W.D.F.U.

Otago Witness, Issue 4032, 23 June 1931, Page 16

W.D.F.U.

W.D.N.Z.F.U.

OUR NOTICE BOARD.

Address of Dominion secretary: P.O. Box 1601, Wellington. Keep in mind the Dominion Conference and the knitting display. For information about the Dominion Book Club communicate with the honorary librarian of the Book Club, Wanganui. ¥ ¥ THANKS AND APPRECIATION. W.DJF.U. members and visitors who attended the Winter Show would like to take advantage of this column to tender their thanks to the Otago Provincial Executive, the Home Science Deparcment, and Dunedin citizens who gave them such an enjoyable and instructive time.

Those who were privileged to attend the addresses given by the various lady speakers came home with fresh courage to take up their own work again. We would like to thank Mrs Jasper Clark for all the kindness and hospitality she has extended to visiting members. If we can follow up the ideals set forth in her presidential address by consistent efforts, however humble, we shall be doing something to attain the end for which the Women’s Division is striving. During her term of office Mrs Clark has worked hard in the interests of the women on the land.

V ¥ ¥ MORE WOOL CAMPAIGN.

Acute disappointment is felt by the members of the W.D.F.U. at the limitations of the classes proposed for the “ Use More Wool Campaign ” in conjunction with the W.D.F.U. Conference to be held in Wellington at the beginning of July. It is also felt that not enough time was allowed to prepare exhibits to be ready by June 22. It is proposed by the Wanganui branch to set about the immediate organisation of a competition and the holding of a display in Wanganui on July 1, and that the goods be of purely New Zealand grown wool. Other branches which care to can also join in the display. Claiming that Wanganui district is more a sheep-growing centre than Wellington, and is also a junction on three lines, it is considered that a splendid exhibition can be held. It is proposed that all exhibits be made of New Zealand wool. There arc children's dresses made from flannel, coats and other articles from New Zealand-made tweed —in fact, there is no limit to the articles that can be made from both skein and yard-cloth wool manufactured in our own country. The effect is purely a patriotic one, and the appeal for entries is to show the general public that it is possible to have woollen goods for less cost than articles made from any other commodity. For example, at the recent display in Australia by the Country Women’s Association, many original articles were

shown. One of them was a hand-made woollen mop, another a pretty dressing gown padded with wool. A warm woollen outfit consisting of a jumper, cardigan, and skirt to match was another exhibit which attracted much attention. It was made in black and white homespun wool, and it is.the first time on record that the black sheep of the flock was commended for his blackness.

It may interest ' farmers and their wives to know that a shop in London where the smartest of footwear is shown is displaying some. wonderfully inviting leather shoes. They arc made of New Zealand sheepskin, patterned and gilded in Persian designs to tone with new colours and new frocks. A well-known firm in a southern city of the Dominion recently displayed a beautiful collection of indoor slippers for children, also made from New Zealand sheepskin. They were parchment shade, and were adorned with various designs of poker work. This exhibit attracted a great deal of attention.

Women are notoriously practical. No good to them a whole flow of oratory unless it is translated into action, and that right quickly. It is surprising how much thought, ability, and originality is put into the things that they can do, and the attractive articles that they can make. Here is a chance for the. woman with originality. The Women’s Division offers a prize for the most original article made from New Zealand wool. This should fire the imagination of the country women.

& BRANCH ACTIVITIES.

At the annual meeting of the Fordell branch of the W.D.F.U. 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. Mrs M'Lean was re-elected president, Miss Glasgow secretary, and Mrs M’Lean and Miss Bruce advisory members.

The Hawera branch has a get-together “ at home day ” which is. proving most successful. Members come from all parts, have a cup of tea, and pass on. It is all very friendly and informal, and is proving a great social feature in that branch's activities.

Mrs Bennett, the president of the Auroa branch, 'brought for demonstration at the Eltham' branch’s birthday party, slippers and moccasins that had been made by the members of the Auroa branch. She also brought a wonderful quilt of many colours made from odd scraps of wool. Directions for making same can be had on application to Mrs Bennett.

