W.D.F.U.

Otago Witness, Issue 4028, 26 May 1931, Page 15

W.D.F.U.

OUR NOTICE BOARD.

Address of Dominion Secretary: P.O. Box IGOI, Wellington. Otago Organising Secretary: P.O. Box G 43, Dunedin. Dominion Correspondent: Mrs O. Benton, Auroa, Taranaki. Those newly formed branches in need of guidance and direction may receive the same from Mrs Ward, Box 20, Lumsden. •£ TO CORRESPONDENTS. F. G., Waikawa.—Thank you very much for your letter and all the good wishes it contains. Yes, as long as they are up-to-date and not too long I should like to receive the reports you propose sending.—Jean. ¥ ¥ ¥ The annual Dominion Conference will be held in Wellington in July, beginning on July 7. It has been decided too, in view of the low price of wool, to hold a “ wool campaign ” in the same month, when a display of manufactured and home-made articles will be held at the D.1.C., Wellington. W.D. members and their friends are being asked to supply the home-made goods, both knitted and made up woollen material. Prizes will be given for various articles. The Manufacturers’ Association, the Department of Agriculture, and the D.I.C. management are being pressed into

service and are giving every possible advertisement to the display. Goods sent in can remain the property of the makers or can be sold for their own benefit or for the benefit of the Community Chest Fund. All articles must be in the hands of the Dominion secretary, W.D.F.U., Wellington, by June 22. Part of the work of each branch will be publicity for the “ Use More Wool Campaign.”

Help is asked from any member in connection with the manufacture of wool beds, wool eiderdowns, etc., or a demonstration on a spinning wheel, for which wool will be provided. Mrs Lewis, of the D.1.C., will give an address over the air the week previous to conference. The first plank of the W.D. organisation is really to strengthen the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Any member of the W.D.F.U. who secures members for the New Zealand Farmers’ Union will receive a commission of 5s per member from the Farmers’ Union.

The Warepa Women’s Institute held its first birthday party in the Warepa Hail on May 12. About 75 members and friends from visiting institutes were present and a very enjoyable afternoon was spent. Mrs Cross opened the proceedings with a pianoforte solo, after which the institute song was sung and the motto for the month read. The president. Mrs Ayson, welcomed the visitors in a cheery speech, and urged all to take as their watchword " Excelsior." An autograph competition resulted in Mrs J. Sutherland (Waiwera) being the winner. This lady was also the winner in a “ musical parcel ” game. A dialogue entitled “ Mrs Maloney Visits the Doctor ” created much amusement, as did a charade played on the word “ Milkmaid.” Mrs Jenkins and Miss Cross contributed vocal solos. An enjoyable afternoon tea was partaken of and general social clicrt indulged in. Mesdames Keys and Peterson were accorded a hearty vote of thanks for making the beautiful birthday cake, adorned with its single candle. Two tables —on one of which were displayed curios and articles from foreign countries, and on the other work by members of the institute —created much interest. Some beautiful work executed by the members of the institute was exhibited. The institutes represented were: —Waiwera, Papatowai, Kaka Point, and Clydei vale. Apologies from other institutes, ; who were unable to be represented, were j read.

The Awamangu Women’s Institute held its monthly meeting in the Pukeau Hall on May 2, when a very successfid meeting was held. A large number of members and visitors was present. The president, Mrs J. Cochrane, occupied the chair, and the meeting was opened with the singing of the institute song. The president extended a hearty welcome to the visitors, and expressed the hope that they would be able to join the institute. A demonstration on “ Handkerchief Making ” was given by Mrs Taylor. She showed how hemstitching could be worked without the necessity of drawing threads. The competition fo r the month was for the best covered coat hanger. Mrs R. M'Creadie secured first place, Mrs Craig second, Mrs J. White third, and Mrs J. Cochrane fourth. Some very pretty coat hangers were displayed. A social hour followed, community singing and afternoon tea being indulged in. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mrs A. Begg and Miss P. Richards. a ¥ ¥ ¥

