WOMEN’S DIVISION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 May 1941, Page 7

WOMEN’S DIVISION

WAIRARAPA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ACTIVITIES OF PAST YEAR. SOCIAL EVIL PROBLEMS. Tlie annual report of the president (Mrs Groves) of the Wairarapa Provincial Council of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union states, inter alia: "I have much pleasure in stating that a very useful year’s work has been done by the branches of the Wairarapa Provincial Council of the Women's Division of the Farmers’ Union, a special effort being the raising of £294 18s for the W.D.F.U. Spitfire fund, a wonderful achievement, I think, considering all the calls we have had for other patriotic purposes. Another fine effort was the collecting of comforts for the Duchess of Northumberland appeal. All branches contributed to this. We have sent a large case of woollen goods and have fifty blankets on hand ready to forward as soon as shipping space is available. Branches still continue to send large parcels of clothing to the Country Districts Subcentre of the Red Cross. I am a member of this sub-centre and know how much the president and members appreciate your help. So carry on with the good work.” “Five meetings of the council were held during the year. Mr Stent gave a helpful and interesting talk bn the shipment of eggs to Britain. At other meetings discussions took place on the Small Farms Amendment Bill and the use of Rest Home for British children. The latter subject is to be considered at-the July conference to be held in Wellington. "Now I come to what I consider the most important subject of all, that is. the social evils we have in this young country of our," the report states. “I am pleased to be able to say the council has been going into this very serious problem, and along with other women’s organisations is holding a general meeting of two delegates from each in the W.D.F.U. Rest Room, Masterton, at 2 p.m., on May 28. I hope' every organisation will send its delegates and that much good will come of the discussions that are to take place. “Our housekeeping secretary, Mrs Standen, through the illness of her husband, found it necessary to resign, Mrs James Andrew was appointed to fill the position. To both Mrs Standen and Mrs Andrew. I extend my appreciation of the good work they have done during the year. I know their work has been hard and worrying. Itis so difficult to procure help for country women. If only some of these girls so anxious to help in these trying times would come forward and help us in the homes instead of the farms, we would be more grateful. To Mrs Maitland, our recording secretary and treasurer, I say, ‘Thank you very much!' Mrs Maitland has done a tremendous amount of work and has been a very real help to me personally and to the council in general. I extend my deepest sympathy to all members who have suffered bereavement and to all members who have suffered in any way. My sincere thanks are extended to Mr Smart, our auditor, to the Press and to all who have helped us during the year.”