THIRD ANNUAL REPORT

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17985, 2 April 1930, Page 8

THIRD ANNUAL REPORT

HAMILTON WOMEN’S DIVISION. FARMERS’ UNION. In looking back over the work of the Hamilton Branch (Women’s Division) of the Farmers’ Union during the past year the record is one of steady, consistent work rather thau -of much progress. “Our chief activities, of course, have been in connection with the emergency housekeepers, and here, I think, we can claim lo have done good work, and that our help is appreciated is shown •by some of the grateful letters and personal remarks of most of those-who have had our housekeepers. This branch has helped numerous cases in the past year. Mrs Poison said that this Dominion "was setting a standard for the world with the housekeeping scheme —it was unique. No other country outside New Zealand had it. The forming of a sub-provincial area should enable the work to he carried out with more success.

“The membership now is over sixty financial members, and I think that by an effort -we could greatly increase it. I would suggest that each member endeavour to got, say, live mombors to join. “Your president attended the Dominion Conference and was amazed at the widespread interest taken in the movement by Minister., of the Crown, members of Parliament, and many prominent people. Mothers’ Welfare Week was inaugurated by the Division and a lively interest taken in the providing of a Chair of Obstetrics at Otago University, for which a general appeal is being made at the present lime. “We have been asked to send a delegate to attend the next annual Auckland conference of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union to be held in W-hangarei on Tuesday, May 20. “In September last 1 was invited to attend a meeting of the Hamilton Branch of the Council of Women and tell them about our work. I was also invited to he one of the speakers at the reception given to farewell Lady Alice Fergusson by the combined women’s societies. Lady Alice said she was greatly interested in the w'ork of the Women’s Division and had great sympathy with, the country mothers, not because they lived in the country but because of the hardships they had to contend with, and she would certainly tell those at Home what New Zealand was doing. “In October our branch was invited to assist in entertaining the visiting Tasmanian farmers; we also helped to entertain the South Island visitors, and just lately some of us had the pleasure of meeting the British and many friendships were formed and mutual acquaintances in the Old Country discovered. The women of the party were greatly interested in our -work. “The afternoon teas provided at our monthly meetings are much appreciated. Our grateful thanks are’ again due to the executive of the Y.M.C.A. for tlie use of the splendid rooms and to the Waikato Times and all those who have helped in various ways.

“During the year a large case of good hooks was sent to headquarters, and some of our members have kept in touch with the Flockhouso hoys and girls in this district. I wish to thank my executive for their loyal and faithful work during the year.

“Mrs Minchin, in her dual capacity of secretary and manager of the emergency housekeepers, has done wonderful work and has helped to make my task a light one. I thirm •most people know now what our divi sion stands for—to improve the conditions of women on the land by friendship and help and also to loyally support the Farmers’ Union.”