NORTHERN PROVINCIAL FAVOURED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 111, 14 May 1941, Page 4

NORTHERN PROVINCIAL FAVOURED

W.D.F.U. ACTIVITIES WELLINGTON CENTRAL MEETING (0.C.) Marton. May 13 A report that six branches were in favour of forming a northern provincial and four were against the proposal was presented by the secretary Mrs. L. M. Millard, at the quartet , meeting of the Wellington Central Provincial of the Women's Division ol the Farmers' Union in Marlon, today. Those branches in favour wcrTiriruakawa. Tairoa. Rangw-ih;-. Utiku. Taihape and Koeke. Against were Pukeroa. Apiti, Ohingaiti an Kimbolton-Ki wi tea.

Mrs. J. A. Harris, who presided said that last month a meeting v.acallcd in Taihape to consider the problem as submitted by the Dominion executive. It was considered that because of the present circuit! stances brought about by th" war and the necessity to create interest in th" Taihape district, the formation of a northern provincial was desirable. 1’ was realised that the Central Proviocial would he weakened. It was decided to circularise branches concerned and obtain their views and th. replies thus showed a desire to form a new provincial. Mrs. L. Hibberd said the small branches in the Taihape district were clamouring for information on W.D.F.U. work. They wanted stimulous and felt this could be obtained by the formation of a northern provincial.

Miss Mathieson and Mrs. W. F Field spoke in favour of the proposal. » Taihape was directed as to the procedure to follow with the formation of this provincial. The meeting opened with the singing of “God Defend New Zealand.” followed by a prayer for peace. Mrs, Harris extended a welcome to all members and hoped their deliberations would be profitable. The meeting stood in silence a.s a mark of respect for those who had suffered bereavement during the year, and those who were ill. The names of Mrs. J. Polson and Mrs. C. K Wilson, former presidents of th' Dominion Council, were mentioned among those ill. The Koeke junior branch was granted permission to merge with the senior branch. “That headquarters refrain from imposing any further demands upon branches for the purpose of maintaining the Dominion Rest Home, at Palmerston North, as it is a hardship on the branches,” a remit to conference from the North King Country Provincial Executive, was strongly opproved by members. Mrs. W. Field said the Rest Home at present was full. The garden party raised £156 for the home. Mrs. Harris said the home was in a very satisfactory state and it would be deplorable if it was not supported by the W.D.F.U. The charge of Is per member was voluntary, not com-

pulsory. Criticism of the fact that there was not sufficient timber for making cheese crates because the timber was being made into crates to send beer overseas to the soldiers, was made by Mrs. J. A. Harris. She thought such a state of affairs most unsatisfactory.