WOMEN’S DIVISION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 April 1941, Page 4

WOMEN’S DIVISION

MASTERTON BRANCH ANNUAL MEETING SATISFACTORY WORK DURING YEAR. PATRIOTIC AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. The annual meeting of the Masterton Branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held at the Rest Room, King Street, yesterday. Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames Boddington, Gerrand and Macrae. A motion of sympathy with the relatives of Flying Officer Frank Long was passed. Mrs C. C. Jackson paid high tribute to his record in the service. There were, present: Mrs C. C. Jackson (in the chair), Mesdames T. R. Barrer, W. Bunny, J. Ogilvy, M. H. Reynolds, W. Taylor. VZ. Wardell, F. J. Pike, A. lorns, Jarrett, McLean, E. J. Wright, •K. Groves, A. Ross, E. M. Engstrom, A. C. Gawith, W. James, C. H. McKenzie, Misses M. Reader, M. Wright, A. Brown and E. Rutherford. In presenting the first annual report Mrs Jackson stated that the year's work had been of a highly satisfactory nature. Owing to the many necessary patriotic efforts anxiety had been felt as to the raising of funds for the ordinary expenses of the Women’s Division. A successful venture had been the holding of a small shop day at the rooms on the first Wednesday each month. This effort would be continued on May 7 and the succeeding months. Of the proceeds from thq/se shops the bulk was given to patriotic funds, a percentage being retained for branch expenses. During the year large parcels of clothing had been forwarded to the Lady Galway Fund, the Duchess of Northumberland Fund, the Makogai Leper Fund, the A.N.A., and the Red Cross had also received active support. Numerous parcels had been sent to soldiers overseas. £l6O had been subscribed towards the W.D.F.U. Fighter Fund, and £24 raised for the Air Force Queen. Membership was 100, but there were many members whose subscriptions were still unpaid. This meant lessened support for organising expenses and fewer votes, at the annual conference. Mrs Jackson appealed to all members to pay promptly and regularly.

The Rest Home at Palmerston North was a wonderful asset to the Women’s Division. It was a beautiful home, where guests received every attention at a remarkably low tariff. It was also a training school in domestic duties for young cadets. Initial expenses had naturally been very heavy, and the support of members was needed to make it self-supporting in the future. Mrs Jackson expressed her thanks to the auditor Mr H. M. Boddington), the treasurer (Mrs C. H. McKenzie), the secretaries. Mesdames Rue and W. James, members of the committee and all who had helped during the year. She also thanked the Press for sympathy and support, and Messrs Jenkins Motors for free carriage of goods to the A.N.A. Club in Wellington.

The report was adopted. Mrs Bai* rer moved a vote of thanks and appreciation of the president’s work.

The annual balance was of a satisfactory nature. The election of officers resulted as follow:—President, Mrs C. C. Jackson; secretary, Miss E. Rutherford; treasurer, Mrs C. H. McKenzie; committed, Mesdames J. Gray, Jarrett and Pike; advisory members, Mrs A. Ross. Miss E. Bennett; delegates to provincial council, Mrs Pike, Miss Rutherford; auditor, Mr H. M. Boddington; delegates to Country Women's Red Cross sub-centre, Mesdames A. McLean, W. Taylor; delegate to Patriotic Committee, Mrs A. lorns. The president presented sprays to Mesdames McKenzie, K. Groves. A. C. Gawith. W. James and T. R. Barrel’, with thanks foy help received, and to Miss Rutherford as incoming secretary. At the conclusion of business members enjoyed recitations by Mrs R. Miller and songs by Mrs Ogilvie and Mesdames Whittaker and Brown then read an amusing sketch entitled “Noblesse Oblige.” Afternoon tea was then served. MEETING OF RANGITUMAU BRANCH. ARRANGEMENTS FOR COMING EVENTS. (“Times-Age” Special.) At the annual meeting of the Rangituinau branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. Mrs James and Mrs Wrigley were re-elected as president and secretary respectively and it was decided that . all other officers should remain in office for the year. The president submitted a very satisfactory’report on the past years work. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. It was decided to send £2 2s to the Community Chest. Next month members are asked to take one of the following items for parcels to be made up for the boySy overseas: Chocolate, soap, coffee and. milk, candles, cheese, marmite. caka. gingernuts, condensed milk, cigarettes. On behalf of the members. Mrs N. H. McLachlan presented Mrs James and Mrs Wrigley with beautiful bouquets, in appreciation of their good work. The usual blooms competitions will be held next month, as well as competition for a bowl of flowers from members’ own gardens. There will also be a competition of a jar each of jelly, jam and marmalade which will be handed in for a hamper to the A.N.A. The hostesses for the day were Misses I. Harvey and F. Wrigley.