WOMEN'S DIVISION NOTES

Taranaki Daily News, 24 June 1931, Page 13

WOMEN'S DIVISION NOTES

THE WORK OF THE BRANCHES, (Contributed.) Tito Tbkb branch of the Women’s Division Celebrated its second birthday recently, when there was a large gathering from all parts of south Taranaki. The tables looked gay and festive witll theit decorations of flowers and berries and their array of all kinds of edibles. A two-tidr birthday cake, made by Mrs. Left Milne, and beautifully iced’by Miss Kate Jones, held pride of place. TliO president, Mrs. T. V. Ataunsell, welcomed tlio Visitors and then asked for it match, which was soon found, in spite of the absence of habitual smokers. Mrs. Heiiderson (Manaiti), the oldest member of the Wotnen’s Division in New Zealand, and mother of Mrs. T. C. Sutherland, was asked to cut the cake. A useful display of needlework was arranged, aftd many beautiful pieces of work created much interest. 1 Sbmc woollen mats beuutiftiliy designed and Worked on ordinary sacks proved Didst attraetive-looking, one in particular niade by Mrs. Bowen. An exquisite table centre worked by Miss Maungell was riiiich admired. Mention was made of the importance of the present “Use More Wool” campaign, which is being carried Out everywhere. At the Ilawdra winter show a special room is being arranged tor this with assistance and coritributioiiS from the Government, Wftnganfti Woolleft Mills, Fiitea Freezing Works and other institutions. I’attei‘hs for slippers and tor refooting WOri't stockings were demonstrated and distributed by Mrs. Benton. Old socks can be usefully converted into thick, warm slippers by crocheting With three strands of wool together, and the soles made from old felt, or linoleum, or several pieces of old woollen material bound together , with black tape. One Wortien’s Division member never buys wool for dartiing Ilion’s sobks, blit jftst unravels tile wool from old ones. A much-appreciated musitol programme was contributed as follows:— Violin solo, Mrs. Geo. Cook; original poCfti oft the depression and Woftieft’s detefriiiiiatlon io withstand it, Mrs. Lon. Milhe; sbiig, Afl’S. Davis; recitation. Aliss Towes; song, Mrs. Carter; recitation, Airs. Benton. Airs, George Carter, Stratford, acted as acconipaiiistc. At the close a number indulged in folk daiiciiig, With which Airs. Maunscll is fully conversant. Since its inception oft July 8, 103(1, when 20 ladies attended to form the Afotukafara branch of the Wdtuch’s Hivision, it has made rapid strides; the membership now bong 64, with fth average attendance of 40 per meeting. This branch has been most sticcesssful in getting good lecturers and denioustrators free of any dxpehsd. Alueli lias been given to the-Earthquake sufferers, and each member provided some garment for those in distress. To the president, Airs. George Tciiipietbn, nuieli credit is due for the success of this branch. The Kaukapakapa branch is doing niucli Work in the cause of the wool exhibition in Wellington. Long sewing days are being arranged to make garments for the comiiiuiiity ehest, “Old time” dancing classes arc being he'd fortnightly. At the last meeting of the Alanaiil branch the president (Mrs. Sutherland) Welcomed a new member, and also an bld one who has been able to link Up again with locnl activities. A niOtion of sylupathy was accorded Airs. Bridge in lifer recent bereavement. A comjietitioii for articles made ftoin sugar bags resulted in Henderson proving the winner, making :l girl’s apron, which was much admired. Airs. Bloor had the most original cushion cover, made in basket weave. Other splendid articles sh will were all deserving of praise. The ne'xt competition is to be a knitted or crocheted garment, followed by one for cooking. At the last meeting of the Whangamomona branch Alts. Stockwell presided over a good attendance. Airs. A. Coxhead, on behalf of members, presented the president and the secretary (Mrs. Perry) with gifts of china in appreciation of their past services. The district nurse then gave a talk on temperatures, followed by practice in reading thermometers. At the North Otago monthly branch meeting Airs. Aleek presided over an attendance of over 60 members. Alost interesting addresses Were delivered by Professor Strong, ongauiser of the Hohie Science department of Otago University. Miss Finlayson, organiser for the W.D.F.U., and Aliss Reid. Miss Finlayson outlined what the Women's Division means to country Women, and asked for the co-operation of all. To show how the idea flourished iii South Otago the membership has increased from 180. a year ago io S)00 at present. The Home Economics Association began in Dunedin with six members, but has now grown' to several hundreds, and branches are springing up throughout tlie country. The association Works in close co-operation with the Women's Division and thinks that kindred bodies siich as these should amalgamate to provide that strength attributed to unity. Last year there were 14 groups of the. Home Economics Association, but now there arc 86 groups, reaching a total of approximately 2000 women. A.ii&s Reid said that she would like the people to realise the magnanimous gesture of the Carnegie Institute, America, in making a grant which enabled the work in which they were interested to be extended so as to benefit tlie women of New Zealand, Aliss Heid stated that she had learned much about foods while iii America. She tlieii explained the box systeiii a.dp.[de.<t,by■ Hit' Home Science Department.