THE WOMEN’S DIVISION

Southland Times, Issue 24109, 24 April 1940, Page 14

THE WOMEN’S DIVISION

ANNUAL MEETINGS HELD INVERCARGILL BRANCH The annual meeting of the Invercargill branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was well attended and was presided over by Mrs R. A. Riddle. A motion of sympathy was passed with Mrs W. Orr, provincial president, and members stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage. An apology for absence was received from Mrs Darragh. Reports of various branch activities were given. Mrs Lokan, in charge of the exchange table, said that £7/8/1 had been credited to the funds during this, the first year the exchange table had functioned. Mrs McLean reported that although subscribers to the library had not been numerous, good work had been done, more books bought, and the library was certainly an acquisition to the branch. Mesdames Humphries, Randle and Evans reported that they had visited many sick members in hospital. The secretary read the annual report and balance-sheet. There were 70 financial members on the roll and a credit balance of £3/12/- in the bank. The president gave a brief account of the past year’s activities. “In the early part of the year we enjoyed a floral demonstration by Mrs McDowell and a visit from our provincial president, Mrs Orr,” she said. “Our thanks are due to these ladies, to Mrs Russell for her well-chosen paper on how to use things as our pioneer mothers had done, to Miss McLeod who spoke about the classes on home nursing, which some of our members later attended and especially to Mrs Chapman, who attended six meetings giving lectures and practical instruction in first aid and nursing. Our sales table, under the able management of Mrs Lokan, has given useful help to the funds. We have also had two gift days for the soldiers and hope to continue this work as well as knitting comforts.” Mrs McLean had carried out the duties of librarian in a capable manner. She thanked all who had acted as hostesses, those who had patronized the exchange table, and to Mrs Middlemiss and Miss Buckingham who had carried out their duties in a capable manner. She wished the branch a happy and successful year, a year in which the blessing of peace' would return to them.

• The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mrs R. A. Riddle; vice-president, Mesdames E. Riddle, Officer and Macdonald; secretary and treasurer, Miss S. Buckingham; _ librarian, Mrs McLean; hospital visitors, Mesdames Humphries, Randle and Evans; exchange table, Mrs Lokan; delegates to executive, president, secretary and Mrs Macdonald; in charge of flowers, Mrs Officer.

Members spoke in appreciation of Mrs Middlemiss’s work as secretary and treasurer during the past year. The meeting concluded with afternoon tea served by the vice-presidents.

SEAWARD DOWNS BRANCH The March meeting of the Seaward Downs branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was presided over by the president, Mrs McCorkindale. Because of other attractions the attendance was disappointing. Each member gave 1/- to be used for the purchase of goods for soldiers’ parcels. Mrs McCorkindale spoke on the recent executive meeting where some interesting talks had been given. The roll call, “Something interesting I have read recently,” was well responded to, and proved to be of general interest. Miss McCormack gave an interesting talk on her trip to the Exhibition. The hostesses were Mesdames McCorkindale, Crosbie and Bagrie. OTAUTAU BRANCH Miss B. Muirhead presided over a good attendance of members and visitors at the annual meeting of the Otautau branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. The secretary’s report stated that a successful year had been experienced. The membership on March 31 was 63 senior and nine junior members and two resignations were received. The branch regretted the death of three members, Mesdames Durant, Paterson and Stevens. The monthb and committee meetings had been well attended and some instructive and interesting lectures and demonstrations had been given. The monthly competitions had also been well supported. A centennial tree was given to the Town Board and has been planted near the baths. Thanks were due to Mr Gazzard for judging the best bloom competition each month, to Mr Laing for supplying hot water- for tea, and to all members who had contributed to the success of the year’s operations. In moving the adoption of the treasurer’s balance-sheet the president reviewed the activities of the past year. She stated that first-aid classes were attended and home nursing talks were given at all meetings. Their sincere thanks were due to Mesdames Densem and Broomfield for giving these talks. The branch had joined up with the local farewell committee, and had presented each soldier with a small parting gif . It had also formed the local Red Cross Society. Thanks were due to the hostesses at each meeting, the treasurer, reporters and auditor (Mrs McCulloch). In conclusion Miss Muirhead paid a generous tribute to the good work done by Mrs H. Hogg, secretary, and thanked all members for their co-operation. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Miss B. Muirhead; vice-presidents, Miss Ina Beggs, Mesdames A. Chilton, Broomfield, Black and Scott; secretary, Mrs H. Hogg; treasurer, Miss Reay Campbell; executive committee, president, vice-presi-dents, secretary and treasurer; social committee, Mesdames Edwards, Smart, White, McCulloch, Misses Beggs, Sheddan and Smellie; advisory members, Mesdames McLeod and McCulloch; Press reporter, Mrs J. C. Black; competition stewards, Misses K. Smellie and A. Chilton; exchange table stewards, Mesdames Muirhead and J. Kennedy; signing officers, the president and secretary; auditor, Mrs W. J. F. McCulloch. Miss Muirhead thanked the members for re-electing her to the position of president, and called on Mrs Smellie to present the prizes to the winners of the various competitions held during the year as follows: Best single bloom, Mrs A. Chilton 1, Mrs J. Campbell 2, Mrs J. T. Ryan 3. Vase of blooms, Mrs A. Chilton 1, Mrs J. T. Ryan 2, Mrs J. Campbell 3. General competition, Mrs J. Campbell 1, Miss Maud James and Miss Alys Chilton 2 eq. Miss Muirhead extended a welcome to visitors at the monthly meeting of the branch.

