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

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22259, 11 May 1934, Page 15

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

Reports of meetings of branches are requested, but they should be furnished promptly, for the publication of reports that are not supplied wltbln a week from the date of the meeting cannot be assured.

At the meeting of the Clydevale brauch of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union, held on May 3, in the hall, Mrs Kee presided. Members stood in silence for a few minutes as a mark of sympathy with Mrs Quaife, who had recently suffered a bereavement. Mrs Anderson was appointed treasurer. The president and secretary were delegated to represent the branch at the Otago Provincial Conference in June. Much interest was displayed by members, and some novel ideas were used in the arrangement of the programme for the ensuing three months.

The monthly meeting of the Berwick branch was held in the hall on Tuesday, May 3, a good attendance of members being present. Miss Drake asked Mrs Spencer to accept a handsome handbag as a mark of appreciation for her work as secretary since the branch has been formed. Mrs Wither then presented Mrf| Miller, retiring president, with an etching, Mrs Spencer and Mrs Miller both returned thanks. After the members of the Farmers' Union had joined the ladies. Miss Tyndall gave an interesting talk on South Africa.

The monthly meeting of the Tuapeka West branch of the Women's Division of the Farmers'Union was held on Saturday, May 5. Despite the wintry conditions prevailing, the attendance was good, and a pleasant time was spent in congenial surroundings round a log fire. The eocia! half-hour was in the hands of Mrs HalJ and Mrs Steel—two novel competitions providing amusement for all. The monthly competition—" Something from One Yard Cretonne " —resulted in Mrs Steel (collap sible workbox) 1, Miss L. Edie (a wall pocket) 2, and Miss D. Bulfin (cushion) 3. The > unplaced articles also showed much originality and fine finish. Mrs Fahey and Miss It, Edie-were hostesses.

The Kuriwao Institute held its monthly meeting on Saturday last, Mrs Edie presiding. As a number of members are at present on holiday the attendance was not as large as usual. A special feature of the programme for the afternoon was an instructive demonstration of tapestry work by Mrs Pearce, and Mrs A. Harris gave an interesting account of the business conducted at the Provincial Federation meeting. The roll call—a cake filling —was well responded to, and the motto for the month was "If you have nothing kind to say, say nothing." The hostesses were Airs J. Harris and Mrs Burnett.

The fourth birthday celebrations of the Upper Waitaki branch were held in the Hakataramea Hall on Friday evening. The following programme was presented and much appreciated by the large audience present:—Chorus, " Mucking About the Garden"; folk dance, by Haka child, ren; vocal solo, " Break of Day"; Highland fling, bv Misses Chapman, Boss, and J. and C. Cleave: vocal solos, " Frieiid o' Mine" and " When the Great Red Dawn is Shining"'; play, "A Leg of Mutton," by Otiake members; skipping dance, by Doreen Jackson: vocal solos, "It's Nice When You Love a Wee Lassie " and " Sergeant Jock M'Gee, by Mr W. MTJean; recitation, "Two of 'Em," Miss F. Lawlor: sailor's hornpipe, Miss Ross: play, "The Bathroom," by Haka memoers: selections by Piper Grant, and chorus, "Cheer Up." Mrs R. B. Meek, of Oamaru, lit the four candles on the birthday cake, and in the course of a congratulatory speech spoke of the work done by the Oamaru branch in the inaguration of produce markets. In presenting Mrs J. R. Cleave (immediate past, president) with a rug, the president (Mrs Adams) eulogised the splendid work done for the branch by the recipient, who was then accorded musical honours. Mrs M'Cully, of the Duntroon branch, also spoke and blew out the candles on the cake, which was then cut by Mrs Meek.

At the May meeting of the PoolburnMoa Creek branch, Mrs J. H. Jones occupied the chair. Twenty members were present. The witty responses to the roll call, "A Mistake I Once Made," created a happy atmosphere. The motto for the month, chosen by Mrs R. Farmer, was " Whatever you find to do, whether duty or pleasure, do it with your might." Mrs J. fi. Jones and Mrs A. Armstrong were the delegates chosen to attend tlie annual conference, and it was decided that the branch pay their expenses'. At this meeting a birthday gifts' scheme was adopted, six members receiving birthday gifts. A new senior member was enrolled. Miss Rutherford moved a heartv vote of thanks to the chair. The rest of the afternoon was devoted to the study of the Home Science box, "Gift Suggestions." The hostesses . were Mesdames T. Flannery, R. Farmer, and T. Gartly.

The annual meeting of the Alexandra Branch of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union was held last Friday, Mrs Timmings presiding over an attendance of 46 members. The election of officers for the ensuing year was as follows: — President, Mrs J. H. Timmings (reelected) ; vice-presidents—Mrs Jopp, Mrs King, and Miss V. Marshall; secretary, Mrs J. Timmings, jun.; committee—Mesdames Bodkin, O'Kane, Norwood, Mars] in, Kemp, Nightingale, Tohill, Downes, atid Lindsay, and Miss Robertson; press correspondent, Miss V. Marshall. Prizes for competitions held during the year were given and presented by Mrs Timmings (president) to the following ladies: Highest marks, Mrs J. Timmings, jup.; second prize, Mrs Downes. Best article or articles made from one yard of cretonne. Miss Brown. Something new from something old, Miss D. Marshall. Opportunity was taken to bid farewell to one of the members (Mrs MechaeJis), who is leaving the district. During the evening ap enjoyable talk was given by Mrs W. A. Bodkin on "The Recent Waitangi Celebrations," this being listened to with the keenest interest. The president thanked Mrs Bodkin and also thanked members for their help during the past yean Supper and a social half-hour terminated an enjoyable evening. Hostesses for the evening were the retiring committee.