N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17711, 15 May 1929, Page 5

N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION.

WOMEN’S BRANCH. ANNUAL MEETING. THE YEAR'S OPERATIONS. The annual meeting of the Hamilton branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union (Women’s Division)) was held on Tuesday in the Y.M.G.A. Building, Hamilton, Mrs Duxfleld presiding over a good attendance of members. President’s Report. The retiring president was thanked for her report of the year’s doings, of which the following is an abstract: — It has often been stated that the second year of any new movement is very seldom one of startling progress, but I think we can rightly claim to have made steady progress and to have accomplished something of what we set out to do. We commenced in a very small way, and are now in a satisfactory position financially, and although we only number 62 financial members yet 100 or so promised to join; and I feel sure many have only to be asked to become financial. It must be remembered that we lost our secretary at a time when it is usual to look into our finances. I would like to see a big effort made in the coming year to greatly increase our membership. Last year about this time we were anxiously wondering what we should do about rooms in which to carry on our work, and which would serve the purpose of a much-needed rest room for country women. I am pleased to say that the secretary of the Y.M.G.A. came to our rescue. I would like here to thank the Y.M.G.A. people for their generosity and tell them that it has been a tremendous help to us, and [ think we should do all we can to help Ihem in their unselfish work as a small return for their kindness. I wish to thank those members of the execu-

tive who so faithfuily have attended all the meetings, I know often at great inconvenience. They have helped to make my task an easy one. We have had several social functions, and we have had various ways of raising funds, the most successful being the street stall at Garden Place, held by kind permisison of the Borough Council, £9 odd being taken. I take this opportunity of thanking all those who worked so hard to make it a success. The stall, kindly provided by our good friend Mr Paul, at the Winter Show, brought us in £4 odd, and 15 new members, and many people showed great interest in our work. I am sure the small rest room was a real boon

to many. Quite a respectable sum was raised by selling llowers, fruit, cakes, etc., and donations of money received. I should like to see an exchange

arranged for where country women could bring their fruit, needlework, etc., for disposal or exchange. We have sent £0 I6s Gd to the Community Chest, and would have liked it to have been much more. We have been kept busy since our branch started our emergency housekeeping scheme here Emergency housekeepers have been snt to Te Uku, Te Puke, Te Kawa, Walton, Taupiri, River Road, Ngaruawahia, Te Mata, Putaruru, Te Rapa, and Katakati —not a bad list for the short time since we started. That cur work for country women is appreciated is shown by the fact that the

Superintendent ot' Waikato Hospital mentioned it at a meeting of the. Medical Society. A remit in which v. ? were much interested was one advocating the establishment of on obstetrical chair at Otago University, and I see that it will be an established fact before long. Our grateful thanks are due to those who donated books and magazines. I would suggest that children’s books and toys are most acceptable. I would here hint that the cupboard is bare, and it is never too early to make a start for the next box. The benefits of the Book Club, which is worked from headquarters, have only to be known to be appreciated, and members are asked to co-operate to this end and have at least some groups working wherever there is a branch. t would remind you that we are a small part of a big movement extending over the whole of New Zealand, and working in conjunction with the Farmers’ Union to lurther the interests of those on the land, on whom so much of the prosperity of our fair land depends, and which aims at bringing town and country together to help each other. The balance sheet was apnroved, and disclosed a good amount to carry forward. It was decided to alter the time for holding the meetings in the winter months to 12.30 p.m., and to provide afternoon tea.

The following officers were appointed:—Patron. Mrs Valder; president, Mrs Duxfleld (re-appointed); vice-presidents, Mesdames Oudaille, Jones, Lee-Martin, Shaw. Minchin, and Dr. de la Mare; committee, Mesdames Holden, Ramsay, Middlemiss, Courtney, Law, Henderson, and Miss LeeMartin, with power to add. Mrs Ramsay was re-appointed correspondent. A delicious afternoon tea brought a most enthusiastic meeting to a close. A stall will be held at the Winter Show.