Palmerston North Branch of W.D.F.U.

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 57, 10 March 1944, Page 6

Palmerston North Branch of W.D.F.U.

Airs. B. A. Bond (Raugiotu) presided over the March meeting of the Palmerston North branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held yesterday. In the absence of the secretary (Mrs. J. Russell) her duties were undertaken by ,Airs. A. (Jden. Correspondence included grateful acknowledgment from Air. and Airs. Roinley for sympathy in their recent bereavement, and from Aiiss J,. AI. Banks, matron of the Palmerston North Public Hospital, for Christmas gifts for patients. It was reported that the sum of £27 12s lOd had been raised in the three days of duty at the Patriotic Shop, thanks being conveyed to the workers. Airs. W. F. Field, secretary of the Rest Home Committee, outlined the method of accepting and training the trainees, the allowances made to them and the care taken of the girls. This wise policy was reflected in the good reports received from homes where the girls.had been placed, she said. Two trainees had been taken on as staff now and were called junior assistants. Airs. Field put in a plea for the personal interest of all members m the girls, particularly if they were successful in Wellington Central Provincial in thoir application for one to adopt. In answer to a question, Airs. Field said more than ten girls had already been trained at the Rest Home. The Home Committee aimed at training the girls at 18 years of age to be junior housekeepers. With regard to the sewing circle, it was agreed to remain in recess until the annual meeting. Airs. Field gave a detailed report on the quarterly meeting of the Wellington Central Provincial held at Massey College and mentioned the thoughtful address by Professor G. S. Peren and hospitality enjoyed. A letter of appreciation had been sent to Miss V. Ward, matron, and her staff for their good offices in providing lunch and afternoon tea. Airs. T. Taylor reported for the parcels’ committee that four parcels had been sent overseas last month. She appealed for donations of home-made biscuits owing to the difficulty of obtaining supplies. A memorandum from headquarters gave notification of the postponement of the official opening of •'Alelrose’’ (the Rest Home donated by Colonel and Mrs. Adams, in Nelson) to the last week in March. AJrs. H. Millard intimated that she proposed to make the trip accompanied by Airs. D. Buchanan. Airs. Jennings conveyed an appreciation from Aiiss Al- Alatheson (hon. secretary) for many kindnesses from members while in hospital, also tribute to the good offices of the hospital visitors, Alesdames Taylor, Gooding and Easton. .She further announced that the interprovincial meeting would be held in the Congregational Church Hall, Broadway, on March 17, and arrangements were made for serving refreshments. Alesdames. Millard and Taylor were in charge of the stall and Alesdames D. Watson and Farland the tea hostesses. An apology was conveyed from Airs. J. M. Graham (Woodville), president of Southern Hawke’s Bay Provincial, who was to have addressed the meeting concerning the Rest Home as chairman of that committee, with good wishes for the meeting. Aiiss Al. Greenwell, general secretary of the Palmerston North Y.W.C.A., addressed the meeting, outlining the campaign at present being conducted to raise £2OOO to provide hostel accommodation and a central club for women and girls.