WOMEN’S DIVISION

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 116, 11 May 1932, Page 2

WOMEN’S DIVISION

Waipukurau Branch ANNUAL REPORTS SUBMITTED BY SECRETARY AND PRESIDENT At the annual meeting of the Women's Division of the Farmers’ Union yesterday, the secretary (Miss Beachen) submitted the following report: —

The membership of the branch is now 70, as against 75 last year. Seven members have resigned and one has left the district. Three new members have been enrolled.

During the past year a considerable amount of relief work has been done. During the month of August an emergency relief committee was formed on which the branch is represented by the president, one vice-president and the secretary. On June 3rd a grant of £lO was sent by Dominion Headquarters, this money being expended on material for making garments to assist necessitous cases in the earthquake area. The work was allotted to three groups in different districts to form sewing circles. This proved very satisfactory and the garments were distributed to needy families. An addi tional £.lO was later forwarded, some of which was expended on footwear. The Ruataniwha members also formed themselves into a knitting circle, a grant of 14s being made for wool to knit into garments under the supervision of Mrs Kerr. The hospital patients from the earthquake area also received warm garments and several very grate-

ful letters have been received from families assisted in this way. Several donations of money and clothing have

also been received from members and friends. On December 23rd a further grant of £8 was forwarded from Dominion Headquarters to supply poor families with Christmas cheer. Twentyone parcels were sent to patients in the public hospital, from whom a. most grateful letter of thanks was received. Throe needy families were assisted in Waipukurau and six others in Waipawa. The branch also assisted in the Mayor’s relief committee in the dis-

tribution of goods to over SO families • m the borough of Waipukurau, the , branch being represented by three ! members.

| During shopping week held at Waipukurau from November 10 to 14th a Buy More Wool campaign was organised by the branch. The display of ;■ woollen goods proved most satisfactory 1 over 50 entries being received. Prizes I were awarded for best knitted and •! chocheted articles. Mrs Edgecombe ‘ kindly gave a demonstration on quilt : making from washed and carded wool. ■ The annual book day was held on September 29th, when some 50 hooks and magazines wore forwarded to Wnnj ganunui.

On October 6th, Mrs Hudson gave a demonstration of wool spinning, both on a spindle and spinning machine. There was also a display of two rugs and a. cardigan made of wool spun and dved on the farm.

During November a temporary rest room, under the auspices of the Division and supervised by Mrs Stable*. ""is established in Waipukurau. The branch made a. grant of £lO towards furnishings but ow’ng 10 Mrs >• •::ne.-- not being unable to continue the room has had to be closed. The furniture being stored until such time as a permanent rest room, can be built.

On November 3rd Mr Livingstone, area officer of the Farmers’ Union, addressed the members and emphasised the necessity for co-operation between the two divisions.

I wish to extend my grateful thanks to tho president, vice-presidents, and members who have assisted me in any way with my work during the past vear.

The president (Airs T. H. Groome) submitted the following report: — During the past year we have been able to render assistance to many who wore feeling the lack of work for their men folk and I -would like to impress on our members the necessity of doing all in their power to assist during the coming winter. Gifts of money, food, or clothing will be most gratefully received on behalf of those in need and dispensed to the best advantage by our capable secretary. From headquarters we received several grants with -which wo purchased necessities for earthquake sufferers and, with money given by members, wo were enabled to help many others. At Christmast time we sent little gifts- to many hospital patients and during tho year wo have tried to keep in touch with any members who have been laid asid« by sickness. To me this worK among our less fortunate sisters is of the utmost importance and no opportunity of

showing practical sympathy should be

let go by. Let us do all with loving and understanding hearts and try, one and. all, to spread a spirit of cheer and helpfulness. I thank you all for your help during the past year, and once more I place on record tho valuable work of our very efficient secretary. Miss Beachen. She is the centre round which we all revolve and without her wo would be lost. I am sure you will all agree with me that she is the best possible worker and trust that she will remain in that position for many years.