WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 12166, 4 October 1937, Page 3

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

TAURANGA FEDERATION MEETING AT KATIKATI LARGE NUMBER PRESENT The bi-annual meeting o£ the Tauranga District Federation of Women’s Institutes was held in the Parish Hall, -Katikati, on Thursday, when there was an excellent attendance of delegates and members. The following Institutes answered the roll call:— Katikati, Apata, Peterhema, Omokoroa. Cate Pa, Tanranga, Mount Maungauui, Raugataua, Hairini-Welcome Bay, Te Puke, Papaxnoa, Paengaroa, Pukehina and Pongakawa Valley, leaving only Omanawa, who were unable to be represented. Most of the delegates arrived by train at midday, and a cup of tea awaited them. The meeting commenced about 12.30 with Mrs Rowsell in the chair. The Institute Song was given and the Aspirations read, after which a short welcoming speech was made by Mrs G. Henry, President Of the Katikati Women’s Institute. Members of the Executive Committee were seated at the President’s table. Mrs McNaughton read the minutes of the last annual meeting which were confirmed, and then read the correspondence. The Hon. R. Semple wrote thanking the Federation for their support of his efforts to put a stop to furious driving and enforcing heavy penalties on drunken drivers. Letters were also read from the Hon. Frank Laugstone, acting Native Minister, and Mr C. H. Burnett, M.P., in reply to the Federation’s request for the provision of conveniences for Maori women and children. Mr Burnett said something should be done before the summer. The Hon. Peter Fraser, Minister of Health, who was approached on the same subject, wrote asking for the names of towns other than Tauranga and Te Puke, where such conveniences were necessary. The Native Department had since replied that nothing could be done in the meantime, but in Te Puke, the Borough Council had taken the matter up and a special Committee had been set up to go into the question.

The next letter was from the Dominion Executive regarding a visit for that day’s meeting from Mrs Revel lof Pukekohe. Mrs McNaughton explained that as the meeting that day could only be a short one, owing to time taken in travelling, the local Executive felt that Mrs Revell’s visit would be much more enjoyed if it could be arranged for the annual meeting. Mrs Revell had noted this and intended to do her best to be present at that time. Mrs Horne, Organiser of Maori Work in the North, asked for any examples of Institute work which members could spare. The Maoris were beginning to take an interest and she was preparing several cases to take North with her shortly. Members present were asked to assist in this direction if at- all possible.

This concluded the reading of the correspondence which was approved and Mrs McNaughton then presented the following half yearly report; “Madam President and Fellowmembers, On behalf of your Committee, I have much pleasure in presenting the half yearly report: Meetings.—Six have been held since the annual meeting; one was a short meeting held at the close of the annual Council meeting, one was really a day and a-half, as an* adjournment was made till two days later in order to complete the business arising, three w’ere full day meetings, and one was a special meeting.

Correspondence.— Records show that 130 letters have been written exclusive of circulars,

Finance. —-The position, as seen by the financial statement, is at present fairly satisfactory, but the visits of Conference delegates to Women’s Institutes to give reports will make inroads on funds and there are a few Institutes who have not as yet assisted with the expenses incurred in sending the. delegates to Wellington. The Committee will appreciate donations from these Institutes according to their ability to help. Stationery.—Good use of W.I. stationery is made by several Women’s Institutes, but others still hold stocks: further supplies of official stationery for use of secretaries are now on. hand and your Committee aavises all secretaries to make use of these, which are now made up with duplicate sheets enabling copies to be kept.

