FEATHERSTON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 April 1941, Page 7

FEATHERSTON

WOMEN’S DIVISION PAST YEAR’S ACTIVITIES. (“Times-Age’’ Special.) The annual report of the Featherston branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union states: — “The past year has been a successful one, thanks to those members who have so regularly attended the monthly meetings. We now have a total of 43 financial members and have an average attendance of ten at the monthly meetings. “At our first meeting it was decided to help the Lady Galway Guild, who are responsible for the making and packing of refugee clothing. It was also decided to hold only short business meetings to allow time to do any other patriotic work that was offering. During the course of the year, collections were made oh behalf of the Fighter Aeroplane Fund and also the fund for lepers. A generous response was made by the members. We also sent our annual contribution towards the Rest Home run in connection with the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. In February we sent two pairs of blankets to the Lady Northumberland Benevolent and Comforts Fund, members contributing Is towards the cost of the blankets.

“In regard to the activities of the Gardening Circle very little was done in the circle this year, although Mr H. Clark gave us two interesting talks on carnation growing. We regret that interest in this circle has waned considerably.

“Housekeepers: This branch of our activities is in the capable hands of

Mrs Quinton Donald. ... In conclusion I wish to thank those members who have so ably supported the branch during the past year.” The report is signed by Mrs L. E. Feast, hon. secretary.

R.S.A. BRANCH PAST YEAR’S ACTIVITIES. The annual meeting of the Featherston branch of the Wairarapa Returned Soldiers’ Association held in the Anzac Hall was presided over by Mr H. Lawson. Visitors were Messrs R. Whyborn, A. E. Prentice and J. O’Connor, of Masterton. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Allan, Hayes, Grant, Juno and the Rev. Keenan.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted;—President, Mr H. Lawson; secretary, Mr J. A. Halpin; treasurer, Mr H. C. Hunter; auditor, Mr H. Crawford; committee, Messrs J. W. Fellingham, J. King, G. W. Lovell, F. S. Hayes, C. Corlet, F. Cassidy, C. Bargh and I. Gordon. As a mark of appreciation for his services as pianist over a long period of years, Mr J. H. Buck was unanimously elected an honorary member of the branch.

The annual report stated, inter alia:— The membership figures reached 101 this year, a record. Regret was expressed at the passing of a former member, Mi’ D. C. Kibblewhite, who died at Timaru early last March. He served the branch ,as auditor prior to his leaving for the south. Poppy sales amounted to £3l this year. Thanks were expressed to Miss Card and her band of helpers. The sum of £3O 10s was expended in relief to various diggers during the winter months. Once again the annual ball was a great success in every way. A net profit of £53 19s 2d was made. The many donors and workers were thanked. As a result of the ball, the Featherston branch, of the Red Cross Society received a cheque for £ll 19s 7d, and the Kahutara branch one for £lO. In addition the former benefited to the extent of £7 Is 6d, being the proceeds of the Red Cross competitions run in conjunction with the ball. Soldiers were entertained and the annual reunion held on October 9 was again well attended. On November 29 local members made a surprise visit to Mr and Mrs Julian who were leaving for Wellington, and on December 14 to Mr and Mrs Rea who were leaving for Upper Hutt. Personal. Miss Patty Cole, a high school scholar, cut her hand on a glass case. It was necessary to have several stitches inserted. Guide Sports. At the Guide sports held in Martinborough on Saturday afternoon in ideal weather, Featherston Guides were successful in winning the cup. Martinborough and Greytown Guides also competed.