W.D.F.U.

Otago Witness, Issue 3994, 30 September 1930, Page 14

W.D.F.U.

The regular meetings of the Women‘s Division of the Farmers’ Union are usually suspended during the busy months, but during that time are usually busy organising and planning for next year. OAMARU. There was a very good attendance at the Oamaru branch of the women’s division of the Farmers’ Union held in the County Council Chambers on Tuesday afternoon. As the president (Mrs Meek) was unable to attend Mrs Marshall waq voted to the chair, and after reading the creed, a motion of sympathy was passed with the relatives of the late Dr Scott, Mr Milligan and Mr Ross, and expressed in the usual manner. The circulars from headquarters were gone through. These dealt with the proposed Farmers’ Union publication, clinics for country schools, and special classes for backward children. For the benefit of new members a circular setting out the meaning and explanation of the badge had been received. Those using the mid-day train were anxious to know what had been done in the matter, and considerable disappointment was expressed at the reply from the secretary of the Farmers’ Union that at present the traffic manager could not see any way of making any alteration. It was decided to advertise the regular monthly meetings, and members requested to be notified by the secretary of special meetings. The arrangements for the forthcoming show were planned on similar lines as in previous years, and it was hoped that the produce stall would receive good sunport. In revising the list of honorary members, appreciation of the work of Miss Ross, M.A., was expresised by some of those present. The hope was expressed that after a res’ and change Miss Ross might find, time to help with farm women’s educational work in this district. The meeting also made appreciative reference to the work of Mr Wylie (president of the North Otago Branch of the National Beekeepers’ Association). The importance of this industry, both as a help in the matter of repatriation schemes and as a valuable part of our export trade, has the support of the women’s division. Mr Wylie has done much to make beekeeping popular, and has always advocated the maintenance of high-grade honey for export. The beekeepers’ field days and apiary visits have been much enjoyed by the general public. In the event of the formation of calf clubs in connection with the junior agricultural scheme, it was proposed to write to Mr Forrester asking for an extension of the date of entry to the end of September. The Farmers’ Union secretary advised communicating with the authorities in Dunedin. Mrs Marshall gave a report of a visit to the Hampden Branch, and described “ the opening of the box ” containing the lectures sent out by the Home Science Department. The business of the meeting then being concluded, a very interesting address was given" by Mrs R. Milligan on “ Dried Fruits.” The speaker called the story of the dried fruit industry “ the romance of Mildura.” From a semi-arid desert the foresight of Chaffey Brothers and a number of intrepid pioneers had developd a valuable industry worth £1,000,000 a year. .The profits on currants, raisins, and apricotsranged from £6O to £9O per acre. A lady in one season cleared £lOOO for oranges. The various processes of drying and packing were described. At first steam plants were used, but now this had given place to electricity. Olive trees were used as windbreaks, and everywhere there was evidence of beauty and prosperity, rhe speaker urged those present to use Australian fruits. A hearty vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs Burdett.