WOMEN’S DIVISION

Southland Times, Issue 24243, 28 September 1940, Page 3

WOMEN’S DIVISION

DRUMMOND— The Drummond branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held the usual monthly meeting recently, Mrs R. J. Woods presiding over a good attendance. Five soldiers’ parcels were made up for the local soldiers whe are overseas.

The secretary gave a report of the executive held in Invercargill recently. The best paper of 20 household hints resulted: Mrs A. Chilton 1, Mrs A, Robbie and Miss Doreen Lindsay equal 2. Points for best bloom were: Small bloom: Miss Shirley Hallum 1, Mrs Hallum, sen. and Mrs Woodhead, sen., equal 2. Large bloom: Mrs Wilson. 1 and 2.

Hostesses were Mesdames T. Miller, R. J. Woods, A. McFarlane and G. Lindsay.

HEDGEHOPE BRANCH.— The tenth birthday party of the Hedgehope branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union which was celebrated recently was well attended. The evening took the form of a dance interspersed with items, including a playette presented by local members. The cast was as follows:—Mrs Jones (Mrs R. Ker), Mr Jones (Mrs Green), butcher (Miss C. Leebody), cook (Mrs M. Hamilton), valet (Mrs D. Dickson), maid servant (Miss D. Jukes). Tap dances were performed by Misses N. Dawson and D. Hope and Mr J. Kay sang several songs. Music was supplied by the Merrymakers’ Orchestra. Mr W. McRae was master of ceremonies. Mrs J. Sanderson, president, welcomed representatives from various sister divisions. Mrs Kennard cut the birthday cake. Mrs A, McKay won a competition.

ISLA BANK: At the monthly meeting of the Isla Bank branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Mrs S. Stuart presided over a good attendance. A motion of sympathy was passed with the Young family in their recent bereavement. Two new members were welcomed. It was decided to make a donation to the Makogai Leper Fund. The dressmaking class is now finished, and as there was no mannequin parade held because of petrol restrictions. Miss Lopdell was made a presentation at the final lesson. Competitions resulted: Pikelets, Mrs Pirie. Single bloom, Mrs Clark 1,2, and 3. Vase of flowers, Mrs Pirie and Mrs Ireland 1 equal, Mrs McCallum 2, Mrs Stewart 3.

MOSSBURN.— The Mossbum branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held its first birthday. It took the form of a social evening. A. small charge was made to augment the local fund for soldiers’ comforts.

Congratulations were received from the Nightcaps and Athol branches; also from Mrs Dennis, provincial president. A cake was made by Mrs J. Reid. The candle was lighted by the junior member, Miss Russel, and extinguished by Mrs J. Reid. The president cut the cake, assisted by the vice-presidents, Mesdames ■ Russel and Young, and the president of the local branch of the Farmers’ Union, Mr Russel, spoke. Items were given by Mesdames Young, Reid and Miss Roy (songs), Mrs McBain (recitation), Miss Gilligan (step dancing). The aggregate prizes were won by Mrs Russel (knitting and best bloom) and Mrs Mcßain (fancy work). The evening finished with cards and dancing.

ORAWIA.— The monthly meeting of the Orawia branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held in Pukemaori Hall, Mrs R. D. Froude presiding over a good attendance.

good attendance. An interesting description of visits to different towns in Australia was given by Miss Peggy Sim. Competitions for the month, plain biscuits, was won by Mrs W. Robertson, with Mrs Sim second and Mrs Williams third. The best bloom was won by Mrs Young, Mrs R. D. Froude was second and Mrs R. J. Browne third.

OTATARA.— The members of the Otatara branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union journeyed to the residence of Mrs D. Mackenzie, Antrim street, to hold their last meeting. Mrs D. Gordon presided over a gathering of 14 members. The roll call, “An interesting newspaper clipping,” was well responded to. The competition, “Something new out of something old,” resulted as follows Miss Tuffery (felt handbag) and Mrs Morris (straw workbasket) equal 1, Mrs Gordon (frock) 2, Mrs Williams (frock) 3. Other competitions were arranged by Mrs Mackenzie.

It was resolved to make a donation to the Fighter Plane Fund. To help this fund a generous gift of a gold necklet and pendant was made by a member. The September meeting will be held at Mi's Haggitt’s residence when Mrs E. Partridge will give a travel talk.

