ANNUAL MEETING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 142, 29 March 1948, Page 6

ANNUAL MEETING

ASHBURTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

The 17th .annual meeting of the Ashburton District Women’s Institute was held in the Foresters’ Hall last week, when Mrs Fitzgerald (president) presided over a good attendance.

Members stood in silence as a mark of respect to Mrs T. S. Taylor in her bereavement.

Mesdames E. A. Amos and R. Cairns were appointed delegates to the Federation meeting on April 13, and Mrs W. L. Sedeole was appointed the delegate to the conference in Wellington in August. Mrs Fitzgerald spoke briefly of her recent visit to headquarters.

The' competition for the best pro gramme was won by Mrs Sedeole.

Mrs Hayston was thanked for her offer of a donation for the Federation sales table, and Mrs Amo s offered to make a wreath for Anzac Day.

Those members desirous of participating in the forthcoming tour in the Country Women’s Holiday Party from approximately September 16 to October 2 to Auckland are asked to forward their names to Mrs M. Constable as soon as possible. A discussion on the birthday party in April, being held in the evening, took place and members agreed to leave it to the committee to finalise matters. Annual Report The annual report showed a very active and successful year and the financial statement showed a very satisfactory credit balance. The president thanked members and committee for their help and cooperation, also Mr J. Keig, auditor, the “Guardian” and “Press,” Miss Watt, Mrs McElhinney for judging competitions, and the tea conveners. On taking the chair for the election of officers, Mrs McQuilkin was presented with a shoulder spray, as also were Mesdames D. Fitzgerald, E. Loftus, W. V. Joyce, J. McElhinney and W. L. Sedeole. These beautiful sprays were made by Mrs E. A. Amos. Mrs McQuilkin spoke of the duties of an ordinary member and stressed the need for women to take more interest in world affairs. She also thanked members for their co-operation during her years of Federation presidency. Election of Officers The following officers were elected: President, Mrs D. Fitzgerald; vicepresidents, Mesdames E. A. Amos and L. Aitken; secretary, Mrs W. L. Sedcole; treasurer, Mrs E. Loftus; committee, Mesdames Baker, R. Cairns, A. Hayston, W. V. Joyce, Page, Ruddock, Roffey and P. Shirnack. A vote by ballot taken on the proposed change of day for 7 meetings from Friday to Tuesday resulted in a majority for Tuesday and members agreed to hold meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Mrs D. Shaw, Willowby, was nominated as group convener. The house competition for the past year resulted: —Joyce House 1, McKee House 2, Roffey House 3. Competitions resulted: Prettiest plate: Mrs Ruddock 1; apricot jam, Mrs Shirnack 1, Mrs J. Bland 2, Mrs Joyce 3; best bloom or truss, Mrs E. A. Amos 1, Mrs J. Bland 2, Mrs Ruddock 3.

The hostesses were Mesdames Cairns, Breeze, Meeking, H. Wat.ts and With ell.