Mrs Cocker is to be congratulated on the success of the third birthday party of the Eltham branch, held recently. There were over 50 present, representative members coming from Auroa, Manaia, Eltham, Toko, Stratford, Hawera, and Okaiawa. Mrs Budger (Mayoress of Eltham) welcomed the visitors, Mrs Thompson, one of our mem-

bers, who is also the Mayoress of Stratford, replying on their behalf. Speeches were made by Mrs Cocker, Mrs Carter, Mrs Cameron, Mrs Chambers, Mrs Maunsell, Mrs Phillips, Mrs W. J. Polson, Mrs Sutherland, and Mrs Bennett, and were of such high order that ones more the division is to be congratulated on the opportunities it affords its members for public speaking.

Mrs 0. S. Stephens, of King street, Temuka, has been appointed honorary official lecturer to the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. Mrs Stephens is a graduate of the Otago University, and specialises in food values and a properly-balanced diet.

The annual meeting of the Gore branch of the W.D.F.U. was held as usual in the Soldiers’ Club rooms, Mrs J. Stewart presiding. The secretary (Mrs W. Cunningham) submitted the balance sheet, which showed a satisfactory state. Mrs Stewart said tliat they had experienced a successful year, and stressed the first plank of the rules, namely to help the Farmers’ Union, which was done in the social life of the country. Since last annual meeting two members, Mesdames Milne and Edwards, had visited the Commonwealth with 'the farmers’ touring party, and on their return had given interesting addresses on their tour, regarding the country women’s organisations in Australia. Another member, Mrs Hugh Smith, with her husband visited the Homeland, and on returning gave an account of her travels. During October a visit was paid to Mr J. Speden’s garden, which proved a source of delight to all who were there. The annual social of the branch was held at Mandeville, and was most enjoyable, and a success financially. The branch also had the pleasure of hearing an address on “Child Welfare” from Mrs T. E. Taylor, of Christchurch. In November Mrs Ward gave a demonstration of dresscutting and kindred subjects. In March Mrs Wilson gave a demonstration on humpty making. Another activity was the opening of the weekly market, which so far was a success. The Women’s Division was showing steady progress. It was started by a few enthusiastic women, and now the membership exceeded 5000, of which over 1500 were in Southland. Five years ago there were two branches in Southland, Invercargill and Gore, and at present there were 23 branches. During the year the executive of the Southland Farmers’ Union stated tliat never in the history of the union was there more need of

co-operation between the Farmers’ Union and the Women’s Division. The Women’s Division specially attended to the women and children who were in need of help when the housekeeping scheme was inaugurated. Even in Southland there were calls for assistance which could be met as a result of the co-operation of the community chest. The president was thanked for her address. The following were elected officebearers for the ensuing year:—President, Mrs D. Dickie; president emeritus, Mrs J. Stewart; vice-presidents, Mcsdames Henry Smith, J. W. M‘Lcod, W»

jiTKennie, C. C. Derret, and J. Johnston; secretary and treasurer (reflected), Mrs W. Cunningham; committee, Mesdames J. Bruce, G. Morrison, J. Grant, G. Cross, I, T. Martin, J. Edwards, J. Smail, J. Kerse, W. S. Milne, J. Fortune, J. Stevenson, J. Wright, and A. L. M'Dowell. Advisory members for Housekeepers’ Auxiliary; Mesdames D. Dickie and J. Stewart. Delegates to Southland executive, Mesdames Dickie, Stewart, Smith, and MTtennie (emergency ). The president then read the annual address by the Dominion president, Mrs Jackson. Mrs Stewart thanked the members for their help and co-operation during her term of office, and hoped the same would be extended to her successor. She had great pleasure in asking Mrs Dickie to occupy the presidential chair. Mrs Dickie, in taking the chair, returned thanks for the honour conferred. She realised she had to follow very able presidents, but felt she would have the assistance of them all. Votes of thanks Were passed to Mrs Stewart and Mrs Cunningham. Several remits on the order paper for the annual conference in Wellington in July were discussed, the remainder to be held over till next meeting. * * * Since its inception on July 8, 1930, when 29 ladies attended to* form the Motukarara branch of the W.D., it has made rapid progress, the membership now being 64, with an average attendance of 40 per meeting. This branch has been most successful in getting good lecturers and demonstrators free of any expense, and is most grateful to them and to the men of the Farmers’ Union for their co-operation and assistance. During the year much relief was given to the earthquake sufferers, and each member provided some garment for those in distress.