OTAUTAU.— There was a small attendance at the monthly meeting of the Otautau branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. Mrs J. C. Black vice-president, presided. A report on the recent bring-and-buy fair was given, showing money donations £29 12/-, competitions £l5/6/6, sale of cakes and produce £36/17/5, total £Bl/5/5. Thanks were extended to the members of the Farmers’ Union and others who had assisted to raise funds for the Fighter Plane Fund. An invitation to the Nightcaps Women’s Institute birth-

day on October 9 was received. As the articles from the Returned Soldiers’ Association had not come to hand, it was decided to have the sale at the October meeting. In presenting the report of the quarterly executive meeting Miss Ina Beggs said that housekeepers were urgently required for the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union housekeeping scheme. It was decided to donate 10/- to the Makogai Leper Fund, and Mrs A. Edwards was appointed to take charge of any goods which members may donate to the Leper Christmas box. It was resolved to have a travel talk with moving pictures by Mr and Mrs J. D. Gilmore, Invercargill, on Friday, the proceeds to be devoted to a fund for comforts for the New Zealand minesweepers and soldiers. Mrs D. Mitchell donated a vase of hyacinths to be sold for the funds of the branch. Mrs J. B. McLeod, Nightcaps, gave an interesting account of a trip to the South Sea Islands, and at the conclusion was accorded a vote of thanks. The results of the monthly competitions were: Single bloom, Mrs G. Duff and Mrs J. Ryan equal 1, Mrs J. Muirhead 2. Jar of blooms, Mrs J. Muirhead 1, Mrs J. Ryan and Mrs G. Duff equal 2.

RIMU.— At the monthly meeting of the Rimu branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, held in the Rimu Hall, Mrs W. Emerson presided over a large attendance of members. Invitations to the Grove Bush, Morton Mains and Makarewa birthdays were received. Mesdames A. Carswell and W. Emerson gave a report of the executive meeting.

It was decided that each member contribute a small sum towards two Christmas parcels for the soldiers. The roll call, question box, was well responded to. Competitions for the afternoon resulted: Jar marmalade, Mrs Carswell 1, Mrs T. Curry 2. Three pikelets : Mrs G. McLellan 1, Mrs E. Broomhall 2. Best bloom: Mrs I. Shand 1, Mrs Carswell 2.

Hostesses for the afternoon were Mrs W. Emerson and Miss L. Emerson.

RIVERTON.— At a meeting of the branch.. Miss A. E. McNaughton presided. A report was received of the executive meeting held in Invercargill, at which members were asked to knit comforts for men on minsweepers, regret being expressed that these men had apparently been neglected when comforts were being distributed. It was agreed to procure a consignment of goods from the disabled soldiers for disposal at the October meeting, which would be a bring-and-buy sale. A letter was received from headquarters inviting the branch’s help towards a fund to provide a fighter plane from the whole of the Women’s Divisions of

SCOTT’S GAP.— At the monthly meeting of the Scott’s Gap branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union Mrs R. C. Auld presided over a good attendance of members. It was decided that a donation be made to the Makogai Leper Fund. Mrs Cowan, sen., gave a talk on “The Life of Viscount Jellicoe,” for which she was accorded a vote of thanks. Competitions resulted:—Novelty pin cushion. Mrs Auld 1, Mrs Burnett 2, Mrs Kane 3; best bloom: Mrs S. Cowan 1, Mrs Auld 2, Mrs Burnett 3; posies: Mrs Burnett 1, Mrs Kane 2, Mrs Black 3. A collection of articles was to be forwarded to the Victoria Home, Invercargill. Hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames Dickson and Paterson.

SEAWARD DOWNS: The president, Mrs McCorkindale, presided over a large attendance of members at the monthly meeting. A motion of sympathy with the members of the McCorkindale family was carried. Mrs McCorkindale gave a talk on garden work. Competitions were won as follows: Something new from something old, Mrs J. Baxter 1, Mrs McCorkindale 2, Mrs H. Baxter 3; cake and biscuit competition, Mrs A. Howden 1. The hostesses were Mesdames D. McKenzie, Misses H. Welsh and W. McKenzie.

SOUTH HILLEND.— Mrs W. Langford presided over the monthly meeting of the South Hillend branch. A welcome was extended to Mrs Gibb who has recently taken up residence in the district, and she was presented with a bouquet. The roll call was “A spring cleaning hint.” An appeal was received from the Blind Institute and it was decided to donate the proceeds of next

month’s exchange table to the institute. An exchange table for the Makogai lepers realized £l/8/6. The sum of £1 has been forwarded to the Patriotic Society for Christmas parcels for the two district soldiers overseas. Competitions resulted: Jar of marmalade: Mrs F. Bailey 1, Mrs Murphy 2; best bloom, Mrs Heenan 1, Mrs Kirkwood 2. Mesdames J. Murphy, V. Langford and J. Bailey were hostesses.

TAPANUI.— The monthly meeting was held in the Oddfellows Hall. At this meeting the branch celebrated its birthday. Mrs Mills welcomed all the visitors. Musical items were given by Mesdames Brooke, Taylor, R. Kirk and Hughes, and Misses M. Arnold and A. Brooke. A play presented by the play-reading party was much enjoyed. Mrs J. A. McDonald returned thanks on behalf of the guests.

