TUATAPERE NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 22012, 11 May 1933, Page 11

TUATAPERE NOTES

W.D.F.U. (From Our Correspondent). The annual meeting of the Tuatapere W.D.F.U. was held on April 27 with Mrs Harrison, president, presiding over a large attendance of members. Arrangements for the sale of basketware for the sole benefit of the Jubilee Institute of the Bind were finalized; the sale to be conducted in Mr Stancombe’s garage which was kindly lent for the occasion during the two days of the Waiau Winter Show. Members spoke appreciatively of Mr Stancombe’s action.

Misses Reid and Crowe, Home Science Bureau lecturers, wrote wishing to visit the branch’s next meeting on May 25 to demonstrate boxes and extension work; all country and town women and girls for whose special benefit this department is worked through the Women’s Division being invited. Being unable to attend personally, Mrs Doctor Stanley Brown wrote instructing the branch’s play-reading and dramatic club, which is being started for the winter months. Mrs Brown to be thanked for her helpful letter. The following leaders were appointed. for the Home Science Box groups: Papatotara, Miss Kokay and Mrs G. Hamilton; Tuatapere, Mrs V. Harrison and Miss E. Harrison; Clifden, Mrs D. Whyte and Mrs R. Scott; Te Wae Wae, Mrs Graham. If so desiring Te Tua and Happy Valley could advantageously form groups in conjunction or in their respective districts. The first of a series of Home Science boxes- “How to Make an Iceless Icebox” was studied by the different groups.

Regarding the magazine, “The New Zealand Country Woman,” which is to be the official organ of the W.D.F.U. it was decided that before ordering any definite number, the secretary write for one to be sent for the members inspection. The following appointments were confirmed: Librarian, Miss Eileen Griffin; play-reading secretary, _ Mrs V. Harrison; sale for Blind Institute secretary, Mrs D. W T hyte. Magazines for Waipiata and Wallace Hospitals were received from Mesdames Glendinning, H. D. Norman and Feaver.

Before vacating the chair, Mrs Harrison thanked all who had helped the branch to fulfil its duties. As usual many enthusiastic workers had come forward whose efforts had been successful in giving division work a real meaning in the district, being out as it is to help wherever help is needed. She wished the branch continued success. Mrs H. D. Norman conducted the election of officers, proposing a hearty vote of anpreciation carried by acclamation, to the retiring officers. She remarked that their work had been done so efficiently as to savour of more than interest, for indeed they had seemed inspired. The election resulted: —President, Mrs Harrison; vice-presidents and committee, Mesdames H. D. Norman, J. Young, D. Whyte, R. Latta and Miss Mac Ewan, with president, treasurer and secretary, with power to add; treasurer, Mrs R. Scott; secretary, Mrs J. Griffin; advisory members, Mesdames Harrison and R. Whyte. Mrs Harrison resumed the chair amid prolonged applause. ' The secretary’s report said: Although the balance-sheet showed but a small credit balance the year has been successful. A very practical and necessary sympathy has been shown in relief work undertaken. 4 Special thanks is due to those who donated parcels of clothing. To augment this work we received donations from the local Farmers’ Union and the Reverend Rogers to whom our grateful thanks are due. We have also to thank Mrs D. Whyte for a donation for a prize in our arts and crafts work to encourage industry amongst those interested. The sick and afflicted have been remembered with tokens and sympathy. “During the year we have enjoyed demonstrations and lectures from the Home Science Bureau of the Otago University on model foods—milk, egg and cheese dishes; Mrs Ward, dressmaking and pattern-cutting; Mr Brandford, gardening; Mrs McLeod fancy-butter making; Mrs Lawson, tanning hides for leather, curing and dyeing sheepskins for mats; Mrs Ben Erskine, sheepskin mats; Mrs R. Whyte knitted cushion, and the _ uses of sheep’s wool for cushions, eiderdowns, etc. and sheepskins dyed for mats; Mrs D. Whyte, basket-making and Christmas gifts; Mrs Graham, sheepskin slippers; roll call of gardening hints. A box circle, embracing four groups was formed, the boxes being on paper-

ing, varnishing and staining, quilting, toy-making patterns and rug-making. Several members, accompanied by the president, have demonstrated at neighbouring branches of the W.D.F.U. while representatives to the provincial executive meetings were Mesdames Harrison, R. Whyte and Griffin. In Mrs D. Whyte’s charge, the proceeds of the exchange-table for a buildingfund, continue to grow. “For funds we have depended on the birthday-party proceeds, the after-noon-tea surplus, and an outfit kindly donated’ by Mrs Graham, Tui’s Annual for which Miss Harrison is agent gave us 6d a copy, while from the sale of cookery-books we have had 3d a copy. Hostesses for the year have been Mesdames J. Young, G. Charlton and J. Horrell. The sale for the benefit of the blind realized over £2O and articles continue to be sold. A library, containing books useful in the home, the orchard and on the farm, is in the making.”