History Notes
The back page photo last week started a search of both recipe books and history folders. No I have not heard of anyone visiting the C.W.A. home in Glen Innes – it may have been more for those down on the coast. However, I knew we did have a branch of the C.W.A. in Barraba.
The Barraba and Horton Chronicle dated the 5th August, 1926, published a report of the first meeting of the C.W.A. The meeting was held in the Mechanic’s Institute (next to the old fire station in Maude Street) and was chaired by the Mayoress, Mrs McArdle.
Mrs Studdy, president of the C.W.A. was in attendance and after some discussion it was decided to form a branch in Barraba. Mrs McArdle was elected president and her committee included, Mesdames Wallace, McIlrick, Pearce, Fiddes, Miss Thompson and Miss C.K.Parker.
It was decided to meet on the second Saturday each month and that the membership fee be four shillings per year or 5 pounds 5 shillings for life membership.
The branch seems to have functioned well through the next ten years or so as the meeting notices and advertisement’s for street stall are scattered through the newspapers. Several full reports are published in 1930, 1932, 1935 and make interesting reading as they discussed donations to the hospital, formation of a Baby Health Centre in Manilla, the Annual Blue and Gold Ball which was held annually in Clifton Hall and of course conferences, some of which were held in Barraba, in the Masonic Supper Room.
The C.W.A. seems to have closed down in the 1940’s possibly due to the war and the extra activity that was put into the Red Cross at that time. It was revived again later in the 20th century – about the time when the asbestos mine was functioning but died out after a short while.
I wonder how many people have a C.W.A. cook book. Early in 1932 the C.W.A. put out several long (28cm x 15cm) with a with a recipe for every day of the year – Luncheon/Tea/ dishes, Biscuits & Cakes, and Puddings – there may have been more. Then there was the Coronation Cookery Book put out in 1937 and a second edition in November, 1938. These early books were much more than recipes with all sorts of remedies for illness, first aid, when babies should start solids etc. My last one is dated 1976 and contains more recipes and less hints.
Only Barraba people can answer why we do not have a branch now – not enough people to support all the organizations we have now! Back to the newspapers next week.