WOMEN’S DIVISION OF FEDERATED FARMERS

Wanganui Chronicle, 19 September 1946, Page 9

WOMEN’S DIVISION OF FEDERATED FARMERS

WANGANUI BRANCH’S 20th BIRTHDAY.

The twentieth birthday of the Wanganui branch of the Women’s Division of the N.Z. Federated Farmers was celebrated in happy fashion yesterday afternoon, when a large number of members and visitors assembled in Dustin’s Reception Room. The president, Mrs. A. McPhail, presided and extended a warm welcome to all present, especially guests from other organisations, presidents and representatives from W.D. branches in the district, visitors from Marton, also Mrs. N. Mackintosh, of Southland, Dominion vice-president of the W.D.F.F., who had come from Marton, where she is at present staying, to be present at the gathering. After the opening ceremony the president said that at. birthday parties they liked to revive a little of the history of the W.D. and also have a little candle lighting ceremony by their branch in remembrance of the good workers for the branch who had passed. The branch always likes to remember the late Mrs. W. J. Polson, and this year other candles were lit in remembrance of Mrs. D. L. Blyth and Mrs. E. Anderson, foundation members who had passed away. Members stood in silence as a mark of remembranc».. The Women’s Division’s own song was sung by the members. Several apologies and letters of greeting and good wishes were received- Mrs. McPhail, who gave a brief outline of the aims and objects of the W.D. and read the Creed, said she was exceedingly sorry the visit of the GovernorGeneral and Lady Freyberg and the W.D. birthday meeting were on the same day. It was quite unforeseen, and as arrangements had been made for some time, it had been difficult to alter them.

Mrs. Mackintosh, who conveyed greetings from headquarters, gave a short talk on the work and activities of the W.D. and the Rest Homes. She said she was pleased to meet old and valued friends she had met at conferences, and referred to her many years’ friendship with Mrs Wickham and her work for the W.D. In speaking of (he spirit of co-operation in the W.D.F.F., Mrs. Mackintosh urged women to take more interest in the Pan-Pacific Women’s Association and international organisations. Women can, and will, do much towards the peace of the world, she added. Mr. A. P. Melville congratulated the branch on its large attendance and spoke of the work being done by the division, of which the Federated Farmers were deeply appreciative. Recitations by Mrs. Pengelly and a pianoforte solo by Mrs. W. E. Fossettc were much appreciated. They were presented with sprays. Also honoured were Mrs. Mackintosh, Mrs. S. Scott, Mrs. Wickham, Mrs. Carson, Mrs. J. McDougal. Mi's. V. R. B own, past secretary, Miss M. E. Pratt, present secreThn president paid a tribute to the conveners, past and present, of Ihe committee who visit the sick in hospital. They were Miss M. Fraser. Miss Jordan, who were unable to be present and will have flowers sent to them, and Mrs. Kenneth Cave, who was the recipient of a spray. The bi'thday cake was the gift of Mrs W. Glasgow, vice-president of the Wanganui branch. Great interest was taken in the display of home-made and other toys for the children of Greece. A prize of £1 1s was given by the Provincial W.D to the branch sending in the best collection of home-made toys. The judging was by popular vote, Ok'-ia branch being the winner. It was de-

elded Io give an individual prize to Maureen McLeod, of Mangamahu, for her beautifully made toy horse. The candle lighting ceremony was no formed by past presidents of the Wanganui branch, ren’ esentatives of district branches and several visitors. The cakr was rut by Mrs. McPhail and Mr. Melville.