WOMEN’S DIVISION

Southland Times, Issue 24433, 13 May 1941, Page 7

WOMEN’S DIVISION

GROVE BUSH.— The fifth annual meeting was held in the Grove Bush Hall, Mrs Coveney presiding over a fail- attendance of members. The following were elected officers: President, Mrs Coveney; vice-presidents, Mesdames Warden and Paul; secretary, Mrs McCallum; delegates, voluntary; competition secretary, • Miss A. Rodgers; Press correspondent, Mrs McCallum. The balance-sheet showed a creditable profit. The competition winners for the year were: Baking, etc., Miss J. Coveney 1, Mrs L. McCallum 2, Mrs Coveney 3; best bloom, Miss J. Coveney 1, Mrs L. McCallum 2, Mrs Coveney 3. During the year the branch sent contributions to the crippled children and lepers funds, and also sent parcels of knitting to soldiers of the district on active service.

SEAWARD DOWNS.— The annual meeting of the branch was held recently, Mrs McCorkindale presided over a good attendance. A report was given and showed a successful year both from a social and financial point of view. Various competitions have been held during the year, the winner of most points being Mrs McCorkindale. The following office-bearers were elected:—President. Mrs McCorkindale; secretary, Mrs E. McCall vice-presi-dents, Mesdames Baxter, Drysdale, D. Howden; advisory members, Mesdames R. S. Weir and James McKenzie; Press secretary, Mrs E. McCall. Hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames J. McLeary, D. Howden and L. Howden. On a recent afternoon Mrs I. Dennis, Southland executive president, paid a visit and spoke on the aim of the work of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. Mrs Chambers gave a talk on quilting, and during the afternoon Mrs Bailey, Edendale, sang two solos, the accompanist being Mrs Christianson. Mrs McCorkindale thanked Mrs Dennis for her fine talk, and Mrs Chambers for her demonstration.

WAIKIWI.— The members of the Waikiwi Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union and the women of Waikiwi held a happy afternoon in the public hall recently. The occasion was a kitchen and pantry afternoon in honour of Mrs Cooper, whose home was recently destroyed by fire. Mrs R. McGregor led community singing and Miss B. Neas acted as accompaniste.

THORNBURY.— In the absence, through ill-health, of Mrs Linscott, the monthly meeting of the branch was presided over by Mrs Hall. The executive report was presented by Mrs L. Foster. A fresh supply of wool was on hand and was passed out to knitters. A donation towards wool expenses was received from Mrs C. Webb. Competitions resulted as follows: —Photographic study of a child, Mrs J. Fallow 1, Miss N. Fallow 2; best bloom, Miss M. McLean 1, Mrs J. McLean 2, Mrs J. Fallow 3. The annual meeting was then held. The annual report and balancesheet disclosed a very satisfactory state of affairs. The sum of £7/10/- had been donated to the general fund of the ■ executive, and donations made to the division’s Spitfire Fund, Riverton Plunket Society and the Makogai Leper Fund. A letter of appreciation was sent to Mrs Linscott, the retiring president. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows: —President, Mrs J. L. Foster; vice-presidents, Mesdames Weir, Cameron and Pye; secretary, Mrs Buchan; committee, all re-elected, with the addition of Mrs Blair and Miss N. Fallow; advisory members, Mesdames J. Fallow and A. Hall.