WOMEN’S DIVISION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 May 1938, Page 4

WOMEN’S DIVISION

WAIRARAPA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL. REPORT ON THE HOUSEKEEPER SCHEME. There was a large attendance of delegates at the annual meeting of the Wairarapa Provincial Council of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, held in the Masterton branch Rest Room on Wednesday. Mrs A. Clark presided and welcomed the new branch president and the many visitors who attended. The annual report stated that four meetings of the council and two special meetings had been held during the year. All these had been well attended, showing no lack of interest and enthusiasm in the work. Sympathy was extended to all who had suffered sickness or bereavement during the year, and the council mourned the loss of one who gave his life for the welfare of babies and children not only of New Zealand, but of the world, Sir Truby King. There had been 85 engagements of housekeepers, the majority for maternity and cases of sickness. Three housekeepers, Misses Scrimegeour, Macdonald and Gibb had become registered housekeepers for the Wairarapa, and all these had done excellent work. The balance sheet showed that the council’s finances were in .a healthy position despite the fact of not holding an annual function to raise money for the housekeeping funds. Branches were thanked for donations to carry on the work. The Boys’ and Girls’ Home Art and Craft Club carried out its exhibitions last year with pronounced success, there being nearly 2000 entries more than in the previous year. The council was honoured that Mrs Barrer, a member of the Masterton branch, had been appointed to the Council of Adult Country Education, a position to which she would do credit. ACTIVITIES OF THE YEAR. The following annual report oh the housekeeper scheme was presented by the Provincial Secretary (Mrs C. C. Jackson): —“There have been 85 housekeepers’ engagements during the year, the friajority of these for maternity and sickness. It seems to have been an unusual year for sickness, amongst women and children. Three housekeepers, Misses Scrimegeour, Macdonald and Gibb signed on as registered housekeepers in the Wairarapa. These were by no means sufficient to carry on the work and twenty-eight housekeepers were borrowed from headquarters to help carry on. All have done excellent work and many letters of appreciation and thanks have been received from grateful employers. There were 11 engagements in Tinui, 14 in Martinborough, 20 in Masterton, one each,in Rangitumau and Mauriceville, two in Tiraumea, ■ three in Bideford, 10 in Pahiatua, Six in Featherston, 10 in Carterton, six in Eketahuna, and one in Pahautea. It has been impossible to fill all applications cr even appeals for help and the lack of domestic help is more pronounced than ever. Every avenue has been explored, even to waiting upon the Prime Minister explaining the acute position of the lack of help in both city and country homes. There were three dressmaking engagements, but it is hoped in the coming year to establish a permanent dressmaker, who can not only go into homes to sew but will undertake class tuition throughout the Wairarapa. Miss Godfrey is at present dj-ess-> making in Eketahuna. Those needing her should apply to the secretary at once for her services.” ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The following officers were elected: President, Mrs E. H. Dagg; president emeritus, Mrs A. Clark; vice-presidents Mesdames J. Beu, K. Groves, H. Morrison, E. Allen, Miss Heckler; secretary and treasurer, Mrs J. Standen.

The retiring • president, Mrs A. Clark, and secretary, Mrs C. C. Jackson, were accorded appreciative thanks for their past services and appropriate votes were put on record.

The delegates elected for the annual conference on July 12 were Mesdames Dagg, Wiggins, Gawith, Nelson and Miss Heckler. One delegate was added to the former number as the numerical strength of the council had reached 1000 members.

Subject to his consent Mr L. Smart, Carterton, was elected honorary auditor for the coming year. EDUCATIONAL WEEK.

It was decided, to hold a Girls’ Educational Week in Masterton at the end of June. The 'Wellington Provincial Executive had intimated a wish that girls from that area be included and this will be alf.owed. Before making final arrangements it was thought advisable to find out how’ many girls would attend amd.to let the secretary know the number at an early date. A day in Wellington, no doubt, will be arranged by the> committee as one of the attractions.

The schedules :for the Art and Crafts Club, it was stated, are now available and will be pasted to the different groups of schools. Many groups have already commenced work for the exhibitions in August. “Kia Manama” (Be a Torch) is to be suggested at the July conference as a motto for the Division.