WOMEN’S DIVISION, N.Z.F.U.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 112, 15 May 1941, Page 8

WOMEN’S DIVISION, N.Z.F.U.

WELLINGTON CENTRAL PROVINCIAL ANNUAL MEETING (0.C.) Marton, May 13. There was an attendance of 70 members at the annual meeting of the Wellington Central Provincial of the Women's Division of the Farmers’ Union, held in Marton to-day. Branches represented were Bonny Glen, South Makirikiri, Feilding, Halcombe, Huntervile, Kimbolton, Kiwitea. Marton, Mangaweka, Palmerston North. Rata. Putorino, Rongotea, Taihape. Turakina, Tutaenui and Utiku. The ehpir was occupied by Mrs J. A. Harris (Turakina).

The annual report read inter alia:— “Your committee has met regularly to discuss provincial affairs. Last meeting was held at Taihape, when it was decided that in the best interest ol our members that a Northern Provincial be formed. We will, at our future meetings, miss our faithful delegates and staunch friends who on so many occasions faced bad weather and roads to fulfil their duties. To them and all members we extend our sincere good wishes. “We were delighted to welcome Mrs. Duncan Simpson back to New Zealand. In October she gave a most interesting talk on England as she saw it. Two other interesting addresses were given, one by Mr. A. Strawbridge on “Poultry. Egg Production and Marketing” and in February the meeting was held in Feilding, when Mr. Somerset spoke on “What Democracy Means.” We all left the meeting feeling what a privilege it was to be able to think and act for ourselves. “It brought to my mind J. B. Priestley’s remarks: 'Don't regard this war as a terrible interruption. Don’t imagine that you will ever return to the time before the war started. Think forward, not backward. This war is an opportunity, not merely to defeat Hitler, but to begin organising the kind of world that will make Hitlers impossible.’ "In conclusion I wish to thank you all for your loyal support. I also wish to thank my committee, branch officers, the Press, and we cannot forget branches and members who so generously entertained us at our quarterly meetings.”

The treasurer’s report was read by Mrs. L. M. Millard as Mrs. W. Howell was indisposed. It disclosed that the credit balance stood at £134 7s sd. A loss of £3 14s was made on the year’s working.

The Housekeeping secretary, Mrs. V. F. Field (Palmerston North), said there had been 103 applications for housekeepers and 96 application forms sent in. Ninety-five homes were supplied with housekeepers, 70 of the applicants being members of the W. and 25 non-members. From information obtained from the application forms the reasons for application were given as follows: Maternity cases 37. illness of the mother 31, to help over busy period 6, to relieve permanent help 2. to enable mother to go for rest and holiday, 4 The total number actually served by the housekeepers amounted to 474 persons.

The deficit on the year’s working, of £2 4s was due to increased costs. Miss Mathieson, hospital visitor, said her duties at the Palmerston North hospital had increased because of the number of soldiers admitted. Patients she visited, came from all parts of the world. Various comforts had been supplied. Other reports were presented by Mrs. J. A. Harris (National Council of Women), Mrs. W. F. Field (Dominion Rest Home’- and Miss Aidworth (Huntervine junior branch). Election ot Oftieers. The following officers were elected: —President, Mrs. J. A. Harris (Turaknia); vice-president, Mesdames F.i Howie (Taihape), J. D. Lilburn (Pukeroa), W. Davis (Rongotea) and G. G. Oliver (Marton); secretary, Mrs. L. M. Millard (Bainesse); treasurer, Mrs. A. B. Jennings (Palmerston North ); housekeeping secretary. Mrs. W. F. Field (Palmerston North); advisory board workers, Mrs. W. F. Stevens (Marton), Mrs. D. Buchanan (Tiak’tahuna): National Council of Women; Mrs. J. A. Harris, Mrs. W. F. Field, Misses M. Mathieson (Palmerston North) and Fullerton-Smith (Marton); delegates to conference; Mesdames Field, Duncan Simpson, L. Hillberd (Utiku). F. Howie, L. M. Millard and J. A. Harris.

A letter is to be forwarded to Mrs. F. Howell (Palmerston North), wishing her a speedy recovery to health. Mrs. Howell for the past 14 years has acted as treasurer of the provincial. It was decided to revert to the old system of holding quarterly meetings in various parts of the province instead of always at, Marton.