WOMEN’S DIVISION

Southland Times, Issue 23897, 16 August 1939, Page 15

WOMEN’S DIVISION

WINTON BRANCH At the monthly meeting of the Winton branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union Mrs J. H. Thompson presided over a big attendance of members. Motions of sympathy were passed with Mrs J. P. Moore and Mr J. McLean in their recent bereavements and with Miss Norma Kin<* in her recent illness. Invitations were received from the Kauana, Thombury, Otautau and Makarewa branches to their birthdays. It was decided to postpone the birthday of the local branch until October. During the afternoon a very interesting talk on emergency first aid was given by Dr Moana Gow and was much appreciated. The best bloom competition resulted: Mrs H. A. Pierce 1, Mrs R. King 2. WYNDHAM BRANCH The postponed monthly meeting of the Wyndham branch was held in the Masonic hall, Mrs E. Rabbidge presidin r , over a small attendance of members. The New Zealand Institute for the Blind wrote asking if the branch would help with a stall at the Wyndham summer show. It was decided to reply that if the institute arranged for the stall, branch members would assist in any way possible. An invitation to the Brydone branch s birthday party was accepted. The president read a letter from the Pan-Pacific Women’s Association dealing with the visit of about 150 English women to New Zealand early next year. Arrangements for the birthday party of the branch were completed, the president reporting that the Social Committee had decided to make it a dance, interspersed with concert items. OTERAMIKA BRANCH The Oteramika branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held a very successful concert and dance to celebrate its ninth birthday. Mrs King introduced Mr Clearwater the chairman for the evening, and the following programme was then presented - Pianoforte solo, Mr McAlpine, solo, Mrs McAlpine; trio, “Drink to Me Only,” duet, “April Showers,” Waituna School pupils; short play by members of the division; local verses by four basketball “girls”; choruses “Jolly Jack Tars,” “My Bonny Barque” Waituna School pupils; humorous recitation, Mr G. McNaughton; play by members of the division; humorous sketch, Mr J. Lawson. Mrs King thanked the performers and visiting delegates for their attendance and the concert was brought to a close with the National Anthem. GORGE ROAD BRANCH There was a good attendance of members and friends at the August meeting of the Gorge Road branch of the Women’s Division when Mrs Manson presided. The next meeting is to be held on the second Saturday evening of the month. It was arranged to buy four prizes for novelty dances at the birthday dance.

The monthly competition, for shortbread, was won by Mrs Beck. Mrs Manson was second and Mrs Kevern third. Mrs Kevern won a novelty competition. A community sing was held, with Mi’s Donnelly at the piano. OREPUKI BRANCH The monthly meeting of the Orepuki branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held at Mrs Font’s residence at Colac Bay. Mrs G. Finn presided over a good attendance of members. It was decided to make a presentation to Dr Elder for conducting the first aid classes, and to make inquiries from other branches about the autumn show. It was decided to make inquiries about a concert party for the birthday celebrations. The president moved a vote of thanks to Mrs Pont for having the meeting at her home. The monthly competitions resulted:— Sewing, Mrs C. H. T. Simpson 1, Mrs J. S. Simpson 2, Mrs T. Brown 3; baking, Mrs G. Pearce 1, Mrs A. J. Whyte 2, Mrs J. T. Simpson 3; flowers, Mrs McCann 1, Mrs Mempes 2, Miss Ericson 3; social competition (length of string in jar), Mrs T. Brown 1, Mrs J. Goold 2. Afternoon tea was supplied by the Colac members. MORTON MAINS BRANCH When the Morton Mains branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers' Union held its monthly meeting Mrs Jeffres presided over a fair attendance of members. An invitation was received to the Gorge Road branch’s birthday party. It was decided to again join up with the League if Nations Union. Members agreed that the birthday should take the form of a social afternoon. At the October meeting a plant exchange table is to be arranged. Mrs Sheat was appointed a delegate to the country women’s week. Mrs Robbie, of the St. John Ambul- J

ance, Invercargill, gave an interesting talk and demonstration on first aid.

It was decided to call a public meeting to arrange first aid classes. Mrs Edie thanked the visitor for her address.

Competitions resulted:—Worked apron, Mrs Robertson 1, Mrs Jeffres 2; baking. (jam tarts), Mrs Jeffres 1 and 2, Mrs Robertson 3; best bloom, Mrs A. Sheat 1, Mesdames Edie and Blackmore equal 2. Hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames F. Goodson, McLeod and F. Smith. HEDGEHOPE BRANCH The monthly meeting of the Hedgehope branch of the Women’s Division was attended by a good number of members. Mrs J. Sanderson presided. The roll call, “My favourite flower,” brought a good response. It was decided to contribute 2/6 to the Dominion Federation of Women’s Divisions towards the expense of the country women’s section at the Centennial Exhibition. Competitions resulted:—Tearing a rooster out of a sheet of paper, Miss K. McKay; sponge, Miss M. McKay 1, Mrs D. Diamond 2, Mrs W. Jukes 3; best bloom, Mrs W. McDowell 1. Hostesses for the afternoon were Mrs Cowie and Mrs Sanderson.