THORNBURY— The September meeting took the form of a bring-and-buy sale and baby show. There was a good attendance of members and the public. Mrs Linscott presided and introduced Nurse Webb, now of Orepuki, but formerly of Thombury, who judged the baby show. The results were:—Up to nine months: Murray Jenkins (Thombury) 1. Nine months to 18 months: Marie Haywood (Aparima). Eighteen months to three years: Barbara McKenzie (Thombury) 1. A competition was won by Mrs Buchan.

TUATAPERE.— Lawson’s hall was attractively decorated on the occasion of the tenth birthday of the branch. Visitors were present from Scotts Gap, Clifden, Orawia and Orepuki. Miss H. A. McEwan presided. The programme was as follows:—Piano and violin duet, Misses E. Norman and N. Scott; song, Mrs F. Lawson; monologue, Mrs . W. Low; dancing, Miss C. Catto; piano solos, Miss W. Hanan; songs, Mrs Simpson (Orepuki). At afternoon tea the birthday cake made and presented by Mrs A. Neas was cut. Visitors present from other branches cut slices of cake and extended their best wishes to the Tuatapere branch.

TUSSOCK CREEK.— At the September meeting of the Tussock Creek branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, Mrs W. Shaw presided over a good attendance of members. It was decided to support the Lepers’ Christmas appeal by a cash donation from each member. Home nursing lectures were continued by Mrs C. Buxton. The day’s competitions resulted: Best bloom: Mrs Webb 1, Mrs W. Lightfoot 2, Miss J. Lightfoot 3. Cakes: Mrs W. Shaw 1, Miss E. Macpherson 2, Mrs J. Macpherson and Miss J. Lightfoot equal 3. The hostesses were Mrs McKay and Miss McKerchar.

WAIKIWI: The monthly meeting was held in the Waikiwi Hall. Mrs W. A. Robertson, president, presided over a large attendance and welcomed one new member, Mrs L. Neas. Motions of sympathy were passed with Mesdames Smart and McKenzie in their recent bereavements. An invitation was received from the Hedgehope branch to its birthday. The resignation was received of Mrs Broad, Press correspondent, and Miss Ella Gray was elected to fill her place. Mr A. Wachner gave an interesting talk on “The Rehabilitation of a Soldier.” The competition for the October meeting is “Worked buttonhole on Calico” and the roll call, A useful hint.” Competitions resulted: Pot of Marmalade, Mrs Smart 1, Mrs McDougall 2, Mrs G. Waters and Miss Joy Waters 3 equal; best bloom, Mrs Meadows 1, Mrs Waters 2, Mrs Boniface 3. The hostesses were Mesdames Wilson, Churton and McCartney.

WAIKOIKOI.— At the monthly meeting held in the hall the president welcomed two new members. The roll call was, “A recipe from the New Centennial Cookery Book.” Competitions resulted:—Best shortbread, Miss Sheila Lindsay 1, Miss R. McCall 2, Miss M. McCall 3; garment for a refugee child, Mrs Robertson and Miss E. Crawford 1 eq., Miss M. Robertson 3, and Miss S. Lindsay 4. Mrs D. McCall arranged a competition, “Advertisements,” which was won by Miss J. Crawford. Mrs W. Stark continued her talks on first aid, dealing with the heart, veins, and arteries, and demonstrating how to apply pads and bandages to stop bleeding. It was decided to celebrate the

birthday of the branch as usual with a social and dance at the end of October.

WAIMATUKU.— The monthly meeting of the Waimatuku branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers Union was held in the hall, Mrs A. Mathieson presiding over an attendance of 21 members. It was decided to donate £3 to soldiers’ Christmas parcels. A report of the executive meeting was given by Mrs Hayes. Arrangements are being made to start a home-nursing class. Competitions resulted: Best ironed shirt: Mrs Hayes 1, Mrs D. Buchanan 2, Mrs W. Buchanan 3. Spring flowers: Mrs Hayes 1, Mrs Mathieson and Mrs Rance equal 2, Mrs Brown 3. Best bloom: Mrs Evans and Miss M. Smith equal 1, Mrs D. Buchanan 2. A competition held during the afternoon was won by Mrs D. Buchanan.

WALLACETOWN.— At the monthly meeting of the Wallacetown branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union the president (Mrs J. Gray) presided over a good attendance. It was decided to send another parcel of scarves, mittens and balaclavas to the Navy League War Council. Mrs Gray asked Mrs Alderson to accept a pullover on behalf of her son, Aircraftsman R. R. Alderson, who is serving with the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Mrs Gray introduced Mrs Dennis, Southland provincial president who spoke of the aims and work of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. Mrs A. C. Gray proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs Dennis for her address. Competitions resulted: Bloom, Mrs Malcolm 1, Miss L. Ronald 2, Mrs W. L. Gray 3. Sleeveless pullover, Miss L. Ronald 1, Miss J. Gray 2, Miss J. Scott 3. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames Townshend and R. J. Gray and Misses N. Gray and E, Ronald.