WOMEN’S DIVISION NOTES

Taranaki Daily News, 13 January 1932, Page 11

WOMEN’S DIVISION NOTES

THE SOUTH ISLAND BRANCHES. GREAT ACTIVITY DISPLAYED. (Contributed.) The report of the annual conference held in Wellington, the placing of boys on farm homes, the fostering of the wool industry, and the establishment of rest homes for farmers’ wives formed the subject of some discussion at. a meeting of the Christchurch branch. Mrs. J. Dryden Hall presided. “The conference should .result in much good,” was the president’s verdict. ! She dealt with' the various matters discussed in Wellington, and drew attention to the very successful results obtained through a display of goods all home-made from New 'Zealand wool. -Some of these were of very high quality. "As the art .of spinning grows many country women ■will be weaving their own clothes,” she declared. Mrs. H. -G. Denham, Christchurch delegate, gave her general impression of the conference, stressing the wonderful work that was being done by women in all spheres of life. High or low, rich or poor, all pub their hearts into the work of the division, which was daily ■ broadening its outlook, and its sphere of labour. At a meeting of the Otautau branch Mrs. Evans (president) took the opportunity to ■welcome Mrs. R. Sheddan ■back to the meetings after her long illness. An invitation was received from Invercargill branch to the fifth birthday, a good number indicating their intention of being present. An interesting and instructive demonstration of “icing cakes” was given by Miss Gill (Winton), members appreciating it to the full. Mrs. 'Smith, (president of the Winton branch) conveyed the greetings of that branch and congratulated the Otautau" branch on the progress made.

The president .(Mrs. R. B. Meek) reported to a recent meeting of the Oamaru branch that a fair sum had been realised from the stall at tne show, which would be sent on later, to the community chest fund. guessing competition for a cake given' 'by Mrs. Marshall was very popular at the show. A beautiful specimen of petit point work was exhibited by Mrs. Barr, Reidston, 'and was much admired. Members of the Timaru branch paid a visit to the Technical College before the end of the year. They were met by the principal (Mr. F. L. N. Tuck) and conducted to the various rooms. Great-admiration was expressed on all sides at the high standard of the work shown. Morning tea was served to the visitors, after which Mrs. Evans (president) thanked the management and asked the chairman to accept a donation to the prize fund from the members. The monthly meeting of the branch was held the same afternoon. It is pleasing to note that retired farmers wives are linking up to help those now bearing the burden on the land. Headquarters wrote asking for an opinion regarding the proposed rest homo for country women. The general opinion was that an expensive place was out of the question, both for building and staffing. During the meeting an urgent call for a housekeeper to be sent to a country home where there was sickness was received. Within an hour a housekeeper was procured. This is an instance of the work the Women’s Division is doing. Mrs. Nolan, Geraldine, demonstrated the making of a wool quilt. .She told how to wash the wool, which was crutehings, and how then to proceed. With a sateen covering of the best quality the whole cost of thia quilt (which was considered as warm as two pairs of blankets) amounted to fl Os 7d. The making of a mattress was than described. Mrs. Bruce and Mrs. Crone demonstrated weaving, which is most fascinating work for anyone wishing to learn. The branch accorded a very hearty vote of thanks to these ladies of the Geraldine division. A branch has been formed at (Pleasant Point. Mrs. Ley is president, Mrs. Gordon Campbell secretary and Miss Maze treasurer.

At the last meeting of tho Tiraa.ru branch. Mrs. R. Stcuart gave a delightful address on books and reading, and dealt widely with the people of Denmark. She told how they had grown from a poverty-stricken race, to a place among leading agriculturists of the world. This result was attained by reading and study. All aspired to being well versed in questions pertaining to agriculture. From this the speaker led on to the Anne books. Mrs, Stcuart remarked that she was sure that these would in time become “classics,” and she read a most interesting chapter from Anne of Avenlea. Charles Lamb was discussed and. “Dream Child-

ren” was read by the speaker. Mrs. •Stcuart ended Imr address by naming hooka well worth reading,