ANNUAL REPORT OF W.D.F.U.

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 91, 4 May 1937, Page 5

ANNUAL REPORT OF W.D.F.U.

The annual report of the Hawlce's Bay branch of the Women !s Division of "the N.Z. Farmers' Union reads as follows: — Your committee takes pleasure in presenting the 11th annual report of the branch, it having been founded on February 23, 1S26, with a small membership of 20, many of whom aro still valued members. Many new aiem>ers joined during the year. The average attendance has been 40, and the meetings each month have been full of interest and a pleasant and profitable time has been spent • by those who attended regularly, Ccmpetitions and deinonstratiorid were held during the year and added to the general interest, among which were lessons on hay-box cooking, wool dusters, rugs made from waste wool, crayon painting on organdie, pineneedle baskets, painting jam jars with Cliinese lacquer, fancy butter, wreathmaking and a shoulder spray from vegetables. A competition each cnonth was held for the best flower in the garden and was won by Miss Elliottj who >»ever failed to bring a flower each month Most interesting competitions were held, the entries being large in each case. The social part or our meetings has not been negiected, and competitions and games of musical parcels> etc., nave helpech to keep members interested and amused. A dance and severaJ card parties were held in members' hocnes during the winter to raise funds to carry on the work of the division. By members' combined help, we have been able to assist many deserving c.auses. The division 's 11th birthday waa celebrated on August 19, and members were very pleased to welcome Mrs. Polxon, founder of the division, who gave a most inspiring address on division iiratters, and was presented with a very oiunty posy. Mrs. Polsdn urged members to put their shoulders to the whoel »*«»(!■— MXRMXBHXRt

and do something for the world by understanding each olher's difiieulties and giving help where they could. Mrs. Polson's fine address was much enjoyed by those present. We regret to record the passing of two valued members in Mrs. Joe Wil- : liams (a life member) and Mrs. D. Boyle. We would like to congratulate our treasurer, Mrs. Harold Thompson, on being elected on the Bominion Advisory Board, and also upon* the excellent work done by Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. John Joll in connection with the bush nurse housekeeping scheme. The demaud is so great for housekeepera that many more could be placed were they availabie. A flower show and cooking and needlework exhibition was held on February 24 and was a great success, the entries being large aud the exhibits of a high standard. The floral section was greatly admired. We were pleased to share our division" room with the Community Club members for a few months, while theic rooms were being rebuilt and are indebted to thein for the use of their furniture and "teiephone. The balance-sheet shows tthat the division 's*. finances are much better thau in previous yenrs and considoriiig the many- caJls made upon Llio exchequer this is conEidered very satisl'actory. Grateful thanks are extended to the ladies who kiudly demonstrated and judged the competitions; to the hostesses for their material help; to Mrs. F. JDunn as tea convenor; to the Press for kindly publishing the accounts oi our activties; to Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. John Joll, for their untiring and exeellent work with the bush nurse housekeeping scheme; and last but noi least, to our president for her devotion and keen interest in every tliing appertainiug to the division. It is earnesll.v hoped that in the coming year the in terest in the meetings will be well sustained, and a happy and profitable time spent by all. , As I arn uot seeking re-eiection as your secretary, I would like to tbanK uiy co ofiicers and uieitibers for their kiudly help aud goodl'ellowsliip during my term of oflico, and 1 hope that the same.will be extended to my successor.