WOMEN’S DIVISION NOTES

Taranaki Daily News, 9 December 1931, Page 11

WOMEN’S DIVISION NOTES

GREETING FROM THE PRESIDENT. A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE. The following Christmas message has been addressed to the members of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union by the Dominion president, Mrs. C. C. Jackson: — “Peace and goodwill +0 all men.” At this season of the year what better message can I give you than the advocacy of peace. As President Hoover said in a recent address to his people: “One of the main causes of the present world-wide depression is the result of the past war and the building up of present-day armaments.” What and how can we do to further the cause of peace ? This, I feel, is essentially women’s work and the women should be leaders in a new education for forwarding the peace movement. The chief objective of a sincere and an intelligent -peace movement must be a creation of world-wide controls. And why is the world unprepared for a rational readjustment of its political and economic life? The answer is: School, university, popular literature, pictures, the Press, etc., combine to resist any such preparation, and the first campaign on behalf of world-wide peace must be a struggle for a new education, which will supply the necessary preparation; the education which will turn mankind from tradition to hope. 'There is no way to world peace except through these preliminary battles of the mind. Teaching peace in our schools should be ever before us. We all know the likes and dislikes taught ..us in our schools -re-

main with us.- Permanent peace will require the utmost possible understanding and sympathy between peoples so that none shall be-in danger of being stampeded through ignorance and prejudice in any warlike mood. The power the teacher has of implanting in the sensitive mind of the pupil national or race hatreds is enough to cause any conscientious teacher deep thought. Our school histories must be rewritten; at present they laud the warrior. Let us change this; let us have books that bring undeistanding and unity. The. teaching of geography leads to world-wide vision; it leads to the creation in the child’s minct of a conception of the human family with each member of the family contributing essential rules to the common ■welfare and happiness. Therefore, first we must believe we can end war in our time if we try intelligently and persistently; second, by reading notable books on the peace movement; third, by Improving our knowledge of Europe and the Orient by our reading; fourth, in our teaching -recognising the distinction between the teaching for peace and the teaching for war. Education for peace is essential to the success of the whole movement towards peace. The season’s greetings to you all. ACTIVITIES OF THE BRANCHES. The Marton branch has held a series of demonstrations at its monthly meetings, which have proved most successful. An exhibition was given of beautiful needlework done by the owner or in I possession of the owner, which revealed > the most lovely old embroideries and I samples and aroused great interest. On Dominion Book Day a display of old editions and book plates revealed many treasures. An interesting competition was held for the most original Christmas gift made from materials costing Is. or less, Mrs. D. Simpson won this prize. The sale of these articles and a guessin" competition for a Christmas cake brought in i2 8s for the community chest. The branch decided to send 15 to the community chest. Mrs. McDougal! and Mias Gilchrist gave a most interesting demonstration of spinning and carding wool, and showed several wools dyed beautifully with native wood dyes. At this meeting held in November, over 70 members were present. Mrs. vv. Stevens presided During November the Wellington branch -was given a delightful P art y Mrs. L. H. Angus, when a splendid musical programme was arranged, including vocal items by Mrs. Goods on. Great interest centred round the I latest addition to the branch little e Neal, the baby son of Mrs. Stephen Neal, branch secretary. The Mrs L E Ward, on behalf of the branch, presented to the baby a handsome silver

mug as a small token of affection and appreciation of the -services rendered by Mrs. Neal as secretary. Mrs. Ward, expressed appreciation of the kindness of Mrs. Angus, and thanked her for her gracious hospitality. Mrs. Middleton was hostess at a Wellington bridge party held in aid of the community chest funds. Mrs. Middleton also held a delightful afternoon for the members of the sewing branch, which is managed by Miss Jean Laing. Many useful garments were cut out and made up. The next bundle of children’s clothes is to go to Hawke’S Bay, for those in need in the earthquake area. The hospitality of Mrs. Middleton is much appreciated. Mrs. Dennis also put her house at the disposal of the branch, when a largo bridge party in aid of the funds was held. Here also a delicious tea was served and Mrs. Dennis was assisted by her daughter, Mrs. McKillop. HOUSEKEEPERS’ LOWER SALARIES. The Eltham branch is protesting against t]m small reduction of fid a week in housekeepers’ salaries, aud also against any proposal to lengthen daylight saving to One hour. This branch does not favour the rest home scheme in Wellington nor linking up with the Pan-Pacific Women's Association. The last meeting of the Manaia branch was held at the residence of Nurse Merrie, when Mrs. Sutherland presided over a large gathering. The branch decided to join the Pan-Pacific League and also to donate £2 2s to the Manaia Town Board to help the Christmas Eve festival. A “bring and buy” afternoon found trade brisk and all goods were sold at satisfactory' prices. The Kaukapakapa branch has decided