It was decided to have a wreath made and placed on the soldiers’ memorial on Anzac Day. Mrs McLeod reported that she had attended the local Red Cross meeting as representative of the branch, and

Mrs John Ryan submitted a report of the executive meeting in Invercargill. The president introduced Miss Fogo, of the Association for Country Education (Dunedin), who gave an interesting talk, her subject being “Family meal planning for health.” The subject of her talk at the May meeting will be “Goitre and the use of certain foods to check it.”

Miss Muirhead presented Mr W. H. D. Gazzard with a small gift of remembrance from the branch, and thanked him for his help in judging the flower competitions and also for lectures at the monthly meetings. Mr Gazzard replied. Following were the results of the competitions: Best bloom, Mrs Collie 1, Mrs Muirhead 2, Mrs J. Flett 3. Vase of flowers, Mrs J. T. Ryan 1, Mrs J. Muirhead 2, Mrs J. Kennedy 3. BROWNS BRANCH There was a good attendance of members at the annual meeting of the Browns branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. Mrs Anderson presided. A motion of regret at the death of Mr Savage was passed, members standing ip silence. An invitation was received from the Otapiri branch of the Women’s Division to its birthday party. The secretary, Mrs Henderson, read the annual report, which showed a creditable balance.

The following officers were elected: President. Mrs Hamilton; secretary, Miss B. Lambie; vice-presidents, Mesdames Chisholm, Grey and Buchanan; advisory members, Mesdames Knott and Pettigrew; competition secretary, Miss Kerr; Press secretary, Miss M. Knight; committee, Mesdames Silk, Harrington, Harper, Ashley, Kerr, Arnott, Misses L. Irwin and M. Frisby. The best bloom competition resulted: Miss M. Knight 1, Mrs Grey 2, Mrs Buchanan 3. Most points for the year were:—Senior, Mrs Buchanan 1, Mrs A. Hamilton 2; junior, Miss Arnott 1, Miss Buchanan 2. The competition for May is one pound of butter and three health scones. The hostesses were Misses E. Buchanan, B. Lambie and M. Knight. EDENDALE BRANCH There was a very large attendance of members and visitors at the monthly meeting of the Edendale branch of the Women’s Division for which a bring-and-buy sale and a social afternoon had been arranged. Mrs F. McKenzie presided. One new member was welcomed. As a mark of respect to the late Mr Savage members stood in silence. The sum of £2 was sent to the general fund of the Southland executive and a donation of £2 was given to the Rest Home at Palmerston North. The bring-and-buy sale augmented the funds of the branch to the extent of £4/1/-. The social programme consisted of I vocal items by Mesdames D. Caldwell and J. Caldwell, and the reading of a play entitled “Eldorado.” The following women took part in the play:— Mesdames G. Dickson, Hall, J. A. Lamont, Misses Tither and A. Dobbie.

Miss R. Pow and Mrs Macßeth were the winners of the competition and the “Lucky Cup” gift at afternoon tea went to Miss E. McLeod. The competitions for the day resulted as follows:—Bowl of flowers, Miss B. Caldwell \ Mrs D. Caldwell 2. Pot of raspberry jam, Mrs R. Marshall 1, Miss R. Pow 2, Mrs Townley 3.

Hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames W. McDonald, Clark, Robertson and Miss J. Dobbie.

