WOMEN’S DIVISION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 225, 22 September 1945, Page 2

WOMEN’S DIVISION

FORDELL—MANGAMAHU A committee meeting of the For-deil-Mangamahu branch of the W.D. F.U. was held in Wanganui on September 14, Miss Macdonald presiding. The birthday party had been held in Fordelf during August when there was a very good attendance of members, and visitors were welcomed from the Wanganui, Wangaehu and Raetihi branches. Greetings and best wishes were received from the Turakina branch and the Wellington South Provincial and the Okoia branch. A competition “An Early Photograph” was won by Miss K. Morgan. Sympathy was expressed with Mr. J Glasgow and Mr. R. Campion in their illness ana best wishes for thenspeedy recovery. A large quantity of clothing in excellent condition was handed in for U.N.R.R.A., Musical items were delightfully rendered by Mrs. Leo Campion and Mrs. B. Smith and a very happy afternoon closed with the singing of the National and N.Z. Anthems. Miss Macdonald read a most interesting ana comprehensive report on conference from Mrs. R. Christie, the delega.e who attended, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded her in her absence. Branch business was dealt with. The next meeting was arranged for the second Friday in October and the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chair.

THE UTIKU BRANCH Mrs. Becker presided over a large attendance of members at the meeting of the Utiku branch of the W.D. F.U. held on September 13, Several visitors were present including Mesdames Jackson, lan McColl and Newton. After the opening ceremony and welcome the president referred to the coming of peace and said she hoped it would be a lasting peace. She exp. essed sympathy with those who had lost lovca ones, and joy at the re-union of those whose loved ones had re urned. Final arrangements were made for the visit of Miss H. Johnson early in October. The sum of £1 Is is to be sent to the Leper Appeal. Mrs Becker thanked the secretary and treasured for their work. The housekeeping secretary reported that there were no engagements during the month. Mrs. Delvin repo: ted on the visits she and Mrs. Wilson had paid to the Public Hospital to distribute comforts to the patients, also to Mrs. Law ton in the maternity home. The gifts were provided by members. Mrs. Robertson gave a number of books and magazines for use ai- the hospital. A competition was won by Mesdames F. C. Buick and A. Wilson, fust equal. Much, enjoyed were the songs, “Song is Sweet” and “Mighty Like a Rose,” sung by Mrs. Gibbs. The president 1 hen introduced Mrs. lan McColl, an English bride, who gave an account of the grim time the people of England had during the blackout, and blitz and Hying bombs. One of the worst raids was when the enemy dropped basket, bombs which contained 700 or 800 bombs. The bank in which Mrs. McColl -worked was bombed and she was blown out of the front door. The speaker gave a description of life In the lube stations and shol'ers and of food rationing, anil said whatever parcels in food and clothing New I Zealanders can send to England, 11m | ’-eople would be most thankful. The ‘British people were fond of the New 1 Zealand servicemen and the Austra-

lians. Britain was proud of them for the wonderful job they had done. As a result of the talk, members offered to save dripping to be clarified, sealed and sent to England. Mrs. Hibberd thanked Mrs. McColl for her talk. Omatane members served a bounteous afternoon tea.