Women's Division, Federated Farmers AGM

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 21, 15 October 1985, Page 16

Women's Division, Federated Farmers AGM

At the Annual General Meeting of the Ohakune Branch of the Women's Division of Federated Farmers, held in the Presbyterian Hall Ohakune on 1 October, the retiring president, Mrs E.C. Allen, gave members a resume of the branch's activities during the past year. These included fundraising efforts such as a cafce and produce stall held in the main street of Raetihi, donations to local and national charities and joint meetings with other branches in the district, all of which gave members an opportunity for mutual exchange of ideas, as well as pleasant days in other surroundings. In addition, there were the usual monthly meetings in members' homes with some interesting guest-speakers, and the Christmas picnic luncheon at a member's country home.

In her report the president mentioned efforts being made by the national body to recruit younger countrywomen. WDFF has been a powe? for good in the past, but the activities of countrywomen today are by no means confined to the home as they once were. If such women are not actually farming on their own account they are either partners with their farmer husbands or engaged in some allied occupation in which they are accepted for their own ability. This was mentioned by the Division's Dominion

President, Mrs N.C. Mclnness, in her recent T.V. interview when she said that there was a place for all young countrywomen in today's WDFF. It was not an organisation concerned just with tea, sCones and knitting patterns, but one which encouraged its members to take an active part in the affairs of their country, as well as providing them with interesting company and up to date ideas. The 'Countrywoman', a glossy magazine of general interest, which is now for sale in bookstalls, is evidence of this. There are

already a number of younger women for whom WDFF holds an interest, and there is room and interest for many more. Members elected to office in the Ohakune Branch of WDFF for 1985/86: President, Mrs V. Littlewood; Vice-President, Mrs Joan Brown; Immediate pastPresident, Mrs E.C. Allen; Hon. Secretary, Mrs J. Turner; Hon. Treasurer, Mrs V. Berry; Advisory Member, Mrs K. Hammond; Supporting Committee, Mrs R. Weir and Mrs J. Ritchfield.