WOMEN’S DIVISION N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22958, 13 August 1936, Page 19

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 within a week from the date of the meeting cannot be promised.

The Tairas branch of the W.D.F.U. met on Friday. In the absence of the president Mrs J. Jenkins presided. The competition was “ Knitted squares.” Mrs M’Connochie won first place and Miss Jolly second. Mrs Elliot, who was a delegate to the Provincial Conference held in Dunedin in June, gave an Interesting address.

* * At the meeting of the Waikouaiti branch held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Friday night, the president (Mrs Lee) was in the chair. A health talk was given by Mrs Preton. Mrs Lee gave a report on the executive meeting held in Dunedin. The president expressed regret at losing two members who are leaving the district to live in Dunedin, and handed each a small presentation. The hostesses were Mesdames Thomas, Townsend and Shields and Miss A. Valentine.

The Clutha branch met on Friday, Mrs Holgate presiding. Delegates to the forthcoming educational week for country girls were appointed: Misses J. Willocks, J. Rutherford and A. Moffat. A motion was passed for the purpose of conveying to Miss Finlayson, retiring provincial secretary, the appreciation of her services during her lengthy term of office. At the conclusion of business Mr Parker gave a demonstration on “ Ctishion-making.” The hostesses were Mesdames Lory and Jensen and Misses Rutherford and Botting.

The president (Miss Belcher) presided at the monthly meeting of the Tuapeka West branch. The roll-call was a proverb. A competition for the best pot of marmalade was won by Mrs G. Young, with Mrs Rollett second and Miss R. Young third. Miss D, Bulfin gave a talk concerning a trip she had made to Stewart Island.. A presentation was made to Miss L. Edie. who has left the district. The hostesses were Mrs S. Young and Miss Belcher.

The fourth annual birthday party of the Milbum-Clarendon branch was held on Friday last, and attended by a large gathering of members, friends and delegates from other branches. The president, Mrs Elliott, who is also provincial president, extended a hearty welcome to all. As an appreciation from the branch Mrs Cook then presented bouquets to Mrs Elliott, Mrs Drake (Berwick) and Mrs Horn (secretary). Items contributed were:—A picnic scene by members; a playette by the Clarendon members (Mesdames Cromarty, Kane and Warnock, and Misses Petrie and M’Kane; duet by Mrs Struthers and Mrs Anderson, assisted by Mr A. Anicich and party; a sketch by Miss Petrie, Mr Fowler and Mr Elliott; and a playette by Milburn members (Mesdames Leal and Anderson, Miss Duff and Mrs Horn). Mr Jack White, accompanied by Miss M. Gawn, of Dunedin, contributed several songs. The birthday cake, which was made by Mrs Ashworth and Mrs Somerville, was carried in by. Mrs Fowler and Mrs W. Taylor, led by Mr J. M’Grouther playing the bagpipes. Mrs Lawrence then lit the candles, which were extinguished by Mrs Cook. Mrs Drake, Dominion vice-president (Berwick), after an appropriate speech, then cut the cake, and the delegates from sister branches offered their congratulations—Henley (Mrs Dawson), Momona (Mrs Taylor), Milton (Mrs Finch), Taieri Mouth (Mrs Sinclair), Waihola (Mrs Henry), Mr Blomfield of the Young Farmers’ Club, and Mr T. Russell (Milton Farmers’ Union). After the supper interlude dancing was indulged in.