WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume LXIV, Issue 6580, 27 October 1939, Page 3

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

CANTERBURY FEDERATION Half-Yearly Meeting The half yearly meeting of the Canterbury Federation was held yesterday at Darfield when the Memorial Hall was well filled with delegates and members, Mrs Ross Macdonald, president, was in the chair and extend ed a welcome to the large number present, including members of the recently formed Womens' Institute club in Christchurch. In her address the president referred to the war and to the need for Institute members to do all that was possible to assist in this diificult time.

Mrs Rolliason, president of the Slief field Institute on behalf of the Malvern group also extended a welcome to delegates and members.

Mrs W. Deans (Dominion Executive committee) and W. J. McLeod, president of the North Canterbury Federation were also on the platform.

The roll call showed chat out of 132 Institutes 29 were represented. Half-Yearly Report The report was adopted as read. The president said th*it at the Dress Parade at the Wellington Exhibition on January 30, dresses from 1840 to 1300 would be displayed. These must be sent in to Mrs M. Davis, secretary of the Federation on or befox-e November 8. Mrs W. Deans spoke on the evacuation scheme organised by her and thanked the Institutes for their prompt replies. Mrs Deans reported that she had been asked to join the Main Evacuation committee in Christ-chui-ch as a representative of the Womens' Institutes. The questionnaire sent out would be useful in the event oi an earthquake or other big disaster. Mrs Deans answered a number of questions. Financial Statement The financial statement for six months ending September 30 was adopted, showing a credit balance of £16 18s. W.I. Helper Scheme Mrs W. J. McLeod, secretary of the W.I. Helper scheme gave a report on the working of the scheme. Donations from Institutes amounted to £22 and from the Federation committee £10. There was a credit balance of £19 14s 4d to be divided between the Canterbury and North Canterbury Federations. Mrs McLeod's report was adopted and it was decided to ask Institutes to donate 9d a member towards the Helper scheme. It was resolved also to approve of the Federation committee's application to the Minister of Internal Affairs for permission to hold an Art Union in aid of the Helper scheme. The president paid a tribute to Mrs McLeod for organising the W. I. Helper scheme and carrying it out so successfully. She then handed to Mrs McL*eod a handbag' as a small token of their appreciation. Mrs McLeod's work was recognised by the singing of "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow." Mrs McLeod in her reply thanked the Federation committee for consideration shown and all who had assisted! her. Birthday Parties The Springston remit on the question of holding birthday parties was discussed and it was stated that each Institute could act as they chose. It was not a matter for the Federation. Meeting at Akaroa Miss Le Lievre moved that the next half-yearly meeting be held in Akaroa on October next; seconded by Mrs J. W. A. Boleyn and carried. The president handed to Mrs McLcod the banner made by Mrs Couch for the old Federation which carried the name ''North Canterbury" and Mrs McLeod thanked her for the gift.

The president thanked members of the Federation executive particularly he Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer Mrs M. Davis and Miss D. Warren and all other helpers.

Mrs Dick moved a vote of appreciation to Mrs M. Davis the Federation secretary and this was carried by acclamation.

Delegates and members totalling over 200 were entertained by the Malvern group very hospitably and at the conclusion the Malvern group were accorded a hearty vote of thanks on the motion of Miss E. Le Lievre.

Mrs Morten moved a vote of thanks to the president which was carried by acclamation.

Afternoon Programme

Mrs Watson, Christchurch, who had attended the Conference of the Associated Women of the World in London gave a very interesting account of her trip.

The Mt. Pleasant Institute gave a play "In These Hard Times" which was much enjoyed.

Other items were: Songs by Mrs M. Bull and Mrs Eglington; Mrs Couch. Misses Gamble acting as accompanists.

Miss Ivy Gilmour acted as pianist for the Institute song and the National Anthem.

At the conclusion Mrs Gunn, president of the Darfield branch of the Womens' Division thanked the president and members for their kind invitation to be present.