WOMEN’S DIVISION

Waikato Independent, Volume XLII, Issue 4003, 18 May 1942, Page 2

WOMEN’S DIVISION

PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE MEETS

“ KEEP THE FLAG FLYING ”

In the course of her report to the annual meeting of the South Auckland provincial Executive of the W.D.fD. held at Te Awamutu, Mrs W. G. Neill expressed regret that, owing to war conditions and benzine restrictions, it has been impossible to visit branches as she should have liked, realising how important and helpful provincial visits are.

From reports received, however, she continued, every branch is doing an important job in its own district, and the piles of wool spun and knitted by individuals as weli as branches, make a big total for our soldiers and men of the merchant service.

The school for officers which we had hoped to hold, had to be abandoned, but we still hope to arrange for that later, and so help to encourage members to take and hold office more efficiently in their branches. The winter school, under the Council of Adult Education, proposed to be held in Hamilton in May, has also had to be abandoned for the present. The adult education field days held in October were worth while, especially in the outlying districts, and many of our branches are anxious to have Mrs Johnson again.

Arrangements have been made for field days, by Miss CocksJohnston, to be held in several centres this month (including'Cambridge), and it is hoped to extend this work when travelling facilities permit. Mrs Neiil appealed to branches to keep the flag flying. “There is a big job ahead of us all in the days to come, and the strength of the country women as a united body must carry some weight, if rightly used, in the reconstruction that peace will bring,’.’ she said. Housekeeping Scheme Mrs F. Rybujrn reported on the work o£ the housekeeping scheme —SB engagements were filled in this executive, 38 for members and 20 for non-members. “ Many letters have been received expressing appreciation of the service our scheme renders,” she said, “and I wish to pay tribute to the excellent work of the housekeepers. Their lot is not always an easy one, but I have found in most cases they have done their best in difficult circumstances. It would be impossible to please everyone, but the spirit of co-opera-tion is splendid.”

The election of officers resulted:— President, Mrs Neill (reelected); secretary and treasurer, Mrs J. McWhannell; housekeeping secretary, Mrs F. Ryburn; vice-pre-sicfe,nts, Miss Jamieson and Mrs Clements; comrdSttee— Mesdames Jenkinson. Kirkham, and Rumbles; ’Advisory Committee, Mesdames Kay and Ray.