WOMEN’S DIVISION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 June 1943, Page 2

WOMEN’S DIVISION

MASTERTON BRANCH MEETING DETENTION OF GIRLS. W.C.T.U. PROPOSAL SUPPORTED. The monthly meeting of the Masterton branch of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union was held in the Rest Room yesterday afternoon. Mrs C. C. Jackson presided. The members stood as a mark of respect to the late Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates. In moving a resolution of sympathy to his relatives the president stated that he was throughout his life a member of the Farmers' Union and had always supported the views of that body in its desire to improve farming and country conditions. When Prime Minister, he met the Women’s Division with sympathy when it appealed for Government support for the travelling expenses of Bush nurses and housekeepers. A grant was made for this purpose and had been in existence ever since. A letter was read from headquarters stating that there would be no Dominion Conference but the acting-president. Mrs Orr. was calling a Dominion executive meeting on July 14. The matron in chief, Col. I. Willis, wrote thanking the branch for a collection of face cream jars and books, for the use of nurses in the Pacific area.

The Masterton branch of the W.C.T.U. wrote asking the branch to support the following resolution which was being sent to the Minister of Justice: “Because of the youthfulness of girls who have been charged with immorality, we feel that prison is not the place for them, so we urge camps similar to those provided for conscientious objectors or military defaulters be also provided for these girls where they could receive instruction and lead a healthy outdoor life and have an opportunity to rehabilitate themselves and become worthy citizens.” The branch decided to give its support. A donation of £5 was sent to the Rest Home. Palmerston North, towards the cost of a frigidaire. Mrs L. K. Groves, a member of the Rest Home Commttee, stated that this holiday house was now paying its way and was proving a great pleasure to members from all over the Dominion. The matron’s report stated that three trainees were undergoing excellent training in all branches of domestic work.

A letter was received from the Society of National Utilisation of Waste, appealing for working groups of women to repair army clothing. It was stated that the work was of great importance. There were 5000 garments a week to handle, which meant at least 5 tons of clothing every six weeks. It was decided to advertise the appeal to all women who could give time for this work. A meeting would be held in the Rest Room next Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. to form a working group. Good business was done at the shop under the charge of Mesdames Bunny, Skeet. Morris and Mackenzie. The July shop will be in charge of Mesdames G. Temple, C. Percy, J. James and Tarbet. The members confirmed the president’s action in the offer of the Rest Room for use of the V.A.D. classes starting on June 16. The girls would go in for intensive training for a fortnight.

Two members, it was stated, would visit the soldiers’ ward in the public hospital every month. This month they would be Mrs C. C. Jackson and Miss E. Bennett.

Mrs E. J. Wright and Mrs Gray had packed and sent away to Wellington 50 knitted garments to the Mercantile Marine.