Leaflets. —Institutes do not seem to be'making sufficient use of these. Rest Cottage.—Progress as reported at annual meeting still continues and the cottage is‘let almost continuously and bookings are well in advance. With the satisfactory state of rest cottage funds the sub-com-mittee has decided to make a few renewals of furnishings such as curtains, etc., which will considerably improve the general appearance. The Committee would greatly appreciate the donation of a few cushions. Organiser.— An additional appointment has been made and members will be pleased to learn that Mrs R. Faulkner is now working in conjunction with Mrs McNaughton. Health Talks. —Your Committee, realising the advantage of good health in a community, appointed Mrs Faulkner as Federation, officer in charge of this section of work and she has already given, numerous talks on a variety of subjects. Women’s Representative Committee. Your Federation representatives have attended all meetings. Mrs McNaughton was absent from the June meeting, being in Wellington at that time. The Rest Room has still been one of the main topics for discussion, coupled with the necessity for conveniences for Maori women and children. Other matters dealt with were Crippled Children’s Fund —now held in abeyance pending further information re control; Brass Band Contest held in Tauranga last Easter; an appeal foi help for orphanages in the Auckland Province; kitchen conveniences in the Domain; inquiry into the mateiuity services of the Dominion, and the possible establishment of a creche at maternity hospitals under control of Government or Hospital Boards, as suggested by your repreSei Drama.—The annual Festival was again a pronounced success, seven Jeans competing and the effort ot the Peterehema (Maori) team being verv creditable, the Judge presented a special prize. Katikati A. and Hairini-Welcome Bay tied toi Ist place and Tauranga was the winner of the Hairini-Welcome Bay tiophj. Quite a number of members attended the British Drama League bchool and greatly benefited by Miss Loc s tU Groups.—Tauranga Group heki a verv successful meeting m Ma> am Te Puke in August. The attendance at the latter was very disappoiutuW and your Committee is desirous ot seeing a revival of interest. An endeavour is being made to hold combined meetings alternate!} 111 T' ranga and Te Puke in the second half of the vear which may be of help m this direction. Your Committee ap-

preciates the assistance given by the' Te Puke Group in taking charge of all arrangements for the Elimination Drama Festival held at Te Puke, the attendant success being largely due to their work. Winter Show in Tauranga.—Six entries were made in the section for W.I. Courts, the standard of work showing a general improvement and being very creditable. A sales table for the benefit of members w r as inaugurated this year and proved succesful. Round Table Conference.—Mrs West attended Conference as Federation delegate, and Mrs McNaughton as Voluntary Organiser. Mrs Faulkner attended unofficially. Mesdames West and McNaughton have given reports of this Conference at many of the Institute meetings, endeavouring to pass on as much as possible of the information gained. Robt. Young Trophy.—Your Committee forwarded an outline of work done during the past year but as there were only two entries no award was made. Although feeling that this Federation had not undertaken any one special piece of work your Committee is disappointed that an award was not made to one or other of the entrants. Girls’ Educational Week. —The Executive of the Auckland District Federation extended an invitation to girls in this Federation and the three girls who attended were loud in their praise of all that was done on their behalf. Your Committee trusts that if on any future occasion such a privilege is extended, more girls will avail themselves of the opportunity afforded them. Maternity Services of the Dominion.—Mesdames Faulkner and McNaughton, on behalf of the Federation, submitted evidence to the Committee of Inquiry when it was in Tauranga and stressed the need for a maternity annexe there, also submitting a suggestion that the establishment of a creche in connection with public maternity hospitals would be filling a great need. Knitted Vests frojm competition at annual council meeting were handed to the Pluuket nurse for distribution. Wreath on Cenotaph.—On behalf of the Federation Mrs McNaughton nlaced a wreath on the Cenotanh in

Tauranga on Anzac Day. Dietary Study Competition.—Two members in this Federation were successful in being given a place among the prize-winners—Mrs Lowe , of Apata, and Mrs McNaughton. Hospitality Circle. — More members are required tor this circle as requests come forward and guests ) cannot always be placed. The local Tourist Agent tvas interviewed re | the Government’s advertisement and | broadcast for farm hospitality and | it was pointed out that this scheme j was already in operation in many 1 Federations. I Vale. —It was with great regret j that the Committee learnt of the ,