OREPUKI BRANCH

At the combined monthly and annual meeting of the Orepuki branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union Mrs G. Finn presided over a large attendance of members. Apologies were received from two members. Motions of sympathy in the deaths of relations were passed to Mrs Orr (provincial president) and Mrs E. D. Bone, and to the relations of the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage. An invitation was received from the Orawia Women’s Division to its birthday celebrations. Arrangements were made for the visit of the provincial president (Mrs Orr) on Wednesday, April 24. Two new members were welcomed by the president. The report, of the executive meeting was received. The annual report and balance-sheet was adopted. A credit balance of more than £l2 was shown. The following officers were elected:— President, Mrs G. Finn (re-elected); hon. secretary and treasurer, Mrs J. Gould (re-elected); vice-presidents, Mesdames Buckingham, Dawson, Brown and McLean; advisory members, Mesdames J. T. Simpson, G. Finn and J. Gould; delegates to Southland executive, Mesdames Simpson, Brown, Gould and Finn; competition secretary, Miss Webb; committee, Mesdames Finn, Gould, McNay, Weavers, T. Brown, C. Brown, Knight, J. T. Simpson, Buckingham, Waterhouse, C. H. T. Simpson, Frentz, Wilson, Garden, Whyte, Mehrtens, Garden, Chouston and Miss Webb.

Results of the year’s competitions were:—Sewing: Mrs C. H. T. Simpson 1, Mrs G. Finn 2; baking, Mrs A. J. Whyte 1, Mrs J. T. Simpson 2; flowers, Mrs Mehrtens 1, Mrs J. T. Simpson 2; aggregate prize, Mrs J. T. Simpson. WRIGHTS BUSH BRANCH At the annual meeting of the Wrights Bush branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, Mrs T. H. Anderson presided over a large attendance. The annual report and the balancesheet, which showed a very satisfactory credit, were adopted. The president thanked the officebearers for their help and co-opera-tion during the year.

The following officers were elected:— President, Mrs T. H. Anderson (reelected); secretary, Miss M. Miller (reelected); treasurer, Mrs J. R. Ward; vice-presidents, Mrs F. Holroyd, Mrs G. Carter, Mrs J. McCallum; committtee, Mesdames R. Slaughter, G. Knox, A. Anderson, R. Perriam, G. Anderson, Miss W. Rodger; advisory board, Mrs T, H. Anderson, Mrs G. Leith; delegates to executive, Mesdames F. Holroyd, G. Carter, J. McCallum. Mrs R. Perriam was placed in charge of the competitions.

The monthly competition resulted as follows:—Mrs T. Meehan 1, Mrs Muirhead and Mrs G. Leith 2 equal. Points prizes for the year’s competitions were presented as follows:—Best bloom, Mrs R. Slaughter; most points for competitions during the year, Miss M. Miller.

ATHOL AND GARSTON BRANCH The annual meeting of the Athol and Garston branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held at Athol. Mrs Blakely presided over an attendance of 16 members. Members stood in silence as a mark of sympathy to the Dobbie family and the relations of the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage. It was decided to have an exchange table to get funds to send a representative to Invercargill. The competitions held during the year resulted in Mrs Naylor receiving

12 points, Mrs Callander 11 points and Mrs Pizey eight points. Mrs Blakely, the retiring president, was thanked for the splendid work she had done during the year. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mrs Naylor; vice-presidents, Mesdames Blakely, Callander, Gordon, J. Soper and Harvey; secretary, Mrs C. Soper; treasurer, Mrs Pizey; Press correspondent, Mrs Callander; committee, Mesdames Ayres, Nortncoat, A. Soper, McLean, J. Soper; committee, Mesdames J. Gordon, G. H. Soper, G. Harvey A. Soper, W. Northcoat, Black, W. Cable, D. McKnight, F. Adams, J. Northcoat, F. Pannett, W. Ayres and O. Gregory. BRYDONE BRANCH The annual meeting of the Brydone branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held in the hall, Mrs Edwards presiding. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mrs Edwards; vice-presi-dents Mesdames Drysdale and Archibald; secretary, Mrs J. Coker; treasurer, Mrs W. Coker; Press correspondent, N. Hardie. . The roll call was “A Kitchen Accident.” . . , The best bloom competition resulted: —Mrs W. Coker and Mrs W. Coker 1 eq., Mrs G. Coker and Miss Taylor 3 eq; tomato sauce, Mrs W. Coker 1, Mrs J. Coker 2. Vegetable bouquet, Mrs Davidson 1, Mrs J. Coker 2. Mrs W. Coker gave a very interesting talk on meat cookery. Aggregate prizes lor the year were won as follows: —Best bloom, Mrs W. Coker; general competitions, Mrs Edwards 1, Mrs G. Coker and Mrs J. Coker 2 eq.

