WOMEN’S DIVISION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 September 1941, Page 2

WOMEN’S DIVISION

WAIRARAPA COUNCIL ACTIVITIES OF FARMERS’ UNION. ADDRESS BY MR H. MORRISON. Mrs K. Groves, president, occupied the chair at a meeting of the Wairarapa Provincial Council of (he Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, held in the Club Rooms, Masterton. Those present were Mesdames O’Brien. Burch (Martinborough), McLachlan. James (Rangitumau), McLean. Jackson, Barren (Masterton). McNaulty, E. H. Dagg. Cheetham (MauricevilleIhurauah Welch. Ross (Pahautea), Andrew. J. Andrew (Tinui), Hancock (Eketahuna). Clark, Wakely (Featherston). Allen. McKenzie. Ordish (Carterton). Beu. Wiggins tGveytown). Misses Eager (Greytown). Corlct (Pahautea) and Harvey (Rangitumau). Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames Hay, Grant, Day, Pike and Anderson. The meeting opened with the Lord’s Prayer and the Creed. The president extended a welcome to Nurse McLean. A letter was received relative to the sending of eggs to an orphanage. Last month members sent 40doz and it was hoped that they would continue to assist this cause. Mrs Andrew gave a full report covering the activities of housekeepers. She was accorded a vote of thanks. Mr -Hugh Morrison, president, and Mr. R. H. Williams, secretary, of the Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union, were introduced to members. Mr Morrison said that he had considerable pleasure in making the visit. He considered that the Women's Division of the Farmers’ Union was an excellent organisation for tiie Farmers' Union. .There was a time when it was difficult to get a farmer to join, but since the Women's Division had been formed it had been easy to get the support of the farmer. It would be seen that the Women’s Division had been of great assistance. They were one big branch from one end of the Wairarapa to the other. They were working under war conditions and had to be ready to do their duty as Britishers. Their difficulty was want of labour, which was becoming more acute as time went on. When the labour question arose they discussed it thoroughly and until now they had always taken the stand that they did not want girl labour, but they might even have to have this later. They must organise as Britain had done. That was the position today. They must watch the Pacific. His suggestion was that each county as a riding should call a meeting cf men and women, one representative for each riding, to ask for extra help. There were men top old and unfit for overseas service who would come forward and help the farmer. He also thought the Women’s Division could do great work in the homes by helping sick mothers and those in dire need.

Mr Morrison was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his address. A recommendation was made from the meeting that it go into the question of getting a scheme to help the farmer in milking and shearing in the event of the country being invaded.