WOMEN’S DIVISION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 September 1942, Page 4

WOMEN’S DIVISION

MEETING OF WAIRARAPA EXECUTIVE HOMES FOR RECUPERATING AIRMEN WANTED. I AN AUSTERITY CAMPAIGN SUGGESTED. A meeting of the Wairarapa Executive of the Women's Division of the Farmers’ Union was held in the Rest Room yesterday, Mrs K. Groves being in the chair. A motion of sympathy with the Royal Family in the death of the Duke of Kent, was passed, members standing in silence. Sympathy was also expressed to Mrs Allen, who was in hospital, and to Mrs Hancox, in the death of her aunt. A letter was received from the Women’s Division headquarters, asking for offers of “recuperative hospitality” for airmen. The Air Department would be glad of offers to place in the country, in private homes, returned airmen, who were not' sick but neeeded a change of scone and occupation. It was suggested that each district might find two families willing to offer hospitality. The Wairarapa Executive asked for the names of any members or non-members willing to offer their homes in this way. Mrs K. Groves (Longbush) would be pleased to receive any such offers. All details would be supplied to any member whose hospitality was being accepted in this way. Members drew attention to cases, of burning of large stocks of paper owing to inability to get rid of it to the collecting authorities. It was very discouraging to those people who went to great trouble collecting paper to find it was not wanted.

Relative to the campaign in the country for greater vegetable production. it was suggested that townspeople who were unable to produce would contribute an equally valuable effort by the institution of an Austerity Campaign, which .would include doing without cocktails, sherry or beer, luxury afternoon teas and suppers and luxury articles of all sorts; also introducing more mutton and lambs, and less beef and pork to the household commissariat. A letter was read acknowledging receipt of garments for the Merchant Navy. The authorities advised the retention of a certain supply for distribution at short notice to men coming to New -Zealand. Very appreciative personal letters had been received on receipt of gifts of comforts. Mrs K. Groves reported that earthquake damage to the Rest Home had cost over £260. In addition a contract had been let for repainting at further heavy cost. Branches were asked to make special efforts to raise further funds for repayment to headquarters of the money spent. Mrs Groves reported that Mr R. W Kebbell, chairman of the Wairarapa Primary Production Council had stated his disappointment of the failure on the part of girls to join the Women’s Land Army. The hope was expressed that there would be a better response in the future. Those wishing to join should notify Mrs Ordish, Carterton, or any member of the Women’s Division.