Women’s Division

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 June 1948, Page 7

Women’s Division

Wangaehu Branch.— Mrs. Hawker presided over a good attendance of members at the June meeting of the Wangaehu branch of the Women’s Division of the Federated Farmers. A new member, Mrs Downes, was welcomed, and after the repetition of the Creed the usual routine business was proceeded with. Thanks were expressed for donations of vegetables by members to the Town and Country Residential Nursery. A kind gesture by Mrs McNaught, who offered to pot asparagus terns for members as a means or raising funds was much appreciated. A committee was formed to meet the Federated Farmers to discuss the plans for the combined dance which it is proposed to* ho.ci. Members were reminded that the July meeting Would be a “parcel packing ’ afternoon and that in conjunction with this meeting a “bring and buy” staff would be held to liaise funds for the branch. This concluded the business part of the meeting. Mrs. Hawker then had a pleasant duty to perform on behalf of members when the past president, Mrs. Frederick, and former secretary, Mrs. Bartrum, were presented with loveiy bouquets of spring flowers, Mrs. Frederick also receiving a fountain pen as a small tribute from members in recognition of the fine work she had done for the branch in her capacity of president. Warm tributes were paid both Mrs. Frederick and Mrs. Bartrum by Mrs. Hawker, and Mrs Bartrum added her words of praise, stressing the pleasant relationship that had existed between herself and Mrs. Frederick during the former’s term as secretary. Members were then given a very interesting talk on the preserving of fruit by Miss Baker, who had brought along a specimen bottle of her own preserves, Mrs Hawker adding a few remarks on the preserving of peas and Indian corn. This was followed by a demonstration in the art of dehydrating peas and beans. Mrs. Frederick brought her dehydrator and told of her method of drying peas and beans, showing members samples of the finished products. Great interest was shown in this demonstration, most of the members seeing this process for the first time. A very pleasant and profitable afternoon was brought to a close by an enjoyable afternoon tea served by Mesdames Fleming arid Fisher.

Taihape Birthday Party.—A most enjoyable afternoon was spent recently in the Fighting Forces Club, when the Taihape branch of the Women’s Division celebrated its 21st birthday. Some 200 guests were present, including members from Ohakune, Mangaweka, and the local branches. Also among those present were his Worship the Mayor, Mr. E. Loader, and a number of members of the Farmers’ Federation. After welcoming the guests the president, Mrs. M. Jensen, gave a brief history of the Women’s Division since its inception in Taihape. These activites including the hous’ekeepng scheme, assistance given to the establishment and upkeep of the W.D- Rest Homes, hospital visiting, thte exchange shop which functioned during the slump years and the philanthropic work done through that period. During the war years all efforts were concen/rated on patriotic work. Making comforts for the Merchant Navy was one of the main schemes adopted. The Spinning Circle played a big part in this work by spinning fleece wool which was donated by farmers of the district. The many parcels of homespun garments sent for “Those in Peril on the Sea” was a great credit to the organisation. Contributing to cost of a Spitfire plane that was donated by all branches of the W.D., Aid to Britain, and other kindred appeals, and the still continued sending of food parcels to Britain was some of the outstanding work mentioned, Reference was made to the part played by the W.D. in helping to establish the Centennial Plunket and Rest Rooms in Taihape. In 1930 a fund was started to build a much needed Ladies’ Rest Room. Efforts for a period of over 10 years were rewarded, when in 1940 the present handsome building was erected. Mrs. D- Broome, honorary secretary of the Taihape branch, then read the minutes of the inaugural meeting held in June, 1927. A number of apologies and congratulatory telegrams were also read. The highlight of the afternoon was the beautiful birthday cake, with its appropriate decorations, the cutting of which provided a pretty little ceremony. The 21 candles were lit by the foundation members present, namely Mesdames A. W. Bicknell, H. Belk, A Adlam, M. Jensen, and W. Doole, the four former ladies mentioned having served on the committee for 21 years. The candles were blown out by the past presidents, Mesdames Bicknell, F. Howie, A. Adlam, J- Williams, Laidlay, and M. Jensen. Mrs. Kirkham, president of Northern Wellington Provincial, Mrs. Howie, honorary life member, and Mrs. D. Gordon, former provincial president, took part in this ceremony. Shoulder sprays were presented to all the ladies mentioned and reference made to their untiring work for the division over a long period of years. The cake was cut by Mrs. A W. Bicknell, first president of the branch. Congratulations to Taihape branch >on attaining its 21st anniversary were extended by his Worship the Mayor, Mr. A. Micklpsen (president of the Farmers Federation), Mr. D Gordon, former F.F. president, Mrs. Kirkham, president of North Wellington Provincial, Mrs. Reid, for Ohakune, Mrs. M. Durrant, for Taoroa, Mrs. Hebberd, for Utiku, Mrs, Pairman, for Wellington Central Provincial, and representatives from Koeke and Tiriraukawa branches. A delightful musical programme then followed. Items were rendered by Misses E., 8., and R. Addis, instrumental trio; and songs by Miss F. Howie, Mrs. Dalrymple, and Mr. R Mcßae. Accompaniments were played by Mrs. C. Stewart and Miss F. Howie. The story of the 21st birthday written by Mrs. D. Gordon, with adjectives supplied by the audience, caused much amusement. The guests were welcomed, on arrival by Mrs. R. J. Gibbs and Mrs. C Anderson. Ladies of the Taihape branch added greatly to the success of the afternoon by preparing and serving a most enjoyable afternoon tea.