W.D.F.U.

Putaruru Press, Volume XI, Issue 252, 18 May 1933, Page 2

W.D.F.U.

TOKOROA BRANCH. The Tokoroa branch celebrated its second birthday on Wednesday, when over 60 friends and members were present at the hall. A splendid afternoon tea was provided and arranged on long tables in the hall by the members. Quite a feature was the beautiful birthday cake with its two candles. The cake was made by Mrs. Graydon and decorated and iced by Mrs. Newell, and was much admired. Mrs. Sloper, in a happy speech, welcomed the visitors, who were present from Tirau and Putaruru, and cut the cake. Prior to afternoon tea a short concert programme was rendered. The following items were enjoyed by all present: Banjo solo, Mrs. Nicholson; songs, Mesdames Nicholson, Gardner, Goodrick; recitation, Miss Mollie Colson; two-act play, “Keeping a Secret,” by Mesdames Thomson, Carruthers, Cotton, Dewiss, Cadman, Peoples and Miss D. Dyson. Accompaniments were played by Miss A. Sloper. Apologies were read from Waotu and Ngongotaha branches. Mrs. Baldwin and Mrs. Allan returned thanks on behalf of Putaruru and Tirau members respectively for the enjoyable afternoon they had spent.

MORRINSVILLE BRANCH. Fourth Birthday Party. The Morrinsville branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held its fourth birthday celebration on Friday. There was a record attendance of about 150 members, visitors and friends, and the hall was filled to capacity. Among the visitors were members of the South Auckland Provincial Executive, and the Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Elstow and Ngarua branches.

Bowls of chrysanthemums in gold and brown shades decorated the hall, and a large birthday cake surmounted with four candles was decorated and ornamented to tone with the colour-scheme. Mrs. A. I. Walker, who was president during the first three years of the branch, blew out three candles, and Mrs. F. Jenner, the president, blew out the fourth candle. A birthday gift was offered to the member whose birthday was nearest to that of the branch, Mrs. J. Marra having this distinction. Three competitions for chrysanthemums were held, and there was a splendid array of blooms that occupied a large table. The quality of the blooms was excellent for so late in the season. The judge, Mrs. Stubbs, of Hamilton, awarded prizes as follows: Most artistic bowl of chrysanthemums, Miss P. Robison; most artistically-arranged vase, Miss Craig; best bloom, Mrs. J. West. The prizes consisted of named dahlia bulbs donated, by Mrs. H. Wilcox. Much credit for organising this display of flowers was due to Misses Craig and Robison. An address was given by Miss Marshall, of Cambridge, president of the South Auckland Provincial Executive, who stressed the need for cooperation between branches. It was decided to donate £2 to the Morrinsville Relief Committee, and to collect clothes for the Sunshine League of the Waikato Hospital as in previous years.

The president announced that she would give a prize to the member obtaining the most new members during the present year. A report on the recent meeting of the South Auckland Provincial Executive was given by Mrs. J. Brown, and a statement on the finances of the branch was made by the treasurer, Mrs. C. Ferguson. The entertainment part of the meeting included songs by Mesdames Seales and Hltchman, pianoforte selections by Mrs. Wilson, recitations by Miss Perkins and Mrs. Northcott, and a little play acted by Misses R. and B. Marra and T. Oates.

NGARUA BRANCH. The May meeting of the recentlyformed Ngarua branch of the Women's Division of the Farmers’ Union was held at the Ngarua Hall on Tuesday, Mrs. W. Scott presiding, in the absence of the president, over a good attendance. Much interest was taken in a cooking competition, and the judge, Mrs. Luxton, of Waitoa, made the following awards : Mrs. Sprason 1, Mrs. Hansen 2, Mrs. Thomlinson 3. A number of the recipes used by the competitors were sold for the benefit of the branch funds. The branch is to hold a social and dance next week to raise funds for carrying on branch activities. Community singing, with Mrs. Hayward as song leader and Mrs. L. Davis as pianist, was much enjoyed.

The afternoon tea hostesses were Mesdames A. Vickers, L. Davis and W. Scott. Several contributions for the relief clothes box were received. An account of the recent meeting of the Bush Nurse and Housekeeping Auxiliary held at Nelson was read, and members were able to see what important work the Women’s Division is doing to assist country women.