W.D.F.U.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 190, 14 August 1941, Page 3

W.D.F.U.

FORDELL-MANGAMAHU BRANCH. A committee meeting was held in the A. and P. Association rooms on Friday, July 30. Miss Macdonald, president, was in the chair, others present being Mesdames J. Glasgow, R. Christie, J. Hunter, A. H. McLean, D. White, K. Aiken, L. Bruce, C. Woolven, L. Kellick, D. J. Beard, W. Wyley, H. R. Morgan, and G. Wells; Misses B. Wyley, M. Williams, M. Woolven, G. Henderson, and K. Morgan. Apologies were received, from Mesdames L. Campion, J. Polson, T. Melville and Miss S. Campion. The meeting opened with the Creed, and members then stood in sympathy with those who have suffered bereavement and those who are anxious at this time. The minutes were read and passed. Miss Macdonald reported that 17 parcels were sent to the Mayor's Appeal, and that £45 2s Id had been raised for the Patriotic Fund by a “shop day” held in Wanganui. A meeting was held at “Glenaladale,” the president’s home, when wool and material were given out to be made up for the Barnardo Babies’ Home, which has lost so much through air raids. Votes of thanks were passed to Miss McKenzie and Mrs. Lewis for donating a knitting bag and book respectively. The date of the birthday party was fixed for the last Thursday in August. Further business was dealt with and the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair.

RAETIHI BRANCH. The monthly meeting of the Raetihi branch of the W.D.F.U. was held in the Centennial meeting room, Mrs. Mitchinson presiding over a full attendance of members and several visitors, including Sister M. Tothill, who recently returned from the Middle East. The meeting opened with the “Creed” and a prayer for peace. It was decided to supply afternoon tea for the Dairy Co. annual meeting next week, and to assist with supper at the Y.F.C. dance. Mrs. Sandford lectured and demonstrated first aid treatment for electric shock. Of particular interest were several letters read by Mrs. H. Sommerville, received from Second-Lieut. E. L. Sommerville, on active service overseas, who described some of the many and varied experiences of the Crete campaign. The president, in introducing Sister Tothill, said how pleased she was to welcome her, and felt sure that everyone was looking forward to hearing a first-hand account of Miss Tothill’s travels and experiences. Miss Tothill said it gave her great pleasure to be present, and the went on to give a delightful resume of the trip to England with the 2nd Echelon. Then she took her listeners to Egypt, on to Palestine, and then to Greece. Miss Tothill spoke of the great kindness and hospitality shown to New Zealanders in Scotland and England, and of the enthusiastic welcome received in Greece. All thoroughly enjoyed, travelling step by step with Miss Tothill and there was prolonged applause at the conclusion of her delightful talk. Mrs. Mitchinson called for a very hearty vote of thanks to the speaker, and Mrs. Scarrow, senr.,: presented her with a posy. Competition winners were as fol- ! lows:—Best bloom, Mrs. Voelkerling;' knitted vest (to be given to Patriotic ; Guild), Mrs. Baird. Competition fori August: Best knitted Balaclava, wool I from Red Cross rooms. Afternoon tea' served by Orantoha and Valley Road members brought the meeting to a close. Hostesses for August: Pipiriki Road and Town members.