GROVE BUSH BRANCH The combined monthly and annual meeting of the Grove Bush branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers Union was held in the Grove Bush hall, when Mrs J. Coveney presided over a good attendance of members. i Motions of sympathy were passed to Mrs Orr in the death of her father, and all members stood as a token of respect to the late Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. >M. J. Savage. In presenting her report, the president said that the progress of the branch for the past year was very good. Although petrol restrictions were in force, the attendance had been fairly well maintained. Various activities during the year had been successful land the balance-sheet showed a good credit balance. A parcel of knitted goods had already been sent to the Patriotic Committee to be forwarded to the troops, and more knitting was in progress. Each member had also brought a gift suitable to be enclosed in the parcels for the soldiers. She thanked all officers and members for their wholehearted support during the year. Mrs L. McCallum, on behalf of the members, then asked Mrs Coveney and Mrs Walsh, the secretary, to accept a small gift in appreciation of their work during the year. Mi's Cooper also was the recipient of a gift to show how much her help as afternoon tea hostess was appreciated. The results of the competitions for l the year were: —Best blooms, Mrs WarI den 1, Mrs Coveney 2, Miss J. Coveney 13, Mrs Cooper 4; baking, Mrs Warden 1, Mrs Coveney 2, Miss K. Bragg 3. The roll call, “An Easy Breakfast, was responded to by all members. The competition results for the i month were: —Best bloom, Miss J. Coveney 1, Mrs Cooper 2, Mrs McCallum land Mrs Coveney 3 eq.; tomato relish, Mrs Coveney and Mrs McCallum 1 eq., Miss K. Bragg 3, Mrs Knight and Miss J. Coveney 4. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mrs Coveney; secretary, Mrs Walsh; vice-presidents, Mrs Warden and Mrs Paul; advisory members, Mrs Coveney and Mrs Horman; delegates to Southland executive, president and secretary, Mrs Bonniface and Mrs McCallum; competition secretary, Mrs McCallum; Press correspondent, Mrs A. Knight. BROWNS BRANCH There was a good attendance of members at the annual meeting of the Browns branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. Mrs Anderson presided. A motion of regret at the Prime Minister’s death was passed, members standing in silence. An invitation was received from the Otapiri branch to its birthday party. The secretary (Mrs Henderson) read the annual report which showed a creditable balance. The following officers were elected:— President, Mrs A. Hamilton; secretary, Miss B. Lambie; vice-presidents, Mesdames Chisholm, Grey and Buchanan; advisory members, Mesdames Knott and Pettigrew; competition secretary, Miss L. Kerr; Press secretary, Miss M. Knight; committee, Mesdames Silk, Harrington, Harper, Ashley, Kerr and Arnott, Misses L. Irwin and M. Frisby. The competitions resulted:—Best bloom, Miss M. Knight 1, Mrs Grey 2, Mrs Buchanan 3; most points for the year, Mrs Buchanan 1, Mrs Hamilton 2; junior, Miss I. Arnott 1, Miss E. Buchanan 2.

Hostesses for the afternoon were:— Misses B. Lambie, E. Buchanan and M. Knight.

LOCHIEL BRANCH

The annual meeting of the Lochiel branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held in the hall, 23 members being present. Members were asked to stand in silence as a token of respect to the late Prime Minister. Reference was also made to the death of the provincial president’s mother. Mrs T. Crane, treasurer, presented the balance-sheet which showed a credit balance of £6/10/-. The president, Mrs Irwin, presented her report on the year’s work and expressed appreciation of the loyal support given by members during • the year. Mrs Legat on behalf of the members moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Irwin and expressed appreciation of her work during the years she had been president. The election of office-bearers tor the ensuing year resulted:—President, Mrs T. Crane; secretary and treasurer, Mrs D. Simpson; vice-presidents, Mrs Irwin, Mrs McFadzien; Mrs McCallum, Mrs Beck, Mrs Chalmers; Press reporter, Miss’Adamson; advisory members, Mrs Malcolm, Mrs Clausen; delegates to executive, Mrs Irwin, Mrs Simpson; social convener, Mrs Shirley. The prizes for competitions held during the year were awarded as follows: —Bloom, Mrs J. Irwin; senior competition, Mrs Forbes 1, Mrs T. Crane 2, Mrs Simpson 3; junior competition, Miss A. Clausen. WOODLANDS BRANCH Mrs W. Henderson presided at the annual meeting of the Woodlands branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union when there was a good attendance of members. Those present stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage. A motion of sympathy was also passed with Mrs A. Frew in her recent bereavement. The secretary (Miss F. Henderson) presented the balance-sheet, which showed a credit balance of £7, and