On April 14 a meeting of the women of Brighton was held in the local school, the object being to form a branch of the Women’s Institute. After the secretary of the Taieri Women’s Institute (Mrs Kirkland) had addressed the meeting on the principles of the institute, the folexecutive was elected:—President, Mrs Hay; vice-president, Mrs Baxter; treasurer, Mrs Craigie; secretary, Miss Runciman; committee —Mesdames M'Coll, Morrison, Baxter, Gibbs, and Kennedy, and Miss Braid. It was decided to hold meetings on the fourth Thursday of the month. On April 30, at 7.30 p.m., the first meeting of the institute was held in the supper room of the Brighton Hau, when Mrs Hay presided over a gathering of 24 women. After Mrs Hay had welcomed the members, the business of the evening was dealt with. A display of old and new fancy work was exhibited by members, some very beautiful work being on view. During the evening Mrs Turnerrendered a solo,. The hostesses of the evening were Mesdames Hay, D- M'Coll, and Baxter. # * *

The annual meeting of the Roxburgh Women’s Institute was held during April Mrs W. S. Craig was elected president, and Mesdames A. E. Alexander, A. R. Alexander. Dingwall, Eliot, Jeffery, M'Kenzie, Scolon, and W. Toms and Miss Cowles members of the committee. The annual and financial reports were adopted and a roll call “ What I would like on next year’s programme ” was held. On May 13, at the monthly meeting, the programme for the year was discussed. Mrs Quinn, of Invercargill, gave a delightful travel talk, illustrated by interesting postcard views. The president

was elected delegate to the Otago and Southland Conference which is to be held shortly in Dunedin. On May 19 Miss Macmillan and Miss Johnson, of the Home Science Extension Service, gave a demonstration on making a “ dress form ” to a very interested audience of 40 members a'nd friends. ¥ ¥ ¥ BRANCH ACTIVITIES. The Mauriceville-Ihuraua branch held a very successful exhibition of flowers in March, when a garden circle was formed which will embrace the whole district! ¥ ¥ ¥ At a birthday party held by the Pahiatua branch, Miss MKenny, a former matron of the Wanganui Hospital, gavt a fine address on the “ Care of the Sick.’*’* ¥ ¥ ¥ The Hawera branch has started a “ hospitality exchange ” between farmers’ wives. Each branch would keep a register of homes willing to give hospitality, the t time suitable, and the length of the visit. ¥ ¥ ¥ Inglewood branch has had a most successful demonstration of what can be done with old gramophone records. The finished fancy-shaped dishes and bowls are very artistic when decorated with painted flowers, etc. By immersion in hot water the record in a few seconds becomes soft and pliable and can be placed in any fancy-shaped dish and moulded similarly. A piece of broken record melted fills up the centre hole. The article is then polished with olive oil. Even if one cannot paint, suitable scraps or cut out good reprints of fruit, scenes, flowers, etc., are effective. ¥ ¥ ¥ At the last meeting of the Hawera branch, the Rev. E. S. Emmitt gave an interesting lecture on “ The League of Nations.” Miss Wyse is being asked to give an address on “ Anti-Natal Care ” in June. Successful dressmaking classes are being held at Mrs Carter’s residence. ¥ ¥ ¥ For the past year the balance sheet of the Okaiawa branch shows a credit of £l5 18s IOJd, which is very satisfactory for the first year. This will be increased bv a further £4 realised from a concert and dance. Euchre parties are being held in the homes of members, when each member brings a plate and a shilling.

The Fordell branch of the W.D.F.U., in conjunction with the local branch of the Farmers’ Union, held a social afternoon, when Mr Jenkins, editor of the Wanganui Chronicle, gave an address on “ The League of Nations.” At the annual meeting of this branch a successful year, both socially and financially, was disclosed. The community chest received £24 2s, and the earthquake relief fund £2O. There is now a total of 44 members. The meeting passed a motion in favour of the open Saturday in the halfholiday campaign. Officers elected were: •—President, Mrs M'Lean (re-elected); secretary, Miss Glasgow (re-elected); advisory members, Sirs Mac Lean and Miss Bruce.

