The Country-Woman's Corner

Otago Witness, Issue 4033, 30 June 1931, Page 19

The Country-Woman's Corner

W.DJ.U. OUR NOTICE BOARD.

.Dominion President-— . Mrs :C. C. Jackson, Kopuaranga, Wairarapa. Dominion Secretary— Mrs P. Smith, P.O. Box 1601, Wellington. Dominion Correspondent— Mrs O. Benton, Auroa. Otago Provincial President—- _ Mrs J. F. Drake, Berwick. Otago Provincial Secretary— Miss F. V. Finlayson, P.O. Box 643, Dunedin. OUR DIVISION. The Women’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union aims.at improving, the lot of the country woman. The- Women's Division aims at' providing wholesome interests for the country woman and her daughter. The Women's Division provides an organisation and a common meeting ground—it provides lecturers, demonstrators; gives the members mental stimulus; inspires them to pass on their knowledge and to help , others in the district less fortunate than themselves. The Women’s Division provides the best medium for the work of the Home. Science Extension Service. The Women’s Division provides facilities for reducing buying costs, a free Book Club and a Visiting Housekeeper Scheme. Experienced housekeepers are sent at a moment’s notice to take complete charge of country homes. A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT. Mrs Jackson, Dominion pres.dent. recently addressed some timely words to the branches. “After organisation what? ” asks Mrs Jackson, and follows it with this:— The first question then is what shall we do? This is a good question to ask; it indicates the right point, namely, the or ganisation exists for work. By way of answer, this work will be determined to some extent by what the branch undertakes to do, and this, in any case, will require consultation and planning. A wise committee will plan its work and then proceed to carry out its plan and also think out its plans ahead, which may embrace social work, educational work, interchange of thought, sport or rallies.

Try to co-operate with neighbouring organisations and promote a good fellowship A larger gathering gives enthusiasm which comes from members, and is more inspiring to those who carry on the work Make the working of your plan as perfect as possible. Probably there are efficient workers outside your committee; if so enlist them, secure their advice; and their active help; it will mean so much to the success of your branch.

The officers of a branch should meet occasionally apart from the general meeting and discuss plans of work. It must be insisted upon from the beginning and recognised as the normal condition that individual members shall work—that is contribute to the success of meetings by contributing of their thought, and to help members express their thoughts. Papers o: addresses, not too long, and not at all abtract or profound, but practical and original could be prepared. Members should hold the ideal of membership, each of which is able and willing to contribute of his own thought to discussion of public questions among his fellow-men. It is not a high or impracticable ideal, but it will take much persistent and patient work to realise it.

As progress is made there will be more advanced work, addresses, lectures, and debates, and let no one despise the day of humble beginnings. No organisation should work alone. In almost every locality' there are opportunities for collaboration with other societies or bodies which hold similar ideals. But above all. secure hearty co-operation with the people of your own community. Make them talk together, play together, sing together, and occasionally’ at least eat together. Do not fail to enlist all the talent available, train it, encourage it, develop it, secure it. so that it shall be devoted to and for the organisation’s cause. Without it .your branch will necessarily soon die: with it success is practically assured. With the shouldering of responsibility for community betterment, will come the development of self-confidence and leadership, when our women will make a close study of all questions pertaining to education, health, . child W'elfare, young people’s work, immigration, legislation, social service, and world peace. I am satisfied the branches are exercising an ever increasing influence in the lives of the people in their district, and I hope this will continue to be so. I must congratulate he members of branches on the way hy have carried out the w-ork of the branch, and also the splendid way they have responded to the many requests made to them.

WINTER SHOW STALL.

In the stall organised by the Otago Provincial Council of the Women’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union at the Dunedin Winter Show this month the following branches provided generous contributions of goods:—Alexandra, Berwick, Crookston, Clutha. Beaumont, Cromwell, Ettrick, Milton. Middlemarch, Otakou. Portobello. Palmerston, Piikehiki, Warrington. West Taieri, Waikouaiti. As a result of this effort £6O has been added to the Community Chest Fund.

DOMINION CONFERENCE.

The annual Dominion Conference ■of the Women's Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union will be held in the Dominion Farmers’ Institute Building, Wellington, on July 7,8, and 9. * The following- delegates are going to conference from the Otago Provincial Executive:—Mrs J. F. Drake, Berwick (Otago provincial president); Mrs Jasper Clark, Lovell’s Flat; Miss F. V. Finlay? son, provincial secretary. Among delegates from Otago branches of the W.D.F.U. are:—Mrs Miller (Berwick); Mrs J. R. Webb (Cromwell); Mrs-Wither (West Taieri). The Southland provincial delegates are Mesdames Ward, Niederer, Russell, and Smith.

