WOMEN’S DIVISION.

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19765, 21 December 1935, Page 3

WOMEN’S DIVISION.

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE. STRENGTHENING GOODWILL BOND Dear Fellow Members, — With the approaoh of the festive -season I feel the urge to send you, the branches of the Women s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union in the South Auckland area, a Christmas greeting and to express my thanks to all branches that have worked so 'hard for our organisation and for the splendid way they have responded to the- requests made to them. We must cultivate a deep sense of responsibility and concern for , the highest interests of our country and Empire. Try to inspire each and all to strengthen the bonds of -sisterhood and goodwill that our organisation may contribute to that wider fellowship on which depends the peace and happiness of the world. Wishing you the compliments of the season, ' B. RYBURN, President, South Auckland Provincial Executive. HALF-YEARLY MEETING. ARRANGEMENTS FOR DELEGATES. The half-yearly meeting of the Women’-s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union will be held in Hamilton in January, from January 14 to 16. Arrangements have been made by Mrs C. K. Wilson, Hie Dominion President, for delegates' to be accommodated at the High School Girls’ Hostel -at a nominal fee, where all the meetings will he held. A pleasant social programme has been arranged and a sight-seeing tour should he both interesting and instructive. SOUTH AUCKLAND PROVINCIAL. The Provincial Executive is the business committee -of a group of branches, in a particular area. It -Is not intended, to be a power above branches to -dominate, but to help, -guide -and create a wholesome stimulus to the Interest of the Women’s Division and to encourage fresh efforts, to lighten and assist the work at headquarters, a medium for the exchange of ideas, to be passed on to the delegates, for the benefit of the branches receiving in return the best others have to give. National and international subjects are discussed, also vital problems of the day, especially those affecting the women and children on the land. It helps to make branches conversant with the progress of the organisation, figures and finance. It educates delegates in things pertaining to the • Women’s Division and enlightens them on intimate matters that require to be dealt with tactfully and -confidentially. It supplies branches that are not represented at the annual conference with all details and also helps the organiser of the particular district to revive languishing branches.

Development of Activities. It Is most Interesting to note the steady progress and development of our Women’s Division.and as how one activity passes the experimental stage and Is running smoothly on its course of usefulness another scheme comes to the fore to be tried out. It 'has enabled women to discover their own potentialities, through mutual intercourse, free exchange of ideas, and the pooling of Individual knowledge and experience. It encourages self help and mutual help, which are solidly constructive factors and if stimulated mean national greatness and well founded pride. Thus our women are drawn out of a groove to which a hard, monotonous life sometimes condemns them. Their sphere of usefulness is enlarged, and personality and Initiative developedTheir minds are broadened, also their sympathies and outlook, and above all they learn the value of 00-operatlon, which is to-day definitely materialising in the Women’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Last, but not least, comes the housekeeping scheme, which In South Auckland is so successfully managed by Miss Lee Martin. HAMILTON BRANCH. The last, meeting for the year of Ihe Hamilton branch of the Women’s Division of Ihe Farmers’ Union, was held on Tuesday. Owing to harvesting operations there was only a fair attendance. Mrs Roebuck was in the chair. Considerable interest centred around the branch’s attitude towards the Provincial Executive and after general discussion a motion was carried to the effect that Iho branch remain with the provincial until the annual meeting. Mrs Roebuck read an article about the Women’s Division badge, which explains what the various parts of the badge stand for. It was decided to give a donation for two cakes for the Sunshine League, two members offering to make the cakes. Father Christmas will be visiting the hospital and an Invitation was extended lo any member to attend tlie function. As this is the Jam-making season members are reminded to make that extra pot of Jam for the Waikato Hospital, a custom followed for some time past.. Mrs Webb desires to thank all donors of parcels of clothing for their splendid response throughout the year. These articles are distributed amongst needy country families. The Dominion Executive meeting will be held in Hamilton from January .1 i In 18, and an invitation Is extended to all members of the branch to attend one or all of the meetings. THE HOUSEKEEPER AUXILIARY. This part of the Women's Division work continues to flourish. During the year South Auckland Provincial housekeepers have filled over 50 engagements in all parts of Ihe Province. of this number over 30 of the cases were subsidised either by com-

munlty ohest or the neighbouring branches. The Women’s Division, through the housekeeping scheme, are filling a much needed want in the lives -of the country women and if every wife would only put her weight -behind the organisation much greater things could be accomplished. To the housekeepers who have so faithfully served and without whose help the scheme oould not exist, the Division extends the season’s greetings and trusts that the New Year will he a very happy one.