CONFERENCE OF WOMEN.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20918, 27 July 1933, Page 3

CONFERENCE OF WOMEN.

institute members MEET. WELCOME TO CIIRISTCHURCH. The third annual general conference of the New Zealand Federation of Women's Institutes opened in the Choral Hall yesterday morning. Miss Amy Kane, of Wellington, presided over an attendance of nearly 300 delegates from women's institutes in all parts of New Zealand, as well as fully 200 interested visitors. The morning was taken up in welcoming the delegates, the presidents of the two Canterbury hostess federations speaking and the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P.), extending a civic welcome to the conference on behalf of the citizens. In addition Lady Wigram, 'Colonel John Studholme, Dr. James Hight, and Dr. W. Irving spoke. Mrs W. Deans, president of the North Canterbury and West Coast Federation, warmly welcomed the delegates. They felt it a great honour to have the conference held in Christchurch, she said. The institutes in the south were comparatively young, and they hoped to reap great benefit from the visit of the delegates from the northern institutes. Mrs L. E. Williams, president of lu t . Canterbury Federation, said that in South Canterbury they had been looking forward for months to meeting the northern delegates at the conference. She hoped that the delegates would be comfortable, and warmly welcomed them to the conference. Miss Kane welcomed Colonel John istudholme and Dr. James Hight, who were present on the platform. Revision of Constitution. reply, Colonel Studholme said that it had been a great privilege to be allowed to help the movement in the way he had done—by acting as arbitrator in the revision of the constitution. Except on one point the whole dispute had been amicably settled by all parties, and on that one point his decision as arbitrator had been accepted in a very sporting spirit. He hoped the conference would accept the new constitution in the same sporting spirit and give it a fair trial. He thought that the great value 91 such a conference as this was the inspiration it gave to individual institutes. Delegates came from little country institutes and saw all the delegates assembled here—at once they realised that they were members of a powerful and influential body. The Institutes' Power. a re a powerful body, and you not hesitate to use your power ron # good of the women and child--1 Zealand," said Colonel btudholme. Many bodies are afraid u:s ® t {j e | r Power because of their of being engaged in a controJnnth' but controversy is better than o a indifference." Colonel Studholme expressed thp hfnHo contr oversy would hinder the institutes fronj taking an interest in education, from studying the educational system of the country and from trying to improve it. The Sr vs S l g ' ve un selfish service, from which the institutes gained their power, came from the teachings of religion and was at the base of those characteristics which had built up the British Empire. If the teaching of that spirit in the schools was omitted it would be a serious thing for the country. The children had a right to a knowledge of the teaching which was at the base of the British character. Colonel Studholme added that he felt he /might have been skating on thin ice, but he would not be doing his duty if he did not refer to a subject on which he felt so strongly—the teaching of the Bible in schools. "What we must have in this country," he said "is an opportunity for those parents who want it to have their children given religious education in their schools." Welcome from University. On behalf of the University of New Zealand and more particularly on behalf of Canterbury College, Dr. Hight welcomed the conference to Christchurch. The universities, he thought, recoginsed that education in the widest sense of the term, the education of the adult, was of the greatest importance, and it was in that way that the women's institutes could help. Canterbury College hoped next year in co-operation with Otago, to extend the university extension work in the South Island and they would look then for the continued' help of the women's institutes. (Applause.) Miss Kane thanked Colonel Studholme and Dr. Hight for their speeches.

