WOMEN’S DIVISION OF FARMERS’ UNION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 93, 23 April 1946, Page 2

WOMEN’S DIVISION OF FARMERS’ UNION

25TH ANNUAL MEETING IN WANGANUI

Mrs. A. McPhail presided over a good attendance at the annual meeting of the Wanganui (branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, held in the main lounge of the Y.M.-Y.W.C.A. The report and bal-ance-sheet were presented by the president and secretary, respectively. mAll stood in silence for members who had passed away since last meeting. Pleasure was expressed at the satisfactory result of an eye operation undertaken by a member, Mrs. G. Scott, and a letter of good wishes was forwarded to her in Wellington. The president outlined the plans made by headquarters to celebrate the 21st. birthday of the organisation, and the Di’ooosed purchase of a property in Wellington. It was stated that if each branch raised £lO (there are 587 branches) it would make it possible In. purchase a property for headquarters. It was agreed by members to donate £lO from the Wanganui branch to this purpose. Several members signified their intention of attending the celebrations in Wellington which will take place in July. Mrs. J. C. Wickham, who reported on the Rest Home committee meeting, took the chair for the election of officers and committee, which resulted as follows: President, Mrs. A. McPhail (re-elected): vice-presidents, Miss M. Polson. Mesdames J. C. Wickham, S. Scott, J. McDougal and W. Glasgow. Mrs. J. Gray was added to the list of honorary vice-presidents, who are Mesdames R. Lilburn and Carson and Miss F. Jordan. Secretary and treasurer, Miss Pratt; provincial delegates, Mrs. W. Glasgow, Mrs. J. McDougal and Miss Polson; advisory member. Mrs. R. V. Brown, who was also chosen as the delegate to conference; committee, Mesdames Berry, Butcher. Fossette. Lampitt, R. Mitchell. Sargeant. Summerell, A. Duncan, R. V. Brown, Misses G. Aiken. Fraser, Mitchell, Mackintosh and Sampson. Mrs. McPhail paid a warm tribute to Mrs. R. V. Brown and expressed deep regret at her decision to retire from the position of secretary, and presented her with a lovely cup and saucer in appreciation and in love and esteem from the branch. Mrs. Brown suitably replied.

Mrs. Wickham congratulated Mrs. McPhail on her excellent report, and she was presented with a bouquet by Miss Polson, from the committee. Mrs. McPhail thanked the tea conveners, hospital visitors and all who had helped the branch during the year and also expressed thanks for her re-elec-tion to the office of president. A W.D. song composed by Mrs. C. K. Wilson, a former Dominion president, was introduced at the meeting, Mi?. R. N. Wilson playing the music. Activities Reviewed. The annual report outlined the various activities during the past 12 months, and referred to the loyal work of members who knitted garments and sent foodstuffs overseas to ease the position of British and Allied friends in devastated areas, the report continues as follows: “The question of the local milk supply has caused us much concern and we have voiced our protest with other organisations desirous of preserving the right of choice in matte?s of food supplies. We entertained a large party’ of Polish refugee children from Pahiatua. Your president attended the Housewives’ Association

meeting called to discuss the bread question. Though we do not solicit outside support for our organisation, we have willingly assisted in the selling of health stamps, in the effort to collect for C.0.R.5.0., for the Y.W.C.A. and in the R.S.A. Poppy Day sales. Our hopes of increased assistance in the homes, as outlined in the Domestic Aid Scheme, have been disappointed, owing to the tardy enlistment of such helpers, despite the very high wages offered, and we are still faced with the problem of women on the land working long hours, without hope of any bettering of their position. The activities of town and city life, with shorter hours of work, higher rate of wages and general amenities and conditions of living, have left the busy country mothers in a very unenviable predicament, even theirwwn daughters frequently ‘ taking up workin factories and shops.

It is gratifying to note that our membership Is on the increase, due. in some cases, to the popularity of our Rest Home in Palmerston North, where women from all parts of the district find rest and enjoyment and so become aware of some of the philanthropic work of the “Division.” which they fittingly desire to support. Though new mebers are being added to our roll, it is with deep regret that we record the passing, since our last annual meeting, of two of our life members, Mrs. E. Anderson, and Mrs. D. L. Blythe, the latter having taken a warm interest in all our activities during her long membership, endearing herself to all by her kindliness and unaffected sincerity. Others, whose passing will leave a deep sense of loss, were Mrs. Collier. Mrs. Soundy. Mrs. F. Fantham and Miss Laird, to all of whose relatives lhe branch has extended fullest sympathy. The cessation of war has closed certain avenues of work for us, but a wider field is opening out to all women of vis : on and goodwill and we must give of our best' to establish peace in our own hearts, in our homes, in our organisations and in all relationships with our fellowmen so that never again can we be crushed and dominated bv the horrors of war. g ■ySJL? I JLIS’-CT