WOMEN’S DIVISION N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

Otago Witness, Issue 4039, 11 August 1931, Page 14

WOMEN’S DIVISION N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION

OUR NOTICE BOARD. Dominion President— Mrs C. C. Jackson, Kopuaranga, Wairarapa. Dominion Secretary— Mrs P. Smith, P.O. Box 1601, Wei- • lington. Dominion Correspondent— Mrs O. Benton, Auroa. Otago Provincial President— Mrs J. F. Drake, Berwick. Otago Provincial Secretary— Miss F. V. Finlayson, P.O. Box 643, Dunedin.

TOUR OF CENTRAL OTAGO. On Monday next a tour of Central Otago branches of the W.D.F.U. will be commenced. The purpose of this visit is to keep branches of the division, more especially the outlying branches, in close contact with the work of the Otago Executive. and also the Dominion Executive. It will also afford an opportunity for the interchange of helpful suggestions with regard to future work and plans. The party will consist of Mrs J. F. Drake, provincial president for Otago Women’s - Division N.Z.F.U.; Miss F. V. Finlayson, organising secretary, Otago Women's Division N.Z.F.U.; Miss E. Service, of the Otago Witness literary staff; Mr A. U. Leary, Evans Flat, a past president New Zealand Farmers’ Union, and a director of South Otago Freezing Co., Ltd., and Do'minion Fertiliser Co., Ltd.; Mr A. C. Cameron, provincial secretary New Zealand Farmers’ Union, general manager Otago Farmers’ Mutual Fire Insurance Association, manager Producers Ltd., and president Dunedin Chamber of Commerce. The following itinerary has been arranged:— August 17. —Monday afternoon: Evans Flat, ladies’ meeting. Monday evening: Beaumont, combined meeting. August 18.—Tuesday afternoon: Crookston, ladies’ meeting. Tuesday evening: Tananui, combined meeting. August 19.—Wednesday afternoon: Kelso, combined meeting. Wednesday evening: Moa Flat, combined meeting. August 20.—Thursday afternoon: Ettrick, ladies’ meeting. Thursday evening: Miller’s Flat, combined meeting. August 21.—Friday evening: Cromwell, combined meeting. August 22.—Saturday afternoon: Tarras, combined meeting. Saturday evening: Hawea, combined meeting. August 24. —Monday afternoon: Queenstown, ladies’ meeting. Monday evening: Arrowtown, combined meeting. . August 25. —Tuesday afternoon: Clvde, , ladies’ meeting. Tuesday evening: Alex- ( andra, combined meeting. August 26. —Wednesday evening: Oma1 kau, combined meeting. August 27. —Thursday afternoon: OtureI hua, combined meeting. Thursday evening: , Ranfurly (Maniototo branch), combined . meeting

OUR HOUSEHOLD GUIDE. The publication of the second edition of the “ New Zealand W’omen’s Household Guide ” is practical proof of its popularity. The appearance of the well-known lines — A melting-pot of recipes! They come from far and near; And each one must be tested Before we print it here under the familiar three-legged pot has served to make known in many households some of the valuable knowledge possessed by country women. “ Often the housewife,” says the foreword, “is hard put to it to find a recipe or hint just when it is wanted, but this book has been compiled in a spirit of helpfulness to furnish recipes which apply to every section of domestic life. Therefore we dedicate it to the hardest worked of all, ‘ the housewife.’ ” Not only does the book contain a comprehensive selection of recipes for every branch of culinary art. but also included are recipes for polishes, varnishes, soap, sandsoap, and household hints of every kind, ivhile other sections deal with “ The Dairy,” “ Home Nursing,” ■’’The Country Woman’s Garden,” “ Farm Poultry,” and “ Bees as a Sideline.” Over 600 copies have been sold in Otago (the cost per copy is 2s) and already the Dominion sales amount to 6000, though the book was published only a few months ago. The book is published by the Women’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. REPORTS OF BRANCHES. EDENDALE. The branch met on July 28. Twenty members and friends were present. A letter was read from the secretary of the Mataura branch stating that a Home Science lecture on " Beautifying the Home, etc.” could be arranged for on August 14, at Edendale.—lt was decided to secure the hall, if available, for that date, the lecture to be open to the ptiblre. Mr Burrows, of Gore, then gave an interesting demonstration on pruning fruit trees, which was very much appreciated by those present. On the motion of Mrs Angus Campbell, Mr Burrows was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Afternoon tea was dispensed, and a box on toy-making, from the Home Science Department, was afterwards opened and discussed, thus ending a very pleasant afternoon.