On behalf of the institute movement, Miss Kane welcomed the delegates. She expressed deep appreciation of the honour of having been asked to preside over the conference. Rapid Growth. Last year there had been about 100 delegates in Wellington, she said, but this year there were almost 300 in Christchurch, an advance of 200 per cent, in 12 months. "If we go on like that we shall have to take the Wellington Town Hall for our next meeting," she remarked. The movement had made a tremendous advance in England and they must strive to make the same advance in New Zealand. She appealed to the conference to look forward instead of backward. As they had increased in numbers, so they should increase in ideals and' strength. Miss Kane then read telegrams of greeting from Miss A. E. Jerome Spencer, the former president of the Dominion Federation, who is at present in England, from the National Council of Women, from the Canterbury Women Teachers' Association, and from several institutes. A letter was also read from Dr. D. E. Hansen, principal of the Christchurch Technical College, inviting the delegates to inspect the school. Obstetrical Hospital. Dr W. Irving addressed the conference'on the obstetrical hospital at Dunedin, which it had been intended to build in 1929. In that year, he said, the sum of £50,000 had been put on the estimates for the hospital. At the same time Dr. Doris Gordon had collected more than £30,000 for the en- | dowment of a chair of obstetrics at, Otago University. An excellent pro- , lessor had been appointed two years ago. but no hospital had yet been built. There had first been a disagreement on the site and then the depression had come and put a stop to the work. ~ . Dr. Irving appealed to the conference to support the agitation for the ; immediate building of the hospital. It was hoped now to obtain a better ana cheaper site for the building, and once , that site had been bought and the work begun all would be well. Miss Kane thanked Dr. Irving for his address and promised that the conference would discuss the question. Appeal for Red Cross. Lady Wigram, head of the Red Cross Society in Canterbury, spoke on the work of the society. There were 58 countries in which the Red Cross was working and 25.000.000 members of tne society throughout the world, all working for the alleviation of suffershe said. The women's institutes could help the society by remembering LffiS I HSU& ,^S»S £ o/the 0 M SSZ Slr'betafwelwmS? * adjourned iQt luncb^

PROGRESS DURING THE YEAR. REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET. The annual report adopted by the third annual conference of the New Zealand Federation of Women's Institutes yesterday, stated that the progress of the movement had exceeded all expectations. There were now 635 institutes 'throughout the Dominion, with an approximate membership of 30,000 women. Interest in all activities had been well maintained during the year, de--1 spite the financial stress—a tribute to the zeal and enthusiasm of the members themselves, and a proof that the institutes had been a help and refuge for minds undergoing strain. A gratifying development during the year had been the co-operation with the agricultural and horticultural societies, and in common with other women's movements the institutes had had the privilege of participating in the home science extension scheme under the guidance of Miss Violet Macmillan, B.H.Sc., holder of the Sarah Ann Rhodes Fellowship. During the year community drama had grown and spread and the institutes had made close contact with the New Zealand branch of the British Drama League, Miss A. E. Jerome Spencer having been elected to the council, and the secretary (Mrs R. Kelso) to the executive. Handcrafts Exhibition. In November of last year the first Dominion exhibition was staged in the Dominion Farmers' Hall, Wellington. The function was opened by her Excellency. Lady Bledisloe, who expressed her delight in the display of beautiful handcrafts and the ingenuity and skill of the country women, particularly in the making of thrift articles. Much valuable experience was gained in handling and staging the exhibits. It was a matter for pride that the standard of workmanship in crafts was steadily improving, and, above all, that the women were using the materials at hand—wool and skins especially being utilised in many practical forms. During the year an endeavour had been made to find a wider market for New Zealand butter and honey, many institutes sending gilts to their "links." A gratifying response had been received in the warm interest shown in New Zealand through the medium of letters and gifts, and in arousing interest in New Zealand products. Censorship of Films. Following a resolution passed at the last conference, a delegation from the Dominion executive had visited the censor, who received it sympathetically and gave helpful information explaining the difficulties as regards supplies of films. An appeal had been made to the National Federation of Women's , Institutes, England, seeking the cooperation of that body towards securing the best class of British films, and a reply had been received advocating a constructive policy to educate public taste in films, and a strong stand in the censoring of British films which, although rejected in England, were allowed to enter New Zealand. "As can be seen by the increase in our members during the year, organising has gone on consistently," said the report. "New country has been brought in, in the King Country, the Taupo area, Nelson, and the Catlins district. In Poverty Bay good work has been done, especially in the formation of Maori institutes. The committee is glad to be able to say that the number of Maori members is increasing greatly, and the interest and enthusiasm shown by them are most gratifying." Institute Journal. In spite of adverse circumstances, such as economic distress among country women, sales tax, reluctant advertisers, and rivals, the journal "Home and Country" continued to increase in circulation and popularity. All federations, with the exception of one, had increased their subscriptions. An endeavour was made by the editor to give, within the meagre space, room to cover the activities of the institutes in all federations, while at the same time bringing in subjects that concerned women in general. The rest cottage scheme had been inaugurated at Paraparaumu beach in September, 1932 and had aroused much interest and proved a stimulus to other federations, an outstanding example being the cottage opened at The ■Mount by the Bay of Plenty Federation. The scheme had been well backed by members, and the cottages appeared to meet a want in their areas. Canterbury and Hawke's Bay had followed on the same lines, whue a iund had been started with a similar purpose in view in Wanganui. "Some kind of insurance or welfare scheme would seem to be indicated in connexion with the rest cottages," said the report, "to enable those who most need the change to take advantage of it, if not iii a financial position to do so themselves."

