WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 211, 22 June 1950, Page 7

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

SCHOOL FOR OFFICERS

Mrs Pearce presided over a well attended school for officers which was held recently in the Community Centre rooms, under the auspices of the Mid - Canterbury Federation of Women’s Institutes. The school was conducted by the voluntary organisers who had attended the voluntary organisers’ school at Timaru. Mrs Constable spoke on the history of the movement and what it means to the countrywoman, stressing the point tllat a kind word and a helping nand cost little but mean much to those in need. Mrs Copland dealt with the Dominion- headquarters and the work of the executive, pointing out how much time and thought was put in by them into the movement. Mrs McQuilkin dealt with' a comprehensive questionnaire which had been prepared for discussion at the voluntary organisers’ conference. Many questions were asked, and the institute’s officers thus gained a fuller understanding of the movement to enable them to carry out the purpose of the Women's Institute, which is to improve and develop conditions of rural life. , Satisfaction was expressed 'at the outstanding success of the recent drama festival, at which six - plays were presented. Thanks were expressed to Mrs Constable, drama convener, and to her committee, to whom the success of the festival was due. The Lauriston Institute was congratulated on gaining second equal at Christchurch in the area contest. The members of the executive had felt that it had been a very great privilege to act as hostesses for the Rugby Union for the British Isles Rugby team which was the first international team to visit Ashburton. Representatives of the County Girls’ Clubs had assisted. In connection with the . Dominion conference being held in Christchurch in July, it wak stated that the Mid and South Canterbury Institutes would be running special trains and buses on Wednesday, July 2G, to enable members to visit the art exhibition which is to be held in the Durham Street Art Gallery, attending the conference and in the evening the Dominion drama finals in the Radiant Hall. Miss J. Bratley was appointed convener of an arts and crafts school to be held in the Community Centre rooms on July 7. Mrs- Constable, organiser for the country women’s holiday party, spoke on the proposed four-day excursion to Mt. Cook in September. n Mrs Pearce asked that all institutes notify her immediately if they proposed forming choirs, which were to be held under the tutorship of Mr Peach, of the Adult Education Department.