At the annual meeting of the Taneatua branch the election of officers resulted:—President, Mrs Grace (re- I elected); secretary, Mrs T. Mitchell (re- ' elected. ' ¥ ¥ ’ At the last monthly meeting of the ] Oamaru branch, Mrs Meek presided over ( a large attendance. Misses Finlayson ] •(organising secretary for the W.D.F.U.) and Reid, recently returned from America, will visit this branch at an ’ early date, when Miss Reid will deliver an adress on “ Home Science Work.” ( Mrs J. Tait gave a most instructive lee- i ture on “ Flowers in the Home,” treat- 1 ing the subject from many viewpoints, ' and was accorded a hearty vote of 1 thanks. A presentation was made to the retiring secretary, Miss MTvor, by the , president for her valuable services rendered. ‘. The Kaukapakapa branch held a very successful “ all day sewing,” and made , a number of garments to help the needy. Sewing days and social afternoons will be held throughout the winter. A monthly dancing class is also being held to give instruction in old-time dances. The TJruti branch has donated a further £1 10s to the community chest, and is holding a luncheon in the hall on sale day to raise funds. Two amusing competitions were held,- when Miss Murray gained Ist prize and Mrs Radcliffe and Mrs Wilson tied for the second place. ¥ W YAt a large meeting at Awatuna, Miss Wyse gave a health lecture, stressing the importance of copious water drinking, and the eating of plenty of green vegetables and brown bread. Sister Ingles, of the Red Cross Department, also spoke, and paid a very high tribute to the medical and practical notes contained in the W.D.F.U. Cookery Book and Home Guide. * The Toko branch, at its last meeting, gave a demonstration on lamp-shade making, by Mrs Geo. Carter, which proved most instructive. Mrs Polson brought samples of beautiful wool made in New Zealand, and told about a competition to be held shortly for the best knitting and crochet embroidery in wool. * ¥ ¥ The Otakou branch of the Women’s Division of the Fanners’ Union held its annual meeting on April 21. The president, Mrs Karetai, who presided over a gathering of 15 members, opened the meeting by reading the women’s creed. After the secretary’s report and balance sheet had been read, the president gave an address on the work of the past year Four new members had been enrolled since the beginning of the new year, making the membership 18. It was decided to send a few articles to the Women’s Division stall at the "Winter Show which is to be held in Dunedin. The secretary was asked to write to the Home Science Extension Service Bureau to see if it was possible to give the Otakou branch a demonstration at its next meeting. Afternoon tea brought a successful meeting to a close. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mrs Karetai and Mrs Harper. ¥ * ."f The May meeting of the West Taieri branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, held last Thursday, took the form of an arts and crafts evening. The president (Mrs T. Grant) presided over a gathering of over 40 members. After the transaction of some business,

Miss F. V. Finlayson, provincial secretary, explained the uses and needs of the community chest and the arrangements made for the Women’s Division stall at the Dunedin Show, the proceeds from which are to be devoted to the Chest Fund. A local cornin'ttce was set up to collect and pack produce for the stall. The rest of the evening was devoted to examining the wonderful display of hand-made articles exhibited by members, which consisted of fancywork oi all kinds, expressed in wool work, laoe, crochet, knitting, rugs, and pewter work. The ladies then adjourned to the Oddfellows’ Hall, where they were entertained to supper by the members of the men’s branch. Members are reminded that the next meeting will be held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on May 28 at 7.30 p.m., when Me Lloyd Ross will give an account of his recent trip to Europe and America. .•S ¥ 9 The Omakau Hall was very’ cosily and tastefully decorated on May 15, when the local branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held an “ afternoon ” to assist the funds of the “community chest.” Sunshine favoured the members and about 60 ladies were present from Cambrian, Becks. Lauder, Matakanui. Omakau and Ophir. Performers whose items were thoroughly appreciated were Mrs G. Naylor and Mrs M. Hamilton and Miss Harries. After the newspaper race and the photographic competition had taken place, both of which caused a good deal of amusement, afternoon tea was served. Mrs E. Moran was the winner of the door prize, while Mr John Leamy won an iced cake. The proceeds from the function amounted to about- £7, so that the branch should feel well pleased with the result of its effort.

A combined meeting of the Miller’s Flat and Ettrick branches of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held in the Ettrick Hall on Tuesday afternoon. There was an excellent attendance of the members of both branches and an interesting time was spent. The occasion was the visit to Ettrick of Miss M’Millan and Miss Johnson, who are carrying out some of the activities of the Home Science Extension Service in various centres throughout Central Otago. The subject of their lecture and demonstration was the “ Making of a Dress Form,” which could not help but prove useful to many of those present. These periodical visits of the Home Science lecturers are very much appreciated by the country women. The president (Mrs C. P. Hainsworth) proposed, and Mrs Morrow (vice-presi-dent) seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to Miss M’Millan and Miss Johnson, which was carried by acclamation. Mrs Smellie, president of the Miller’s Flat branch, then proposed a vote of thanks to the Ettrick members for their hospitality’.