WOMEN’S DIVISION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 June 1939, Page 8

WOMEN’S DIVISION

GREYTOWN BRANCH ENJOYABLE BIRTHDAY PARTY. (“Times-Age” Special.) The Greytown branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held its 12th birthday party in the Parish Hall on Wednesday afternoon. There was an attendance of over 130 members and visitors were present from neighbouring branches. The meeting was opened by the singing of the N.Z. National Anthem. Mrs R. Beu, president of the branch, extended a hearty welcome to the visitors and expressed her pleasure at seeing so many present. Mrs Beu invited Mesdames A. Haigh, N. Sheet, H. D. Bayliss and H. Tilyard to occupy seats- on the stage, these ladies being foundation members of the branch.

Telegrams and messages of congratulations were received from Mesdames E. Graham; W. G. K. Wiggins, Barrer and Dagg, who were unable to be present. Mesdames R. McGarry and H. Tilyard were 1 the principal guests of the afternoon. Mrs Beu expressed heiregret that these two valuable members were leaving the district and asked Mrs McGarry to accept a casserole and Mrs Tilyard a case of silver fish knives and forks as tokens of esteem- from the members of the Greytown branch. In returning thanks Mrs McGarry wished the branch continued success. Mrs Tilyard stated that although she was leaving Greytown she would still continue as a member and hoped at times to attend the meetings.

The programme was as follows: — Pianoforte duets by Mesdames H. Farley and H. G. Carter; Mrs Farley sang two songs, “Morning” and “The River Running By”; Mrs A. Johnson contributed two recitations; Mrs T. G. R. Ingley sang “Invitation” and “Bless This House,” and Miss Josie Dennes gave a recitation and musical monologue.

The competition on word-making was won by Miss J. Dennes and Mrs Farley second. Mrs C. C. Jackson, of Masterton, past Dominion President, then .addressed the gathering and expressed her delight at being able to join in the 12th birthday party. Mrs Jackson explained the working of the Rest Home at Awapuni. She .stated that since the opening of the home it had been fully availed of by farmers’ wives in need of a quiet rest. At the present time two Maori girls were being trained at Awapuni. It was intended that when their training in domestic work was completed to train two more. Mrs Jackson intimated that she was going to form branches of the W.D.F.U. among the Maoris throughout the Wairarapa. Before concluding her address Mrs Jackson spoke of the splendid service for the W.D.F.U. -that the late Mrs W. A. Tate had rendered. She also congratulated Mrs Beu on the good work she was doing for the division as a member of the Advisory Board.

Special mention was made of the work done by Mrs Tilyard who had been a keen worker since the branch was first formed and of Mrs H. D. Bayliss for her kindness in attending to the floral decorations and for the flor-

al sprays which were presented to Mesdames McGarry and Tilyard. The birthday cake made and presented by Mrs Beu was cut with due ceremony. Mrs Jackson lit the 12 candles and Mrs E. W. Allen (Carterton) blew them out. The president of the Featherston branch (Mrs Wakely) then cut the • cake. Mrs Jamieson, Martinborough, and Mrs Ross, Pahautea, also expressed greetings on behalf of their respective branches. The top tier of the cake was won by Mrs J. Barr (Battersea). A dainty afternoon tea was served, those in charge being Mesdames F. C. Bunny, E. Maddison, F. Hercock. G. McKenzie. T. Orr, C. Nicholson and A. Johnson. The gathering closed with the singing of the National. Anthem. -