to support the rest home scheme in Wellington. It is also donating large numbers of old medicine bottles, ointment jars, etc._, to the Rev. Jasper Calder’s free dispensary, which is always in need of them. As this mission dispensary does such wonderful work for the poor and needy members gladly respond to appeals ‘for help. The Helcnsville Women’s Institute’s invitation to an ‘.’at homo” in December was received with much enthusiasm. The Kaukapakapa branch has linked up with the South Auckland Provincial Council, and has sent in a donation to the community chest, which has so many calls for help. -The exchange tables were very successful, tomato plants, lemons, cuttings, and small flower plants being readily disposed of. The hostesses were Mrs. Sussex and Mrs. Cox. At the last meeting of the Alton branch two new members were enrolled and one transferred from the Lcpperton branch. A Christmas cake, baked by Mrs. Illingworth and iced by Mrs. Gibbs was offered for. a prize in a competition. Mrs. Nickel also provided a competition, which was won by Miss Burnamd. The next meeting will be held in March. At the monthly meeting of the Uruti branch, presided over by Mrs. Butt, fresh books were distributed among the book club members. This is a strong feature of this branch. To augment the funds a luncheon was held in connection with the Uruti sale. AN ACTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT. Mrs. Wickham, Wanganui, has had a | very busy time both in her capacity as Dominion vice-president and as president of the local branch. She has visited 1 Pahia.tua, Feilding, Otaki, Taihape, I Wangaehu, Fordell and Okoia and Ohingaiti and attended the Bush Nurse and H.A. meeting at Palmerston Nortn, as well as doing much organising work with the book drive and wool displays. In addition to women’s division work Mrs. Wickham is a prominent member of an unemployment committee and has had, and still has, a very busy time interviewing and placing women and girls in positions. By the courtesy of the tennis club, the Whangamomona meeting was held at Kohuratahi in the sunny and pleasant pavilion. Mrs. Stockwell presided over An attendance of ten members. The meeting dealt with cases for relief. Nurse McCarrol gave an interesting address, followed by the usual cup of tea. The Opunakc branch continues to increase in membership and in activities. A lamp-shade demonstration was given by Mrs. Ritchie, who was presented by Mrs. Chambers with a dainty posy, made by Mrs. Campbell. The newly renovated meeting and luncheon room is a grea convenience for both the women's di''

sion and the Farmers’ Union meetings. Mrs. Lambie demonstrated icing a cake. This month the judging of articles made from sugar bags will take place. At a meeting held at the Lyceum Club it was decided to form a provincial council of the women’s division in Auckland. The five branches which were represented were Onewhero. CleVedon, Pukekawa, Te Kohanga and Kaukapakapa. The officers appointed, conditionally, were: Mrs. Allen (Onewhero), president; Mrs. Bryan (Clevedon), Mr§. Lawson (Te Kohanga) and Mrs. Dyer (Onewhero), vice-presidents; Mrs. J. Naughton (Kaukapakapa) .Secretary and treasurer. The representative on the executive from Pukekawa has yet to bo chosen. Mrs. Walker, Morrinsville (Dominion vicepresident), in a short talk explained all the aims and purposes of n provincial executive and willingly offered her assistance should any difficulties arise in the newly-formed council. A hearty vote nf thanks was accorded her for her indness and for the interest she had ikeii in the matter.