GOOD NEWS. The following is an extract from the letter of a Women’s Division N.Z.F.U. branch secretary received by Miss Finlayson, provincial secretary, last week: — “ I am enclosing a donation to the community chest. At the request of the local Collie Club we did the catering at -the dog trials in May, all arranged in a few days. We provided hot soup, counter lunches—the menu being saveloys (yards and yards!) potatoes, cold meats, pickles; chutney, sauces, etc.—aiso tea and scones and cakes, ad infinitum. The result is we have gathered in a few shekels and feel at peace with the world. We had an attendance of 40 at our meeting last week, Mrs Lionel Wright, an ex-army nurse, being our speaker. We just pounce on any talented person in the district and give him- or her no peace until we have the benefit of his or her gifts in the way of a lecture or demonstration. I attended a meeting of the division in my home town, Otautau, on June 12. It was quite delightful. One feels such a part of another meeting, however strange, when the creed is read, and all the procedure much the same as in one's own meeting. Our birthday is to be in August. We have not decided the form our dissipation shall take, but we are greatly thrilled about it. and one of our members is making the cake. Everyone is looking forward to the novelty of a division first birthday—making speeches, cutting cakes, and blowing out candles, etc.” EUCHRE PARTIES. 1 he. fortnightly progressive euchre parties being held by the Glenomaru branch ot the W.D.F.U. are meeting with everincreasing popularity. The numbers have increased from -52 to 84 at the last such party held on June 13, and it will not be surprising if the numbers further increase to 100 before the winter months arc over. When it is, remembered that Glenomaru includes only some 24 homes in all. the attendance is even more worthy’ ot note. Much of the success of these parties may be attributed to the wise action on the part of the Glenomaru branch in keeping up to date with the downward trend of prices, as only 6d is being charged for two and a-half hours’ card play, an excellent supper, and two very acceptable prizes. On Saturday, June 13. Mrs J. Jones was the recipient of the ladies' prize and Mr L. Spence was successful in gaining the gentleman's prize.

WORK OF THE BRANCHES. CLYDE. A well-attended meeting of the Clyde branch of the W.D.F.U. was held in the Town Hall on Friday. June 12. In the absence of Mrs Annan, the chair was taken by- Miss M. Bodkin, vice-president The meeting opened with the reading of the Women’s Creed. After the usual business of the meeting was concluded, the members held a display of articles. These were made at a cost of not more than one shilling, unless made from scraps of material already in hand. It was a really good display, and the members are to be congratulated on the excellence and usefulness of the goods displayed. After a vote, taken to decide the winner of the prize donated by Mrs Annan for the most popular article, the goods were sold, and realised the sum of 30s. Hostesses for the evening were Mesdames Hanning, Harlow, and Holden, A vote of thanks to the chair brought a successful meeting to a close. ¥ ¥ ¥ OAMARU. The monthly meeting of the Oamaru branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held on Friday afternoon, and was attended by a large number of members.. The president (Mrs R. B. Meek) presided, and reported that a considerable amount of work had been done in country districts by collecting and distributing clothing and blankets to a number of needy families. Several more necessitous cases were reported. A new branch was opened at Enfield last week, and a large number of members enrolled. , Great enthusiasm was shown in the aims and work of the division. Branches will shortly be opened at Waitaki South, Maheno, and Herbert, and these are expected greatly to increase the membership and benefits of the division. It was decided to approve and support New Zealand Industries Week in Oamaru.

A home science lecture was then given, and a box on home dyeing was opened, and demonstrated by Mrs Walker, proving very instructive and interesting. Genera] illustrations were given to show the details of the work, and a great deal of useful information was imparted. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Walker. It was suggested that members bring small contributions of home products and provide funds to meet the expenses in connection with the lectures. * ¥ ¥ MILLER’S FLAT. The monthly meeting of the Miller’s Flat branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held in the hall on Wednesday, June 17, there being an excellent attendance and many visitors present. Mrs Bruce Smellie (president) was in the chair. The creed was read. The speaker for the afternoon was Mrs L. G. Wright, of Roxburgh, who, after being introduced by the president, proceded with her lecture. Mrs Wright dealt very comprehensively with “ Home Nursing,” “Simple Accidents,” and “Ailments Com-

mon to Children: Their Cause, Symptoms, and Treatment.?’ A demonstration in bandaging also proved instructive, and a sample ot a simple first aid chest necessary in the home was also on view. Many and varied were the inquiries and questions placed before the lecturer, to all of which lucid and explanatory answers were given. The grateful thanks and appreciation of. the local branch -are due to Mrs Wright for her address, and to Miss Ruth Stockdill, who proved a model patient. The visitors’ book made its appearance on June 17, and it is hoped that it will be a record and remembrance of. all who have .spent an er 2 OOI J,. at the local division meeting. .rs Smellie thanked Mrs Wright for providing what was voted one of the most popular afternoons held yet. A bounteous and delectable afternoon tea was provided and dispensed by Mrs R. Campbell,, t ‘F* an d Mrs J. Creighton, and Muss Mavis Creighton. A vote of thanks t k be .Fi lair ’ moved and seconded by Mrs and Mrs T. Jones, concluded an enjoyable and: jolly afternoon.

