FARMERS’ UNION

Taranaki Daily News, 17 February 1931, Page 12

FARMERS’ UNION

WOMEN’S BRANCH ACTIVITIES.

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF MEASURES.

Harvest time is now practically finished and all branches of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union are busy with renewed activity. Everywhere efforts, are being made to raise funds for the Hawke’s Bay earthquake sufferers, and most branches are collecting clothing and food. The Hawera branch helped 0 in the arrangements for billeting refugees and for the disposal of necessaries to them, also for the cold, storage of perishable articles. It succeeded in collecting many dozens of eggs from the different schools. Potatoes and cooked meat are always wanted. The response of the public has been truly wonderful, and many noble spirited people intend trying to adopt orphaned children, while free treatment and accommodation has been given for three weeks to maternity cases. Women’s underwear, stockings and nigh' attire and baby clothing are needed. Everywhere the Women’s Division will now be kept busy assisting refugees and other' needy cases. The Wellington branch members went immediately and took charge at Hastings, working along with local clergy and other organisations. Everywhere the Red Cross Society and the Plunket Society are also working hand in hand in this national cause for humanity. The Urenui branch of the Women’s Division held a large meeting just recently when Mesdames Cocker and Carter gave interesting addresses dealing yith the work of the Women’s Division as regards its internal affairs and the latter detailed the activities of the Hawera branch in earthquake relief work. The presidents of Oakura, Lepperton and Bell Block branches and representative of the Red Cross Society and. the Plunket Society were also present. The two speakers were heartily thanked for their interesting addresses, and Mrs. French, of the Bell Block branch, thanked the Urenui members for their hospitality. The Oamaru branch has been busy caring for the welfare of Flock House boys, seeing that boys who had left the district were in touch with Women’s Division branches in the districts in which they are settled. After paying expenses and purchasing Christinas gifts for Flock House cadets, the Oamaru branch was able to send £4 to the community chest. Oamaru members are also seeking a remedy for the fact that so many people, including returned, soldiers, find they cannot successfully take up market gardening owing to alien competition. At Waikaia an interesting address on aims and objects of the Division has been given by Mrs. Orr, of Balfour. Large meetings have been interested in demonstrations on barbola work and painting on satin. The Cambridge branch purchased a pram for the use of country mothers when bringing their small childrep to town. This practical comfort has. proved. a boon, and is always in constant demand.

At Kauroa an energetic branch exists which is raising funds through afternoon teas. A very pleasant afternoon was recently spent in Mrs. Pond’s beautiful gardens. At Lumsden a competition is being held in making something new from something old. Mrs. W. H. Ward gave an instructive demonstration on children’s dress-cutting. The Ohaewai branch is raising funds by means of a garden party in \March, when tennis competitions, bran-tubs and stalls will be managed. A raffia afternoon was given by Mrs. Dixon. ; The Uruti members are making a cake for competition to raise funds for earthquake sufferers. Each member will provide an ingredient. Members also held a luncheon at Uruti sheep fair and realised a profit of £2 10s.' The Opotiki branch is spending its available funds on buying material, and each member takes a share home to sew underclothing for earthquake sufferers. A demonstration was given of making mats out of old stockings. The branch also held a very successful picnic on the Waiotahi beach on January 24, when the day was spent with sports, luncheon and afternoon tea.

The Beaumont branch, which conducts very successful meetings, is arranging a social to obtain funds and it invites contributions of favourite recipes. Miss Johnstone read an able paper on rock gardens which proved most helpful. She laid particular stfess oh the need for thoroughly preparing the ground on which the rockery is to be ’built. Mrs. Baith gave several recipes .for the making of jams, including strawberry and raspberry, strawberry and pineapple, mint jelly, etc. A competition for black currant jelly and gooseberry jelly evoked much interest. At Kaukapakapa, a sewing day is being held, when garments will be made for the needy. Clothes old and new are asked for, and a social is being held for the Auckland mayor’s fund. A sum of £3 has been dispatched for relief.

The Taumaranui branch of the Women’s Division held a very successful birthday party, when Mrs. Hall presented a birthday cake. Mrs. Abraham extended a welcome to Mrs. Boles (mayoress), to Mrs. Dons, Ohura, and to sentatives of all kindred societies. A musical competition played by Mrs. Rennie created much amusement, five people guessing all the names. A doll in bed competition was numbered 455 and won by Shirley Gibbons. An original question competition caused much merriment.

Mrs. Abraham, through her energies, retains great enthusiasm and interest among members in this branch.