Country Life Interests

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20388, 31 December 1937, Page 12 (Supplement)

Country Life Interests

A page devoted to the interest* of ttoe Country Women of the Waikato, and In particular to advancing and reoordlng the activities of those two great national organisations, the Women's Institutes end the Women's Division of the Farmers’ Union. LIFE ON THE FARM

DELIGHTS OF HOMEMAKING Hard work? Yes, plenty. But of satisfaction, joy. beauty—plenty, tool When I first came to live on this farm, the house was very dirty and the first thrills came with the scrubbing of woodwork and floors, for what a joy it was to find under the dirt nicely grained doors, attractively coloured floors and the kitchen floor hard wood, writes M.H., in the Christian Science Monitor. In canning fruit and vegetables, one cans not only the fruit but a store of pleasant memories as well. To open a jar of preserves in the winter is to remember the days when the sun shone on the iblossom-

laden boughs. Or to recall little incidents that occurred while the canning was in process. Oh, the thrill wlien the oellar shelves at last were filled, yes, and the thankfulness one felt for the abundance of God's gifts. Joy, too, in the beautiful colours of peaches, strawberries, raspberries, the delicate shade of beans, the yellow of corn, the green of peas, the gold of pumpkin, the pickles, the beets —what homemaker does not And and enjoy these gifts? The satisfaction of providing for her household is another joy that comes to the farm homemaker. Sometimes it seems hard work pumping all the water, and lighting the wood fires becomes a chore, but oh, the sparkling coolness of the water to drink, the warmth of the fires, the pleasant sound of the wood crackling, the pungent odour of the smoke 1

Speaking of canning always reminds me of the first year I ever oanned. I had a bushel of peaches ('by the way, how wonderful was a whole bushel of peaches to me who had only seen peaches sold by the dozen and never had more than one or two ever). It was a very warm day and I was busy when the hired man came in. “ I have nothing much to do outside,” ihe said, “ I will help you.” Was I grateful 1 We finished preparing the bushel of peaches, and 1 got supper while the men milked. After supper the men went out on the porch to rest while I washed pails and dishes. The hired man came to me again, saying, “ I will do the

pails and dishes. You go out on the porch; it’s cooler out there.” Each jar of peaches I open brings back a memory of thoughtfulness and unselfish service. Each day, every day, all day 1 spiration t-o lift her heart to God i word “homemaker” gives me a thrill

the homemakec-jyin find Jioys and inin thanks for all His love. The very

WOMEN’S DIVISION

KARAKARIKI BRANCH The Karakariki Branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held their last meeting for this year recently, in Mrs Buckley’s residence on account of the had weather. Mrs Magner presided over a small attendance of members. The meeting opened with the Creed. After the business had been dealt with, arrangements were made for a picnio and Christmas tree for the children. Mrs Buckley and Mrs Carvell supplied afternoon tea. The next meeting of the branch will be held in February. ENJOYABLE PICNIC The branch in conjunction with the 1 Sunday school and school committee held an enjoyable picnic in Mr W. Howe’s paddock, followed by a Christmas tree, concert and dance in the evening. The day was beautifully line and altogether a happy time was spent. Mrs Magner and Mrs Hastie were in charge of the refreshments, Mrs Buckley, soft drinks, Mr Buckley, ice cream. The events resulted as follows: —- Boys’ race, 6-8 years: D. Jonson 1. F. Bartels 2, J. Keropoa 3; girls, 9-15 years, N. Keropoa 1; K. Kihi 2, D. West and M. Wahari 3: boys, 10-12 years, A. Gardener 1. L. Kirkbride 2, p. Wahari 3; girls' three-legged race, N. Keropoa and M. Wahari 1, J. Gardener and C. Higgins 2, D. West and lv. Kihi 3; boys 13-14 years, W. Gilder 1, D. Buckley 2. G. Cate 3; girls, under 6 years, D. Jonson 1, J. Messich 2, N. Jonson 3: boys 5-6 years, R. Binnv 1, M. Keropoa 2, M. Buckley 3; potatoe race, E. Bartels 1, J. West 2; sack race, D. Jonson 1, T. Bartels 2, J.

Wahari 3; sack race, boys over 10 years, E. Bartels 1, G. Cate 2, D. Buckley 3; married ladies, Mrs Shaw 1, Mrs Hands 2, Mrs Skinner 3; married men, Mr Hagen 1, Mr Morris 2, Mr Rowe 3; stepping the distance, Mrs Sharp and Master Trevor Bartels 1; throwing ball, B. Glider 1, D. Buckley 2; small boys, E. Bartels 1, A. Gardener 2, S. West 3; high jump, 8-10 years, T. Bartels 1, B. Kihi 2, 10-12 years, A. Gardener and E. Bartels equal I, 12-14 years, G. Cate 1, W. Gilder 2, long jump, 12-14 years, W. Gilder 1, GARDEN FLOWERS IN BUMIVIER The faired flowers o’ the season Are our carnations and streaked gilly flowers. —Shakespeare. D. Buckley 2, G. Cate 3, 10-12 years, A. Gardener 1, E. Bartels 2, S. W'est 3; hop, step and jump, 12-14 years, G. Cate 1, D. Buckley 2; 8-10 years, A. Gardener 1, E. Bartels 2. At the concert held in the evening the programme presented was as follows: pianoforte duet, Misses N. and J. Martin; song, Audrey Niool; recitation, Mr Feisst; play, Miss Rapp’s class; duet, Mr Molloy and Mr Enright; recitation, Miss Rapps; song, Mrs Molloy; quartette, Mrs Molloy, Miss Nicol, Mr Robinson, Mr Enright; pianoforte solo, M>ss Martin; song, Mr Jackson. Prize’s were then presented to the Sunday school pupils. Father Christmas arrived and gave all the tiny children a present. Mr Jonson, on behalf of the school committee, thanked the party for their entertainment. Mrs Magner, president of the Women’s Division, also thanked Mr Enright and his party for their concert and all who had helped to make the day and evening a success. Supper was then served and dancing was enjoyed, music being supplied by Mrs Sharp and Mrs Hastie, Messrs Gardener and F. Carvell. Mr Sharp was M.C.