WOMEN'S DIVISION

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 77, Issue 6566, 15 September 1948, Page 11

WOMEN'S DIVISION

NGAROMA BRANCH A dance, which proved to be a social and financial success, was held in the Ngaroma Hall on Saturday last. A fine warm evening, excellent music provided by Mr Mackie’s Orchestra, a good floor, and good supper all contributed to the success of the evening. Mr I. Williams, husband of our president, proved a lively M.C. Delightful vocal items were rendered by Misses Vena Piko and Hazel Mackie, assisted by Mr Dickie Mackie on his stringed instrument. During the evening competition dances were won by Mrs Ray Barker, one of our new members and her husband," and by Mrs E. Wall, one of our oldest members, partnered by Mr H. Petrie. The lucky winner of a pair of coloured towels was Mr G. Blackwell, while Mrs Clair won the two beautiful cake plates.

Proceeds of the dance add to our fund for building a comfortable room with open fire place into the local Hall. Our fund will now permit us to buy roofing for our room. Last Thursday was a day to be remembered when glorious sunshine and bird song greeted our two Auckland guests, Mr Martin Smith (Director of Adult Education) and one of the tutors (Miss E. M. Smith, M.A.). Being his first visit to this district, Mr Martin Smith was taken over one of the local farms while anxious to discuss the various handicaps of a farmer endeavouring to break in hill country. After a picnic lunch in the sunshine with some of the ladies, the Director was then taken through Smythe Bros timber mill, which he was able to see in operation. While Mr Martin Smith was learning something of our way of life, we were being taught many things of interest to us by Miss Smith, hei’ subject being “Physiology and Hygiene for Women.” Being especially asked by the mothers, Miss Smith visited our school to speak to the older children about the human body and the miracle of reproduction. She had many interesting books on the subject kindly lent by the Children’s Department of the Auckland Library. She found the children keenly interested, and our local teacher has since spoken of the value of her visit to the school.

It is to be regretted that more country women do not avail themselves of the opportunity of hearing these Adult Education tutors in the wide range of subjects they cover; yet they never mind how far they travel, or how small the group when they realise how vastly interested we really are.