To the president, Mrs George Templeton, much credit is due for the success of this branch. Demonstrations on “ Thrift Articles ” and glove-making have recently been held. This branch has had 1000 cards, printed, which saves a lot of time and writing to 70 members now. Each month only the date requires filling in. ¥ ¥ ¥ The Kaukapakapa branch is doing much "work in the cause of the wool campaign and exhibition in Wellington. Also long sewing days are being arranged to make garments for the community chest. Old-time dancing classes are being held fortnightly. The last meeting closed with a bright finish by the rendering of musical items and community singing. * 9 ¥ At the last monthly meeting of the Manaia branch, the president, Mrs Sutherland, on behalf of the branch, welcomed a new member, and also an old one who has been able to link up again with local activities. A motion of sympathy was accorded Mrs Bridge in her recent bereavement, members standing in silence. A competition for articles made from sugar-hags resulted in Mrs Henderson proving the winner, with a girl’s apron, which was much admired. Mrs Bloor had the most original cushion cover made in basket weave. Other splendid articles shown were all deserving of praise. The next competition is to be a knitted or crocheted garment, followed by one for cooking, best sponge. A sample of scoured wool was passed round and considered easily able to take the place of kapok for making mattresses, quilts, pillows, cushions, etc. A sample fruit dish and ash tray, moulded from gramophone records, and then hand-painted, were also on view. A dainty afternoon tea terminated a successful and interesting meeting, ¥ ¥ -i-

At the last meeting of the Whangamomona branch, Mrs Stockwell presided over a good attendance of members. As nearly all members are connected by telephone it was agreed to use this means for notifying meetings, thus saving the secretary much work and writing. Mrs A.' Coxliead, on behalf of members, presented the president, Mrs Stockwell, and the secretary, Mrs Perry, with gifts of china, in appreciation of their past services. Both suitably replied. The district nurse then gave a talk on temperatures, followed by practice in reading thermometers.

At the North Otago monthly branch meeting, Mrs Meek presided over an attendance of over 60 members. Most interesting addresses were delivered by Professor Strong, organiser of the Home Science Department of the Otago University, Miss Finlayson, organiser of the W.D.F.U., and Miss Reid.

Miss Finlayson outlined what the W.D.F.U. means to country women, and asked for the co-operation of all. To show how the scheme has flourished in South Otago, the membership increased from 180 a year ago to 900 at present. The W.D.F.U. will prove a common meeting ground for the interchange of ideals. Professor Strong gave a practical talk on dietetics and hygiene as undertaken by the Home Science Department. She said the laws for cooking food are few and simple. Malnutrition in children is often due, not to lack of food, but the wrong choice, and also to bad cooking. The Home Science Economics Association began in Dunedin with six members, but has now grown to several hundreds, and branches are springing up throughout the country. The association works in close co-operation with the W.D.F.U., and thinks that kindred bodies such as

these should amalgamate, to provide that strength attributed to unity. Last year there were 14 groups of the Home Economics Association, but now there are 86 groups, reaching a total of approximately 2000 women. Miss Reid said that she would like the people to realise the magnanimous gesture of the Carnegie Institute, America, in making a grant which enabled the work in which they were interested to be extended so as to benefit the women of New Zealand. Miss Reid stated that she had learned much about foods while in America. She then explained the box system adopted by the Home Science Department. The Mayoress, Mrs Forrester, expressed the appreciation of the Women’s Club as well as that of the W.D.F.U. to these ladies for their instructive lectures. If Home Science should spread throughout New Zealand, life would become more agreeable, and raised to a higher plane. It’was decided to inaugurate a Home Science Circle to commence at the next monthly meeting.