gave a report in the activities of the past year. A report was given by the advisory member (Mrs J. C. Hanan), and this was followed by the report of the president (Mrs Henderson), who thanked all members for their co-operation and loyal support during the past year. She was presented with a bouquet by Mrs C. J. Roseveare. The roll-call was: “A new idea for W.D. meetings.” Following are the results of the year’s competitions: Best bloom, Mrs J. Robbie 1, Mrs R. McNatty and Mrs T. McKinnel 2 equal, Mrs A. O. Fleming 3. General competitions, Mrs J. Robbie 1, Mrs A. O. Fleming 2, Mrs A. Frew 3.

The election of officers resulted: President, Mrs J. Robbie; vice-presidents, Mrs T. Wyeth, Miss McKerchar and Mrs T. McKinnel; secretary and treasurer, Miss F. Henderson (re-elected); committee, Mesdames A. Frew, C. J. Roseveare, J. Pye and Miss M. Campbell ; advisory member, Mrs R. F. Walker; hostess secretary, Miss B. Corrie; competition secretary, Miss M. Campbell; librarian, Miss Doris Dewe. The competitions for the afternoon resulted: Best bloom, Miss D. Dewe 1, Mrs Robbie 2, Mrs Frew 3, Article of tapestry, Mrs Robbie 1. Hostesses were Mesdames J. C. Hannan and A. Napper and Misses I. Christie and M. Campbell.

TUSSOCK CREEK BRANCH

The monthly meeting of the Tussock Creek branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held in the hall. Mrs W. Shaw presided over a fair attendance of members. An apology for absence was received from Mrs J. Macpherson. The day’s competitions resulted: Four varieties of eggless biscuits (two of each), Mrs C. Campbell 1, Miss I. Adamson 2, Miss J. Lightfoot 3. Best bloom, Miss V. Adamson 1, Mrs W. Shaw 2, Miss E. Macpherson 3. The hostesses were Mrs Adamson and Miss 0. Adamson. ISLA BANK BRANCH At the annual meeting of the _ Isla Bank branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, Mrs S. Stuart presided over a good attendance. Those present stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage. The balance-sheet showed a very satisfactory credit balance. A presentation was made to Miss L. Rae in recognition of her services as judge of the bloom competition during the year. The best bloom competition during the year, resulted: —Mrs Pirie 1, Mrs Mollison 2, Mrs Stuart 3. Miss Fogo, representing the Association of Country Education in Dunedin, gave an outline of the association s work and it was decided to ask Miss Fogo to give demonstration lectures in May, June and July. The monthly bloom competition resulted:—Mrs Ireland 1, Mrs Piree 2, Miss B. Nicolson 3. Vase of flowers: Mrs Clark 1, Mrs Mollison 2, Mrs McCallum 3.

The roll call for the May meeting will be: “A Cure for the Blues.” The monthly competition will be: Senior, girdle scones; junior, best darn. The following officers were elected:— President, Mrs S. Stuart; vice-presi-dent, Mesdames R. McDonald, A. Officer, W. Mollison; secretary and treasurer, Miss E. McCallum; delegates to executive, president and secretary and Mrs Mollison; general committee, officers and Mesdames A. McCallum and W. Mollison; social committee, Mesdames Clark, McConnell, Mollison, Officer and Miss McCullough; visiting committee, Mesdames J. P. Johnstone and A. Officer; bloom secretary, Mrs W. Mollison; dressmaking secretary, Miss E. McCallum.

QUEENSTOWN BRANCH The Queenstown branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held its monthly meeting in the Plunket Rooms. Mrs W. Thompson presided over a fair attendance of members. Two members who are leaving the district were presented with badges as a small token from the branch. Mrs W. A. Anderson brought a parcel of material to be distributed among the members, and which is to be made up into garments for the Red Cross. Arrangements for the birthday party were discussed and it was decided to hold the party on April 23. Mrs Stanton was appointed convener for the social, Mrs Wilson to be in charge of the supper and Mrs Sharpe to be in charge of the decorations. The competition for the month resulted: Bowl of foliage, Mrs P. Hansen; best patch: Mrs Stanton. The next month’s competition is to be a nut loaf made with white flour

and the Roll Call is to be “A Proverb.”