WOMEN’S DIVISION

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 52, Issue 3750, 1 May 1936, Page 7

WOMEN’S DIVISION

TE AWAMUTU BRANCH ACTIVITY. EXTRACTS FROM PRESIDENT S REPORT. The practice of writing on both sides ot paper when a report is intended tor publication often leads to Double or misunderstandings, and this fact was home out in connection with the annual report of the Womens Division. Tne president, Mrs Godfrey, when preparing it, no doubt hoped that, it would be given space in the Courier, and the executive was in accord, ter we were asked to find space for it—a request acceded to, for with the best ot intentions we devoted two columns last Monday to an account of happenings at the meeting and to annual reports. But we find that one whole page of the president’s report was inadvertently omitted, and as it contains several references of more than ordinary importance, we publish it below:

We have had different efforts to raise funds this year, such as a W.D. concert organised by Mrs W. Hopping, a garden party at Mrs C. North's, by various competitions, namely, the mystery pie, the bottle of sweets and the afternoon tea throwover. In spite of the above mentioned efforts our afternoon teas continue to be our greatest channel through which we derive the largest portion of our revenue, and once again I have great pleasure in expressing our appreciation to the ladies of the different districts who provide same. It is wonderful the amount of enthusiasm displayed and the business achieved at our monthly exchange table, although rather noisy at times, and apart from the practical side it is another means bv which our members are able to have social intercourse. I feel I cannot write any more of this report until I make reference to the very sad loss our branch has sustained during the last few weeks, namely, the passing to the Better Land of our much loved member, Mrs W. G. Macky. Mrs Macky was our housekeeping secretary for three years, and proved herself most diligent and efficient. Her motto was very marked—Service, and Not Sell. At the time of her death she was an Advisory Board and a committee member.' She was at all times a tower of strength to us all. Since the branch was formed seven years ago she has given without reservation, not only materially but with heart and brain. As time goes on we will feel our loss more and more, and it behoves us all to try and possess Mrs Macky’s unquenchable spirit of courage, generosity, sincerity and kindness. Owing to Mrs Macky's death the birthday celebrations have been postponed until our May meeting—after the annual meeting in April. It is very pleasing to report on the friendly spirit existing between our branch of W.D.F.U. and the Te Awamutu branch of the Women’s Institute. We still continue to co-operate, most successfully, with cur welfare work. We and our sister organisation each' bought a tea waggon. Both waggons are used at our monthly meetings and have tremendously facilitated the afternoon tea arrangements. Jointly we purchased a gold fish bowl for the Dental Clinic room. The bowl and its gold fish are a great source of amusement to the town and country children whilst waiting for their dental treatment. Since our last annual meeting we have been very fortunate in having such splendid addresses and demonstrations at our meetings, and I thank all who have assisted in this respect. We held our husbands’ afternoon in May, and it is very gratifying to report more husbands were present than there were on ‘previous occasions. At this particular meeting Mr D. R. F. Campbell, of Morrinsville, addressed us on monetary reform. Keen interest was displayed throughout the address. Such addresses, delivered in a non-party aspect, do much to propagate the truest kind of education and culture, and to encourage contentment.

PUKEATUA BRANCH.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Pukeatua branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held on April 14th, when a satisfactory report end balance sheet were presented. There was a good atendance of members. The resignation of the retiring president was received with regret, Mrs Bethune having held the position of president for two years, and has been untiring in her efforts to further the interest of the branch in the district, and has also endeared herself to fellow members by her kindly interest and courtesy at all times. The secretary, Mrs Solomon, was re-elect-ed. Her work for the past year Is much appreciated, and every satisfaction is felt by her offering her services for a further term.

For the ensuing year the following officers were elected: President, Mrs N. B. Fletcher; vice-presidents, Mesdames Holmes, Bethune, Graft and Anderson; secretary, Mrs F. 11. Solomon; treasurer, Mrs A. T. Weal; advisory member, Mrs McKee; committee, Mesdames Rumbles, Reynolds, Hunter and Whitehead. It was decided to hold the fourth birthday party on May 12th, members to bring for exhibition works of art in needlework, etc., ancient and modern, also articles for the sales table.

Some time was spent in discussing ways and means for making the afternoon an enjoyable one. At the conclusion of business the retiring president, Mrs Bethune, and secretary, Mrs Solomon, were presented with bouquets, and both suitably responded. Following is the fourth annual report:— The year 1935-36 has been a busy one in our branch. The monthly meetings have been well attended, and the interest of the members maintained. Although quite a number of members have left the district to reside in other parts, we have been fortunate in gaining new members, so that our numbers are still the same as last year. The memorial garden has been gay with flowers and amply repaid the .Division members for their work of weeding and planting. The lending library has been enlarged by a donation of books from the Te Awamutu branch, and an. exchange

of books was also effected. A garden party was held recently to help the branch’s funds, good business being done at a bring and buy stall, and other attractions, the sum of £4 7s BAd being raised. Our monthly pro grammes have been varied, each mem ber taking part and each in turn acting as hostess. We have had some very fine demonstrations, and it is notable that most have been given by our own members. Our sales table returns have increased this year, showing that this means of keeping both the branch and the members, is becoming more popular. In closing I would like to thank the secretary and committee for help given me throughout the year, and each individual member for support and friendship. I trust that the coming year will be successful in every way, bringing help to each member and to the great organisation to which we belong.