death of a valued and enthusiastic 1 member in the person of Mrs Crowley of Te Puke, and it feels that the J community is the poorer by her pass- 1 ing from it at so early an age. i Legislative Council. — Your Coin-,; mittee urged the Dominion Executlve to approach the Government re t the appointment of women to the ’ Legislative Council and suggested '■ the nomination of Miss Kane. f Coronation Celebrations. — Tau- ,| ranga Institute was responsible for a a very good characterisation of " “Daughters of the Empire” in the ' procession on Coronation Day. "John Bull’ was included and ‘he’ was an outstanding feature. i; Thanks are due to many for their : keen interest and help in the tarrying on of the work throughout the ' Federation and again we are spec- ‘ ially indebted to Mrs Woods for the | use of her room for all Executive i meetings and also Group Committee meetings. Special thanks are also due to Mrs Strange who acted as adjudicator at the Drama Festivals and to the Press both at Tauranga and at Te Puke.” Mrs Rowsell in moving the adoption of the report complimented Mrs McNaughton on the detail which it contained, and the trouble she had taken in preparing it. She also congratulated Mrs Faulkner on her appointment as Assistant Organiser. Mrs Plummer seconded the motion which was carried. Mrs West then read the financial statement which showed a sound position, and also the report on the Rest Cottage at the Mount, Mrs Rowsell then asked for nominations for a representative on the j Committee of the Bay.of Plenty Area of the British Drama League which had been formed recently. Two names were submitted and upon a ballot being taken Mrs West of Mount Maunganui was elected. Mem'bers were advised that dhe Club Rooms recently occupied by the Women’s Division of~"the Farmers’ Union had been taken over, and Mrs McNaughton read the rules which had been drawn up to govern the use of the rooms. Mrs Plummer had offered to act as caretaker. Several questions were asked, but it was decided to leave further decisions to a small sub-committee. It was unanimously decided to have a Visitors’ Book. An adjournment for afternoon tea was taken at this juncture, and the Federation birthday cake with three candles was cut by Mrs Faulkner. The Katikati ladies again acted as hostesses. Competitions which were held during the day resulted as follows: Posy, Mrs R. Johnston 1 and 2, Mrs Spedding J. Shortbread, Mrs Goodwin 1, Mrs Hunter 2, Mrs Smith 3. Mrs Kemp was the Judge for shortbread, and Miss Kemp judged the posies and awarded a prize to Mrs Hickey for her beach frock which was the only entry. After this the remits were taken as follows: 1. Gate Pa. —“That Institutes who have a membership of 25 or over, should have a representative on the Federation Executive.” —Lost, 2. Executive Committee. — “That the annual subscription be raised to 2s Gd, Is to be forwarded to Headquarters, 6d to the District Federation and Is retained by the Women’s Institute,” The Pukehina delegate moved an amendment that the subscription remain at 2s.—ls for Headquarters, 6d for the District Federation, and 6d for the Institute. The amendment was lost and the motion was carried. 3. Executive Committee. —“That a V.O. School be held in Tauranga.” —Carried. 4. Executive Committee.— “That transfer cards be provided for members moving from one district to another.” —Carried. • 5. Executive Committee. — “That mo Federation have more than thirty Institutes unless warranted by its geographical situation.” —Carried. G. Mount Maunganui..—“That we, as members of the Tauranga District Federation of Women’s Institutes desire to bring to the notice of the Government the growing necessity lor Women Police Officers in this Dominion, more particularly to assist in the protection of children at public parks and theatres.” —Carried. 7. Executive Committee. — “That representations be made to the local bodies regardin g establishing a Creche in conjunction with Public Maternity Hospitals and that enquiry be made regarding the estimated cost of such a building and annual running expenses.” —Carried. 8. Executive Committee. — “That the regulations re the clearing of noxious weeds be more rigidly en-

forced. *‘N T .B.—The last remit is based upon a request received from N. Hawke’s Bay Federation for support for its resolution which reads “That the Government be urged to take all possible steps to prevent the spread of noxious weeds.”—Carried. An urgency remit from the Executive Committee in regard to film supervision was also passed.