, the popular honorary secretary of the branch, and in asking her acceptance of it as a small token of love and esteem, she expressed the heartiest congratulations of all. Mrs Al'Donald then introduced Air Garty, manager of the Singer Sewing Alachine Company, and Aliss Burns, of Dunedin, and Mr Bratton agent, Gore, who brought with them the latest model electric sewing machine. Air Garty gave the history of the Singer machine from the original model made 82 years ago, and fully explained the method of using the various attachments, whilst Aliss Burns gave a demonstration and showed samples of the work of each. The wool rug making and samples of work done on the machine from old silk stockings, rags, etc., proved most interesting. At the conclusion Mrs Al'Donald moved a hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer and demonstrator. Mesdames T. L. Alacdonald and Elder were hostesses.

On October 11, in the Cambrian School, the Cambrian-St. Bathans branch of the Women’s Division celebrated its second birthday. The school was tastefully decorated with spring flowers and the two-tiered birthday cake held a place of honour. Mrs Mee, the president, welcomed visitors and members, and said how pleased all were to welcome Mrs Drake and Miss Finlayson. Mrs Drake then spoke on the aims of the W.D.F.U., and gave some ideas from the conference. Miss Finlayson also spoke and gave some ideas for adding to the interest of meetings. Miss Finlayson also had some samples of handwork, which the members greatly enjoyed examining. During the afternoon Mrs M. Hamilton and Miss Beattie, both delighted the party with their singing, while Mias Hazel Harley recited and Miss Brigg gave a display of eurhythmies. There was also a display of handwork of all kinds, from the oldfashioned embroideries of our grandmother’s day to the most up-to-date wool mats of our day. During afternoon tea the cake, which had its two candles lit by Mrs Kerr, the first president, was cut by Mrs Drake. The meeting, enjoyed by all, was brought to a close by Mrs Mee thanking Mrs Drake and' Miss Finlayson for their attendance at the birthday. Thanks were also due to Mrs Jones for the loan of her piano. . The monthly meeting was held at the residence of Mrs Johnsen, St. Bathans, when there was a fair attendance of members. Part of the time was spent on the box, on “ Sick Nursing” and part in rehearsing a play. Members brought little squares made of scoured and teased wool. These little squares arc to be all joined together to make a quilt. A vote of thanks to Mrs Johnsen for the use of her home brought a pleasant gathering to a close.