WOMEN’S DIVISION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 October 1941, Page 2

WOMEN’S DIVISION

VICTORY FAIR. GATHERING AT MAURICEVILLE. (“Times-Age” Special.) The Victory Fair conducted by the Mauriceville-Ihuraua branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union at Mauriceville recently was most successful. The fair was officially opened by Mrs K. Groves, president of the Wairarapa Provincial Council of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. The president, Mrs W. Cheetham, thanked those present for attending and expressed the hope that, they , would enjoy themselves and return home lighter in pocket but laden with goods, thereby helping in a most worthy cause—that of providing comforts for men of the Mercantile Marine. Mrs Cheetham also thanked all donors of cash or kind, the stall-holders and their assistants, and the many men who had rendered assistance in various ways; Mr J. Bennett for typing the handbills, Mr A. E. Clarke (cartage), Mrs Childs (training the child performers) and Miss Heckler for providing such a large number of trophies for the competitions. Mesdames Groves, Cheetham, Childs and James were presented with posies by four small girls. A very interesting feature of the gathering was the spinning of raw wool by Mrs McAnulty, Kaiparoro. The following are the names of those in charge of the various stalls, these ladies each having several capable helpers: Cakes, Mrs Baine; sweets, Mrs Nicolaison; ice cream, Mrs Wilson; produce, Mrs E. Dagg; jumble, Mrs Milner; sewing, Mrs Forsberg; afternoon tea, Miss E. Heckler and Mrs McArley.

The competition winners were: Sheep weight guessing, correct weight 166£ lbs: Men (Mrs Judd’s trophy), Mr W. Cheetham, Junr; ladies (Mrs E. Cheetham’s trophy), Mrs H. Duffy. The sheep was donated by Mr A. Campbell and auctioned during the afternoon by Mr G. Wilson. Nail driving, ladies, Miss S. Bennett; men, Mr C. R. Judd. Children’s decorated bicycles, girls, Dawn Wilson 1, Z. McKeown 2; boys, Randal Judd. Tricycle, John Baine; doll’s pram, Josephine Judd. The baby show brought out many entries, the judge (Mrs W. James) having a difficult task in making her awards: 6 to 12 months, Murray Clarke 1, George McWhirter 2, Gillian Russell 3; under 6 months, Lionel Wilkin 1, Jenifer Dagg 2, Kay Palmer and Kathleen Clement (equal) 3. Mrs Milner’s trophy for lucky surprise packet went to Mrs Hodgins, Senr.

The fruit cake made by Mrs H. Tiass, Senr., was won by Mrs Baine; box of tea by Mr J. Milner; large basket and sweets, Norma Godden; shawl, Mrs R. H. Wilkin; kitchen tidy, Jean McGovern; tea measure, Mrs Me Arley. During the afternoon the pupils of the Mauriceville School staged a concert of songs, choruses, plays, and a folk dance. Several of the children displayed marked talent and these items were very much appreciated by those present.

Most of the stalls were cleared of their goods before the close of the afternoon, and the few things remaining were sold by auction, Mr G. Wilson proving a very capable auctioneer.

The takings were in the vicinity of £6O whicn must be very gratifying to all those who worked so hard to make the gathering a success. Much credit is due to Mrs Cheetham and her secretary, Miss E. Dagg, for their work.