Report from Ohakune branch of Womens Division of Federated Farmers

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 7, 19 July 1983, Page 10

Report from Ohakune branch of Womens Division of Federated Farmers

"What a joy it is to have our own local newspaper again!" So said members of the Ohakune Branch of the Womens Division of Federated Farmers when they came together for their July meeting at the home of Mrs J. O'Neill in its attractive setting of native bush alongside Parapara Road. ''Congratulations, Waimarino Bulletin, we wish you well both now and for the years that lie ahead." With the sophisticated communication systems of today we are all made fully aware of the trials and troubles of the outside world — which is an excellent thing — but it takes a local paper such as this to make us aware, also, of the news, the activities and the needs of our own community. These are things which are very much the concern of the W.D.F.F. from National Headquarters level right down to its smallest branch in some remote and isolated area. Guest Speakers Guest speakers are hard to come by, but the Ohakune Branch does make every effort to obtain the services of interesting speakers for each monthly meeting. Over the past months we have been privileged to hear our local policeman talking to us on the Neighbourhood Watch Programme and, amongst others, Father Kerins who gave us much food for thought on the subject of Maori-Pakeha relationship and the way in which each can gain enrichment from the life style of the other. Meetings In March the Rangiwaea Branch joined us for our meeting, and in April we

met with the Taihape Branch at Mowhango where, following the meeting, Mrs Battley took us all to visit the charming little Battley Chapel. The June meeting commenced with a visit to the Waimarino Museum followed by the meeting and tea and Mrs Harry Brown's home. Recent donations of funds have been made to the Waimarino Museum and to the Telethon Family Trust appeal, and our special effort for the year is a donation to the local branch of the Plunket Society of a child's car seat for hire by parents. At the July meeting a report was given on the Pakistani child whom a group of members are sponsoring under the Save the Children sponsorship scheme. Following this Mrs D. Ewbank of Taih^^^ Branch spoke of her visit vW the 1983 Dominion Conference of the W.D.F.F. which was held in Invercargill in June. Membership Membership fluctuates as people come and go in the district and to become a member one does not need to be a farmer's wife or to belong to any particular age group. Our membership includes persons of all ages and with a wide range of interests. Anyone who feels she would like to join the Ohakune Branch would be made welcome and should contact either the President, Mrs P. Jones, telephone 650 or Mrs J. Turner at 16^^ both of Ohakune. Also, i^^p intended to hold an op^T coffee morning to which members of the public are invited. This will be in early Septeinber at a time and place to be advertised later.