WOMEN'S INSTITUTES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 72, 26 March 1930, Page 12

WOMEN'S INSTITUTES.

PROVINCIAL FEDERATION.

The bi-annual meeting of the Auckland Provincial Federation of Women's Institutes was held in the Farmers' Union Trading Company hall yesterday. Mrs. Dudley Dorman (president) presided over a large gathering of delegates. In her speech of welcome, Mrs. Dorman made special mention of Miss Mowbray, president of the Victoria League, and Miss N. Lewis, who arrived from England recently, and who is now a member of the .New Lynn Institute. Mrs. Dorman also referred feelingly to the death recently of Mrs. Bruton, a member of the executive, and- a keen supporter of the institute movement. Mrs. Dorman said that since the last council meeting, eight new institutes had been formed: Matata, Matamata, Whakatane, Hukerenui, Manawahi, Wellsford, Port Albert and Otakerei. There were now 34 institutes affiliated to the, Auckland Federation. A donation of £5 was received from the Every Ready Committee of the Victoria League, and appreciation was- expressed to Miss Mowbray, who handed it in. The financial statement, read by the treasurer, Miss E. Chihvell, showed there was a balance in hand of £17 .19/6, which was an improvement on the balance of the previous year. A number of remits were brought forward for discussion. One from Albany asked: "That the federation strongly press for the removal of import duties on wheat, on the grounds that the same are economically unsound, and by adding to the cost of living impose an unfair burden on the whole community, and in particular handicap New Zealand industries, especially the poultry industry in an effort to build up an export trade." Speaking to this remit an Albany delegate said that poultry was one branch of agriculture in which women were represented. It was owing to the import duty that the poultry industry was in a dec-liae.—The remit was carried. "That Esperanto be taught in schools", was a remit brought forward by Greenhithe, and was lost on the votes.. It ws>s decided to consider having a rest . room in Auckland for the use of institute j members.

The following remit was brought, forward by Glen Eden: "That all members ■ of women's institutes in New, Zealand ' should purchase New Zealand-made I goods, if unobtainable then preference be given to British goods." Reference was made to Sir Charles Fergusson's I speech shortly before he left New Zea- ! land, in which he urged that the people give preference to New Zealand goods, failing New Zealand, British goods, and failing British, Empire goods.—The remit was carried. Te Wlietu branch moved: "That the Women's Institute movement should encourage and foster among the Maori women adult education and the revival of their anqient crafts by inviting the women and girls wherever ppssible to become members of existing, institutes J and by establishing" associated institutes • among the Maoris themselves." Speaking on this subject Mrs. Wettenhall said she had formed the first Maori institute at Manawahe a month ago. The members were aiming at reviving their ancient arts, music, and poi dances, and were very keen and enthusiastic. — The remit was adopted.