WOMEN’S DIVISION

Taranaki Daily News, 21 October 1933, Page 7 (Supplement)

WOMEN’S DIVISION

Okato: At the monthly meeting of the Okato branch in the absence of Mrs. Corbett the chair was taken by Mrs. H. Beale. Votes of sympathy were accorded Mrs. V. Hickford and Mrs. J. S. Fox. A welcome was extended to Mrs. Hughes. It was decided to arrange a fancy dress Christmas dance for children. A motor wedding competition, for which a prize was donated by Mrs. T. E. Larking, was won by Mrs. Beale. Mrs. A. O. Penwarder demonstrated the making of old felt hats into cushions, afterwards donating a cushion to the branch. Mrs. Larking and Miss Ashley were hostesses. Mr. B. Penwarden was the winner of the cushion competiton. On Saturday evening a well attended euchre party was held. Mesdames Edwards, J. Carey and McCarthy divided first prize for ladies, Mrs. Knight gaining the consolation. The men’s section ended similarly, Rangi, J. J. Carey and Bert Andrews being equal. Rangi won the play-off. Messrs. R. F. Roebuck and E. Carey were .the consolation winners.

Urenui: There was a very large attendance in the Urenui hall on Monday afternoon when the branch held its third birthday party. Visitors were present from the New Plymouth, Lepperton, Uruti and Okoke branches. Mrs. J. F. Phillips, president of the branch, welcomed the visitors, and Mesdames McPhillips. (New. Plymouth), Wellington (Lepperton), Johnson (Uruti) and Hargraves (Okoke) each wished the branch success. Songs were sung by Mrs. W. J. Pigott, and pianoforte solos were played by Miss D. Newton. An amusing dialogue entitled “A Women’s Meeting” was very much enjoyed. Those taking part were Mesdames A. J. Halcombe, A. Strachan and Miss J. Anderson, J. Riddle and D. and A. Newton. The birthday cake, which had been made by Mrs. J. F. Phillips and decorated by Mrs. Reg Weeden, was greatly admired. Mrs. Phillips received a bouquet presented by Ruth Vaughan, and in appreciation of her services as president the members of the branch presented Mrs. Phillips with a fountain pen to commemorate her third year of office. Mokoia-Whakamara: The monthly meeting of the Mokoia-Whakamara branch was held at the residence of Mrs. H. R. Scott, Whakamara, where an enjoyable day was spent. A display of sugar-bag work was shown, Mrs. S. Buckrell’s mat gaining first prize by vote. An exchange of vegetable and flower plants proved satisfactory. Afternoon tea was served by the hostess (Mrs. H. R. Scott) and afterwards a pleasant time was spent inspecting the beautiful gardens and native bush. Lowgarth: The monthly meeting of the Lowgarth branch was held on Thursday afternoon, when the president (Mrs. A, A. Piper) presided over an attendance of 23 members. A new member, Mrs. W. Jane, was welcomed. Among the correspondence was an invitation from the Stratford branch to attend its sixth birthday party on November 7. Some members wished to avail themselves of the invitation. During the afternoon Mrs. P. Henry, Duthie Road, Matapu, accompanied by Mrs. Sharp, visited the branch and explained the rudiments of tatting. Mrs. Henry exhibited specimens of the craft, which were much admired by those present. At the close of the meeting the visitors were thanked. A coconut ice competition judged by Mrs. Henry resulted in a win for Miss Iris Babington, with Miss Beryl Babington second, and Miss Ruth Hall third. Afternoon tea was served by Mrs. J. Kilbride and Miss Marjorie Jones. Oakura: At the monthly meeting of the Oakura branch Mrs. Harris presided over a fair attendance. A message from the Dominion president, Mrs. Ward, was read. The report from the bush nurse and housekeeper auxiliary showed that much had been done, since June to relieve distress, 130 engagements having been filled by housekeepers, as well as a few others taken by casual and probationer housekeepers, and one or two by maternity nurses. The community chest fund had been drawn upon to a fair extent. The branch discussed the question of raising the customary annual donation for this purpose. Articles for competition made for the smallest expense and presenting the most attractive appearance were judged by Mrs. . J. Marsh, and Mrs. S. O. Jones, a visitor from New Plymouth, the prize going to Mrs. McGregor, with Mrs. H. Corbett receiving a special mention. Members felt there was reason for great satisfaction at the response,made by the settlers to the efforts of the Y.W.-Y.M.C.A. staff in New Plymouth, to organise branches of their association in Oakura. While the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union had nothing to do with the present activities as a body it was through the action of its members that the Y.W.-Y.M. was introduced to the settlers, and the initial steps taken in this important and popular work. The question of trying to enrol more members in the branch was fully discussed, and suggestions were made. It was decided to assist the Institute for the Blind again this year. Subjects discussed were the making of wool mattresses and quilts, best ways of cooking rice, and meringue. Mrs. Harris outlined the plan for the projected women’s exchange which the provincial executive proposes to open in New Plymouth for the sale of country womens work and produce. Kapuni:. The final flag five hundred evening was attended by over 80 persons, and an enjoyable evening resulted. The winners were Messrs. R. Ham and M. Whalen and Misses M. Wheeler and R. Cossey. Dance music was played after supper by Mr. M. Whalen, and novelty dances were won as follows: Monte Carlo, Mr. H. Collins and Miss A. Castle; statue, Mr. A. Smith and Miss E. Luscombe.

Otakeho: The monthly meeting was held last Friday, Mrs. F. le Fleming presided over a very large attendance. Mrs, Walters, Manaia, gave an interesting demonstration on the making of wax flowers. The competition for the most useful article made from a flour bag was won by Miss White, with Mrs. Julian second. Some good work was shown and the judge had difficulty in making a decision. Hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames Simpson, Mitchell, Pettigrew, Julian, Burke.