W.D.F.F.

Wanganui Chronicle, 21 September 1950, Page 9

W.D.F.F.

WANGANUI BRANCH. Mrs R. V. Brown, president, occupied the chair at the monthly meeting of the Wanganui branch of the Women's Division of Federated Farmers. hold yesterday afternoon in ihe Y.M.C.A. lounge. The president welcomed a good attendance of members. Reference was made to the passing of Mrs Ida Cameron, of Castlecliff, one of the early members of Ihe division. All stood in silence as a mark of respect. Congratulations were extended to Mrs J. McDougal, whose grandson, Mr H. Rhodes, of Rata, was recently invested with the D.S.C. and bar. Two new members were welcomed. It was reported that Mrs. R. Lilb’4 n, who was taken ill while visiting Australia, was improving in health. As next year will be the 25th. anniversary of the formation of the Wanganui branch of the organisation, and as much of the early work of the W.D. was carried out here, it was suggested that a record be compiled for the occasion and that a committee be formed for that purpose. After discussion it was decided to wait until Mrs. Lilburn (a foundation officer) returns before forming the committee. It was announced that £5 had been donated to the U.N. Children's Fund. Several members volunteered to help with the sales of Health Stamps in November. Mrs T. J. Smith reported on a meeting of the Residential Nursery, and said the house had been full. Songs by Mrs lan Clinkard, of Wellington, accompanied by Mrs C. H. Clinkard were appreciated. The artists were presented with flowc-TS. Mrs R. V. Brown and Mrs J. C. Wickham reported on a meeting they had attended at the W.D. rest home in Palmerston North. Impressions of her recent visit to Norfolk Island was the subject of a talk given by Mrs F. F. Stapleton. She gave a history of the island tod of the mutiny of the Bounty and tOId of the survivors left on Pitcairn Island, who, years later, were taken to Norfolk Island. She described the grim prison buildings of the early 1780’s which were closed in 1814. The settlement was reopened 11 years later when the worst criminals were sent there. Alany tried to escape but failed. The speaker said she wondered why they did not get rid of the settlement, but it was considered an asset for tourists, who were told the lurid stories of happenings there. Mrs. Stapleton described the various kinds of hibiscus, the scenery which is beautiful, told of the customs and accomplishments of the islanders. Mrs Stapleton was thanked for her talk and presented with a bouquet.