TAIHAPE W.D.F.U.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 39, 17 February 1943, Page 1

TAIHAPE W.D.F.U.

NORTHERN WELLINGTON PROVINCIAL (0.C.) Taihape, Feb. 15. The first meeting for the New Year of the Northern Vvellington Provincial took place on Saturday in the W.D. rooms.

The president, Mrs. Howie, expressed pleasure in welcoming such a representative gathering and voiced the hope that all had come prepared to take up the New Year's work with renewed vigour.

Routine business occupied most ot the morning session. It was decided to hold the provincial shop-day on Saturday, March 6, to augment the general fund. Two very interesting and informative articles from the Associated Countrywomen's Magazine were read, one relating to the Swedish co-opera-tive housing scheme and the other to European agriculture. The following reports were read:—•

Mrs. Bicknell, woollen secretary, stated that she had plenty of navy wool available to knitters. Twenty articles had already been received from branches and homespun garments had also been sent in, one from wool spun by Mrs. Weekes. Mrs. Dobson reported a successful demonstration by the Spinning Circle in December for the purpose of soliciting fleeces for their work. This had met with a generous response. 20 fleeces being donated that day in addition to a sack and a-half of black wool. More fleeces have since been received. This wool is to be spun and knitted up for the merchant r.: /y. Arrangements are being made for the distribution of wool, and members are invited to apply for raw wool to spin or spun wool to knit into comforts. Patterns and quantities are provided. The Taihape Spinning Circle will meet at 10 a.m. every second Saturday of each month, and the fourth Wednesday in the afternoon. Intending members are requested to. apply to Mrs. Dobson. Ohakune, who have their own spinning circle, are sending their articles direct to Wellington to save handling. The housekeeper secretary, Mrs. Hebberd, reported that the housekeeper had filled eight engagements in Koeke, Utiku, Ohakune, Taroa and Taihape branches. The dressmaker had filled seven engagements and was now in Taihane. Particulars of the rules to be observed in applying for Mothers’ Help were given by Mrs. Hebberd and it is gratifying to learn that a trainee from Flock House has come into the nrovincial. Mrs. D. G Gordon, treasurer, gave a comprehensive statement of the provincial’s financial position to date, which proved very satisfactory. The provincial hospital visitoi'S. Mrs. Muir and Mrs. Dobson, representing the Taihape branch, reported on their visits to the hospital with Christmas cheer and the apnreciation of patients of the snirlt of the W.D. behind the gifts. There were 40 patients and each received a gift. A very welcome addition to gifts for the childrens ward was a number of very attractive picture books. A vote of thanks wao nassed to Mrs. Palmer for this donation. The books were mad- and hound by her pupils of the Kaitieke School. Branch Reports. Presidents of the various branches reported their activities for the past three months. Koeke had held their first meeting in January and are keen spinners and knitters. Fleeces had been donated and sea-boot stockings knitted. Junioi members were interested in papier mache and were making camouflage nets. Jam had been sent in for the hospital visitor. Utiku had sent in knitted garments and Tiriraukawa was particularly interested in spinning and knitting. Most of their articles are being sent to men known personally to members. Toaroa reported a successful shop day and jam had been sent in for the hospital visitor. The placing of the Spinning Circle on a sound basis was discussed and a strong committee was formed, Mesdames Murdock. Dobson and Bicknell, with Mesdames Jensen and Weekes to co-operate. Mrs. J. Duncan has very generously donated a spinning machine. This will be kent in the W.D. rooms and is available for use by any members anxious to learn the art of spinning. At the conclusion of the meeting afternoon tea was served when members met socially.