WOMEN’S DIVISION

Southland Times, Issue 25350, 29 April 1944, Page 6

WOMEN’S DIVISION

Meeting Of Executive

“In post-war years when other wartime organizations cease to exist, the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union will still be there, an even stronger force than it is today,” stated Mrs N. Macintosh, president of the Southland branch, at a meeting of the provincial executive held in the U.F.S. hall yesterday. “That is one of the reasons,” she continued, “why we must plan nationally, and not provincially, for New Zealand and not only for Southland.” Mrs Macintosh welcomed many new presidents and delegates of branches, attending an executive meeting for the first time. She announced that a gift of £lOO had been made to the division to assist in establishing rest homes. Letters ' thanking the Southland branches for knitted goods were read from the Merchant Navy Comforts Service, also copies of letters of appreciation from members of the armed forces. It was decided to have a stall at the Mayfair for patriotic funds, the stall to have the support of the Farmers’ Union. Mrs W. H. Ward outlined the proposed scheme for an exchange of plants and the scheme was adopted. The following remit was presented from the Winton branch: “That we consider the decision to review the position of the Riverton rest home annually was too hurried, and that a full investigation should be made, also that the Government be asked to assist in building a holiday home. Being conversant with ways and means, the executive would then be prepared when the opportunity arises.” It was decided to give power to the committee to make decisions in the matter of the holiday home without waiting for an executive meeting. Another ijemit, also from Winton, will be sent to headquarters. It stated: “That we strongly protest against the poor quality of wool distributed to patriotic knitters.” Reports were read by Mrs R. Russell (housekeeping secretary), Mrs’ W. H. Ward (dressmaking classes); Mrs F. W. Lokan (finance committee), Mrs W. Steel (co-ordinating committee), Mrs N. Macintosh (Dominion Advisory Board and opening of Melrose Rest Home). An invitation from the Southland Provincial Council of Primary Production to appoint two members, to the Egg Pool Committee was received. The appointments will be made shortly. A memorandum, to housekeeping secretaries stated that the Minister of National Service advised that his department would not take women from farms if they were performing domestic service on farms. Encouragement would be given to girls to undertake farm domestic work, and any girl called up for transfer to essential industry would not be transferred if she gave an undertaking to take up this work. Black fleeces were given by the Waimahaka branch to the Tuatapere Division Spinning Circle. Home-spun seaboot stockings, made by Invercargill and Tuatapere branches were received and will be sent to the Merchant Navy.