The Toko branch of the W.D.F.U. celebrated its second birthday in the Coronation Hall, where there was a large gathering present from all parts of South Taranaki. The tables looked gay and tempting with their decorations of flowers and berries, and their array of all kinds of edibles. A two-tier birthday cake, made by Mrs Len Milne, and beautifully iced by Mrs Kate Jones, held pride of place. The president of the Toko branch, Mrs T. V. Maunscll, welcomed the visitors, and then asked for a match, which was soon found, in spite of the absence of habitual smokers. Mrs Henderson, Manaia, the oldest member of the W.D.F.U. in New Zealand, and mother of Mi’s T. C. Sutherland, was asked to cut the cake.

A beautiful and useful display of needlework was arranged, and many beautiful pieces of work created much interest. Some woollen mats, beautifully designed and worked on ordinary sacks, proved most attractive looking, especially one made by Mrs Bowen. Mention was made of the importance of the present “ Use More Wool ” campaign, which is being carried out everywhere. At the Hawera Winter Show, a special room is being arranged for this, with assistance and contributions from the Government, Wanganui Woollen Mills, Patea Freezing Works, and other institutions.

Patterns for slippers and for refooting worn stockings were demonstrated and distributed. Old socks can be usefully converted into thick warm slippers by crocheting with three strands of wool together, and the soles made from old felt or linoleum, or several pieces of old woollen material bound together with black tape. One W.D. member never buys wool for darning men’s socks, but just unravels the wool from old ones. A much-appreciated musical programme was contributed as follows:— Violin solo, Mrs George Cook; original poem on the present depression and women’s determination to withstand it, Mrs Len Milne; song, Mrs Davis; recitation, Miss Towes; song, Mrs Carter; recitation, Mrs Benton. Mrs George Carter, of Stratford, acted as accompanist.

At the close, a number indulged in folk dancing, with which Mrs MaunseU is fully conversant.

A very enjoyable afternoon was spent at Hawea on June 12, when the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held a “ bring and buy ” sale. A large number of visitors was present, including 22 members. Professor Strong, of the Home Science Department, gave an interesting discourse on the “ Aims and Objects of the Division.” She also explained just what the community chest was doing for the farmers’ wives. The president, in moving a vote of thanks to Professor Strong, said how very pleased they all were to have her with them that afternoon. As a result of the sale the community chest will benefit to the extent of £7. Afternoon tea brought the function to a close.

The June meeting of the West Taieri branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held on the evening of June 11, when Mrs T. B. Grant presided over an excellent attendance of members. The resignation of the secretary (Mrs George Batligate) was accepted with regret, and Mrs T. Howell was elected to the vacancy. Members were reminded that, a lecture, arranged by the Home Science" Extension Department, would be given on July 6, and an "Old Photograph ” evening would be held on July 9. Miss Mabel Prentice gave an interesting account of a recent trip to the South Sea Islands, including the Fijian. Tongan, and Samoan groups. She exhibited many beautiful curios obtained from these places. Supper was the concluding item on the evening’s programme.

A successful concert and dance was held in the Ettrick Hall on the evening of June 12, the proceeds being in aid of the funds of the local branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. The items consisted of pianoforte solos, songs, recitations, and a humorous sketch entitled “Another Pair of Spectacles." AU the items were exceedingly well rendered by local artists, the sketch causing great amusement. The members of the division provided and dispensed a bounteous supper, after which dancing was indulged in until the early hours of the morning. The music for the dances was provided gratis by a generous resident of the district, so that expenses were negligible, and, judging by the crowded condition of the small hall, a fairly good sum of money should be available for the work of the Ettrick branch of this worthy movement.

FARM CLUB NOTES. We were all expecting a fine display and keen competition for the Dunedin winter ShoWj and there was no lack of either in the agricultural clubs and schools exhibits. We congratulate competitors on their work. Central Otago housekeeping tradition has been well maintained in girls’ section. There is every promise that the Dominion fruit growing aieas will soon be able to provide dried and preserved fruits for export and local consumption. e would also like to offer congratulations to Canterbury competitors in Farm Chib work as in everything else it cannot be denied that “Canterbury Can.”