WOMEN’S DIVISION OF THE FARMERS’ UNION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20150, 19 May 1928, Page 4 (Supplement)

WOMEN’S DIVISION OF THE FARMERS’ UNION

NOTES OF THE WEEK Air and Airs L. Stewart (the latter being president of Ohingaitr Brunch) are leaving on a trip to -Australia. Airs •'Stewart hopes to be back in time tor the conference. Airs C. K. Wilson (president Pio Pio Branch) and her daughter, Airs Payne arc on a visit to Wanganui and are staying at Castleclilr. 'ilie women’s section of the Victorian Farmers’ Union lias now resolved itself into the women’s section of the Victorian County Party. The Gore Branch, of which Airs Henry Smith is president, has now its own visiting housekeeper —the pioneer of the movement in the South Island. The monthly meeting of the central committee of the Bush Nurses and Housekeepers’ Auxiliary will be held in Wanganui on We.dncsuay. May 23, at Alcssis. Silk, Haworth's board room, at 11 o’clock. The Dominion lion, secretary, Airs L* 11. Alacaipine, has reason to congratulate herself on the response to the questionnaire that she sent out. to all branches on their year's activities. Practically all the branches have replied, but those few whose replies arc yet to come in arc reminded that these must be sent in to headquarters by 1 lie I’aimerstoii North Branch is making great preparations lor their birthday party, which is to be held m Collinson and Cunningham’s rooms on Thursday, Aiay 24. invitations have been sent to all the neighbouring branches and a goodly muster of members is expected. At the monthly meeting of the Wanganui Branch, which was held in the victoria League rooms, Airs Wickham presided over a gathering of about 40 members. The usual monthly business was put through, some seven remits being forwarded for discussion at coni'crcncc. Business over, afternoon tea was served and a delightful programme folMrs Wickham and Aliss Bright, both spoke on interesting subjects, Aliss Bright making an especial plea to New Zealanders to collect and preserve all those things that were part of tne Alaori history of our land. Airs Leo Campion, as usual, delighted her listeners with her singing and as conference this year will be opened with Bracken's beautiful hymn, she also sang “God Defend New Zealand.'’ Airs Varney (Eastown) was warmly applauded for her musical monologue, which was followed by a recitation. The pianist was Aliss Greenwood, A.T.C-1.., a New Plymouth visitor. Alembers all said that a most delightful afternoon had been spent. WHAT CAN WE DO FOR THE GIRLS’ DIVISION? One li .’ars \ ery little nowadays abou the Girls’ Division of the Farmers’ Union. They are there filling .n the gaps, but we of the older Division are somewhat apt to take their help and co-operation for granted and to o\erlook the face that the girls of today are the potential leaoers of tomorrow. It is to them we must loon to carry on the work of our organisation and to that end they must have their own branches and run tlieir own meetings in order to enlist their sympathies and stimulate the interest ot our girls. These junior branches must ba formed. ft should not be dillicuit. The senior brunch could put on a membership drive among the young people; iet them choose sides anu tne losing side to suppiy a dinner, a luncheon, «i concert or any other lorm of amusement for Hie winners. L'u increase their interest the mother brunch mignt offer a prize to the junior wno secured the higuest nuinoer of members. Above ad, our young people must be cnuouiagetT’to taice up their snare in anv of me programmes the branch, may pul up. Experience and enthusiasm spell success. On every committee tncre should be at least one of the juniors to co-opeiate with the senior members in tlie*r work. 4or the mattui of that one of the junior members might act very well as assistant societal v or'press representative. But tne greatest factor when uno comes to evoking the interest of our girls, is to give mein something definite to woxk tor —such raising iunus tor the book club, supplying games for the school, sending hospitals flowers aui fruit, sewing sheets and pillows lot the children s ward a. the hospital, making scrap books, Christinas stochin°s for back-block children, coire--ponding with the junior members in the other branches, holding plays, picnics, flower shows, concerts and dance-*. If it is singing let them get up a glee club and encourage community singing, and induce old and voung io take part. Let. them organise their games such as basket-ball, tennis, hockey and swimming matches. Let our young members realise that they too have a certain -esponsibility. .1 hat it is up to them to do their best t’J make home and the farm—country life generally —more attractive.