ELTHAM BRANCH OF W.D.F.U.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1931, Page 11

ELTHAM BRANCH OF W.D.F.U.

The annual report of the Eltham branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union states: —Progress during the year has gone on slowly, 'but the work must spread, as more interest is shown every year. A great deal of local work has been done in helping cases of distress with food and clothing. The president sent clothes to Manaia, Pa'hiatua and W'aipukurau, and helped, to fit up families in the surrounding districts. The president, Mrs. Cocker, thanks all who sent clothes, boots and shoes to help fit out earthquake visitors and expresses appreciation of the Red Cross and (Plunket Society in the help received. Over 20 beds were offered by members and friends for accommodation of the visitors in this district.

Two shop days have 'been held, several dances, and an afternoon at Mrs. Lees’, . Mata. These efforts are necessary as the division must have funds to carry out such work as providing food and clothing for necessitous cases. A Farmers’ Union picnic was held at Opunake and a meeting was arranged by Mrs. Chambers, of the Women’s Division, to give presidents a chance to talk on the work. Mrs. Cocker gave a resume of the' executive meeting held in January. Meetings of this description help presidents to go back to their branches with new ideas. Mrs. Cocker attended advisory board, 'bush nurse and housekeeper meetings during the ■year, and gave an address at Urcnui on 'the executive meeting. Red Cross lessons have been given by Sister Ingles. Sister Ingles is to be (congratulated on her regular attendance. This year the Women’s Division •carried out the catering for the Boys’ and Girls’ Club’s calf judging at Taumata Park. The president thanks the 'advisory hoard for assistance given in placing Flock House boys on farms. Thanks are due to those who forwarded books to assist in hook club work. The appeal for hooks this year has not met with the ready response of iprevious years. Thanks are due to 'Mi's. Pitcaibhley for. the able way she has carried out her duties as librarian. 'Special mention is due to the secretary, Mrs." Simpson, and to the assistant secretary ' for their efficiency.

Youngest Leading Lady. A 19-years old actress, Miss Margaretta Scott, took up the part of Ophelia in the Haymarket Theatre production of “Hamlet,” when Miss Fay Compton had to leave the cast to rehearse for a new play (states the Daily Mail). Mr. Horace Watson, who gave Miss Scott this opportunity, stated that she would be the youngest actress to play this difficult role in the professional run of “Hamlet.” She had had less, than three years’ stage experience. She was previously appearing as the Player Queen in the all-star “Hamlet’’ revival. “I did the Ophelia mad scene at one performance while I was at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art,” said Miss Scott. “Every budding actress, I suppose, manages to do that once while she is studying! But it is a very- big jump from that to playing the whole part —and I have now got the jumps especially as I watch Miss Compton’s performance getting better each day!’’ Miss Scott is the youngest leading actress playing in the West End.