WOMEN’S DIVISION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 June 1939, Page 8

WOMEN’S DIVISION

MASTERTON BRANCH. MEETING OF MEMBERS. At the monthly meeting of the Masterton branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, there were present:—Mrs Ken Groves (in the chair) and Mesdames H. McKenzie, A. C. Gawith, Boddington. Gerrand, McCrae, W. James, Wright, McLean, lorns, Barrer, W. Taylor, McGregor and Rue. Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames K. Stewart. Ross, Pike, A. Donald, C. Burling and N. McKay. The secretary was instructed to convey the Division’s sympathy, to Mrs James Watson apd Mrs W- B. Matheson in connection with their recent bereavements.

Mrs Alex Donald wrote relinquishing her position as hon treasurer which was accepted with regret. Mrs H. McKenzie consented to fill the vacancy.

Mrs M. Rue was appointed delegate to represent the branch at the Dominion Conference to be held in Wellington in July next. Mrs S. Fletcher gave a most interesting address on nursing and the need for preparedness in the case of national emergency such, as earthquake dr war. She informed the meeting that the head of the N.Z. Nursing Service had asked the matron of the Masterton Public Hospital (Miss Barnett) to organise V.A.D’s. in this district, with the result that the Women’s National Welfare League had been appointed to act as Hospital Auxiliary to the Red Cross and St, John Ambulance Brigade. Mrs Fletcher suggested that each organisation should form a register of those of its members who are willing to help in such an emergency. For instance soine might take in children or invalids, some may do farm work and thus release men for other duties, some perhaps could cook at camps, etc. But, concluded Mrs Fletcher,' it is clearly the duty of all men and women to help in some manner in the case of necessity. The speaker was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for her very interesting address.

The serving of afternoon tea brought the rpeeting to a close.