* * ¥ TAHAKOPA.

An interesting lecture-and demonstra--tion were given to the members of the Glhakopa.branch of the Women’s Division th ?,.l?, r . rners ’ Union on June 9 by Miss M Alillan and Miss Tomkins, of the Home Science Extension Bureau The subject was “The Making of a Dress r orm, and the members present were eagerly attentive as the form took shape under the demonstrators’ hands. Afternoon tea was dispensed and a vote of thank? moved by the president of the branch (Mrs C. Dunlop) to the lecturer and her assistant.

* * * EVANS FLAT.

Tbe monthly meeting of the Evans Plat branch of the Women’s Division of the Tanners’ Union was held in the Evan s Flat School on the afternoon of June 12. Miss Brook preside 1 over a fair attendance of members. The meetin" opened with the reading of the Women’s Creed. The roll was called and answered by each member giving a quotation from her favourite author. Miss Brook and Mrs Leary gave interesting accounts of the conference and various (xrF lc^ ,on ® held at Dunedin during the Winter Show week. A demonstration on the making of handkerchief sachets was given by Miss K. Fahey. A delightful afternoon tea was then served and a social chat enjoyed.

* * CLYDE.

The monthly meeting of the Women's Division of the Farmers’ Union was presided over by Miss Bodkin (vicepresident). There was a display of useful household articles made from scrap materials or costing not more than Is. This was astonishingly good, and members learned many hints. Th e "oods were afterwards sold, and realised 30s tor the branch’s funds.

¥ ¥ * ENFIELD.

A meeting of women interested in the formation of an Enfield branch of the Womens Division of the Farmers’ Union was held in the Enfield Hall, when there was a good gathering present. It was unanimously decided to form a branch at Enfield, and the following officers were elected:-—President. Mrs Meek; vice-pre-sidents, Mesdames Frew and Yuill; secretary and treasurer, Mrs Hav; committee—Mesdames Meek. Frew, Yuill, Hav Presland , Polson, Martin, Anderson Joiner, Findlay, and Mulligan. Mrs Mcek then read the creed and outlined the work of the division. Letters of appreciation were received from the Flock House bo. and girl working in the district. It was decided to hold 10 meetings during the year in the hall, and a preliminary sylla bus was then drawn up.

¥ ¥ ¥ WYNDHAM.

There was an attendance of fully 50 members at the meeting on Thursday afternoon. Mrs William Scott (president) being in the chair. Mrs A. F. Christie (secretary of the Mataura Island branch) wrote stating that that branch desired to amalgamate with Wyndham. Their branch membership was 22, and, as four-fifths of the 2s 6d fee went to the centre, the balance was insufficient for the purposes of a branch. Mrs Christie was in personal attendance, and explained the position. The members believed they would get greater advantages by joining the larger branch, especially in the matter of demonstrations.

The President expressed herself, in full sympathy with the request, and on the motion of Mesdames C, F. Hunter and W. Hunter the overture was agreed to. Mrs A. J. Townley (who had been asked to give a demonstration on icing cake) wrote regretting her inability to "comply, but recommending Miss Gill, of Winton. Miss Gill wrote, agreeing to come for the July meeting.—Accepted with thanks. The next meeting is to be held in the Masonic Hall at 1 p.m. sharp (as the demonstration will occupy three-quarters of an hour). Afternoon tea will be dispensed. Members mayXeach bring a friend.

The secretary was authorised to arrange with Mr C. J. Burrows to give a demonstration at the August meeting. The President referred to a prevalent erroneous idea that the Plunket and rest room was only for women with infants. It was open every day for all women, and she desired the fact to be widely known. Mrs R, G. Carson gave a demonstration on drafting dress patterns. Several members took the advantage of being measured and having patterns drafted to their size. On the motion of the president, Mrs Carson was accorded a hearty vote of thanks with acclamation.

¥ ¥ ¥ EDENDALE.

The branch held its June meeting in the Foresters’ Lodge Room on Tuesday afternoon. Although the weather was boisterous, 21 members and friends were present. Correspondence was received, and a report of the Southland annual executive meeting, held in Invercargill in May, was read. The report contained the president’s account of the "work accomplished by the W.D.F.U. in Southland during the past year. Mrs M’Donald introduced Mrs William Hunter, from Redan, who gave a most

interesting demonstration of quilt-making with fleece wool. Mrs Townley, on behalf of all present, thanked Mrs Hunter for coming so far and explaining so fully tbe method of preparing materials and making up the quilts.—A vote of thanks to Mrs Hunter was carried by acclamation. Three new members joined the branch. All tbe “ Household Guides ” on hand were sold. Another dozen has been ordered.