MAHENO-INCHOLME. The last monthly meeting of the branch was held on July 29, when a box from the Home Science Extension Service on “children’s dies, making ” was received. There was a large attendance of 31 members, and the box proved most interesting. The lecture was read by Mrs Kelcher, president of the branch, and the patterns and illustrations given were of great benefit to members. The box was afterwards forwarded to the Enfield branch of the division. ¥ V WINTON. The monthly meeting was held on Thursday afternoon, the president, Mrs T. S. Smith, presiding over a good attendance of members. Mrs Smith -welcomed three new members of the division. A letter was received from the Home Science Bureau stating that a lecture 'would be given in Winton on August 18. The secretary read a letter on “ More Wool Campaign,” and it was hoped that there would be more articles brought forward. Mrs Benton, Taranaki, wrote asking this branch if they would kindly forward some of their -wool hints to her. A woollen shawl, made by Mrs Chain, Invercargill, which was the first prize at the Woollen Campaign competit’on held in Wellington, was on show at the meeting. Mrs M'Naught moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Smith for taking some of the members over to Thornbury to attend the W.D.F.U. first birthday party there. The president then introduced Mrs Ward, of Castlerock, president of the Invercargill branch. Mrs Ward mentioned the women’s market in Invercargill, and asked the local members if they would try and assist the market. She read a report on the Wellington conference, which showed that the conference was needed and was very beneficial. There have been 80 new branches formed in New Zealand since last year, with a total of 2000 new members, showing the rapid growth of the division. Mrs Smith moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Ward for her remarks, this being endorsed by Mrs King. A dainty afternoon tea was dispensed and the meeting closed. * ¥ * MIDDLEMARCH. A ’ meeting of the branch was held on the evening of July 30, when an attendance of 23 members was presided over by Mrs A. M'Kinnon. After the routine business had been concluded the president (Mrs M'Kinnon) and the secretary (Mrs G. Renwick), who had attended the conference in Dunedin in June, gave an interesting report of the proceedings. A letter was read from the Minister of Health (Mr A. J. Stallworthy), in reply to one from Mrs M'Kinnon, in which he stated that the matter of a dental clinic for school children in Strath Taieri had been considered in connection with the Ranfurly Clinic, and that at a later date a visit would be paid to the district by the dental nurse from Ranfurly. It was decided to hold a small “ Bring and Buy” sale at the next meeting of the branch and also to hold a competition for which prizes would be awarded to the members who sent in the best articles manufactured from sugar bags.

A dainty supper, at which the mem- ■ bers of the Farmers’ Union were entertained, was served by Mesdames A. M'Kinnon, F. James. J. James, John Janif'S, Guy, Peter M'Fadyen, and Misses Beattie and Bowden. ¥ ¥ ¥ DUNEDIN. A social gathering under the auspices of the Otago Provincial Executive of the Women’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union will be held this afternoon at 2.30 in the hall at the rear of First Church, Moray place. The Otago Provincial Executive will be “at home ’’ to the wives, daughters, and sisters of retired farmers living in Dunedin and suburbs, end also all those women who are interested in the work being done by the Women’s Division in Otago. It is hoped that a large and representative gathering will meet to discuss the proposed formation of a Dunedin branch of the Women’s Division. The possibilities of setting up an exchange market in Dunedin will engage the attention of the Otago Provincial Executive at its next executive meeting, which is to be held to-day. ¥ * * BEAUMONT. The Beaumont branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union met recently, Mrs Dwyer (president) being in the chair. A competition for the best coat-hanger did not attract many entries, but all those entered were of a high standard. Miss Martin was awarded first prize with an unusual one in sealing wax, Mrs Dwyer second -with a silk-covered one. One bearing a card “ Use more Wool ” had been made by winding different coloured wools round the hanger, and looked very effective. Mrs Williamson showed how to make a bowl in papier mache and also showed some finished articles. MOMONA. The Momona branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held its first birthday party last week, when over 200 guests assembled at the Momona Hall, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion. A splendid concert programme was presented by Mrs Speight, Misses Hamilton, Southgate, Wylie, F. and N. Walker, and Cameron, Messrs Williams, Bathgate and Hamilton. Mrs Speight. Misses Downes and Wills were the accompanists and Mr A. W. Amos was chairman. Mrs J. A. M'Donald (president of the branch) in a neat speech welcomed the guests and outlined the work of the branch, while Mrs J. F. Drake (provincial president) and Miss Finlayson (organising secretary), and Mr A. C. Cameron (Farmers’ Union) addressed the gathering. Mrs T. Grant (West Taieri) and Mr J. Miller (Berwick) conveyed good wishes on behalf of their respective branches. Led by a piper (Mr B. Barron), a beautiful birthday cake made by a member (Mrs J. Campbell) was carried in by the secretary (Miss

Alice Campbell), and cut by Mrs M'Donald. A bountiful supper, provided by the branch members, was handed round and a very enjoyable dance followed. ¥ -A ¥ WARRINGTON. The popularity of the Farmers’ Union was shown when the Warrington Women's Division held a “ free and easy night ” last week in the Warrington School, the room being filled to overflowing with some 150 people, in eluding Professor A. G. Strong (director Home Science Extension Bureau, University of Otago), and Miss Finlayson (or ganising secretary of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union of Otago) and a large number of visitors from Port Chalmers, Merton, and Waikouaiti. The chair was occupied by Mr O. Crawford. Mr W. Perry being master of ceremonies. Mrs Findlay (president) introduced Professor Strong, whose address was received with marked evidence of approval. Mr Lee. of Waikouaiti, and Mr Preston, of Palmerston, also spoke. Dancing was interspersed with songs rendered by Mrs M'CrSb, Misses S. Couper, Watt, and Findlay, and Mrs MPherson, Miss O. Gibson being the accompanist. Miss Dodd< contributed a recitation. Mr J M'Aleese step dancing, and Mr Jenkins a bagpipes : item. Music for the dance was provided by Miss Fraser, Messrs Cochrane, Pryde. Connor. Rivers and Kennedy. Progressive euchre was indulged in by some of those who did not take part in the dancing. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded the artists and the ladies who had provided the refreshments. * * ¥ CLYDE. The monthly meeting of the Women s . Division of the Farmers’ Union was held ; recently, Mrs William Annan presiding ! over a good attendance of members. M< s ! W. A. Harlow gave an interesting demonstration in rafia work, and exhibited several articles made by her for inspection.