The following publications had been issued during the year:—"Outline of History and Annual Report," "New Zealand Handbook," and various leaflets. The Wellington Federation had issued again this year, in aid of their own and the Dominion funds, a calendar, selling more than 9000 copies, and had generously handed over £4O for the use of the Dominion Federation. The Balance-sheet. The balance-sheet showed a total credit balance of cash in hand and in the bank of £224 13s, compared with a credit at the beginning of the year pf £B4 6s 7d. During the year the affiliation fees had totalled £217 19s Id, donations £l6O 10s, and profits of sales of literature £sl 6s 6d. The expenses for the year had totalled £394 lis 6d. Travelling expenses for the chairman, secretary, and committee had totalled £llß 10s 4d, and salaries £ 103 5s 6d, while printing had cost £B9 7s 4d. Mrs C. Chisnall, the treasurer, recommended the conference and the incoming executive to consider the question of increasing the affiliation fees. It was absolutely necessary for headquarters to have funds, and the time had come when a full-time secretary as well as the organising secretary should be employed. Mrs H. J. Barnicoat, of Kimbolton, paid a tribute to the work of the committee in keeping the expenses so low, and the conference heartily applauded her words. The secretary (Mrs R. Kelso) presented the balance-sheet of the institute magazine, "Home and Country," ' which showed subscriptions totalling £453 6s Bd, cash in luMid of £52 16s sd. and expenses of £479 0s 4d. Mrs Kelso said that the magazine had progressed very satisfactorily, and I its circulation had increased greatly throughout the country. So far little 1 attempt had been made to foster the advertising side, but nevertheless advertisements had been coming in, and she believed that as soon as they could give the time to the development of this side of the business they would be unable to keep the advertisements out. Both baalnce-sheets were adopted after a few questions had been asked and answered. REMITS ADOPTED. GOOD PROGRESS MADE. Some progress was made yesterday afternoon by the Dominion conference of the Federation of Women's Institutes with the consideration of the remits sent in from individual institutes. Several remits were carried, including a recommendation urging the wearing of badges by members of institute comjnitteeq, the organisation of tbe iastir

tute rest houses, and the organisation of the group system. The following resolutions were carried:— "That all nominations for the Dominion executive committee be accompanied by their qualifications for their work." "That the editor of 'Home and Country* be asked to publish a series of articles on the running of night circles." "That it be a recommendation to area federations that to help to maintain the informal nature of the group system and to stress the fact that a group is a friendly link between neighbouring institutes, each group should consist of not more than 10, and not less than four institutes, except in exceptional circumstances." "That it be a recommendation to institutes that each member of institute committees in all parts of New Zealand should wear a distinctive badge." "That all women's institutes in New Zealand make a voluntary contribution towards rest houses, so that any member requiring a rest and being unable to pay the £1 a week may have the privilege by applying to the district federation." A remit that delegates to the annual conference should be entitled to s anc * teas was lost. ~ 7" e conference then adjourned until this morning, when the election of officers will take place. DIFFICULTIES SETTLED NEW CONSTITUTION APPROVED. The settlement of recent difficulties between the Auckland Federation of Women s Institutes and the Dominion Federation was described in the annual report presented to the Dominion conference yesterday. Tne amended constitution, as drawn up by a committee of arbitration in the process of arriving at a settlement of the difficulties, was adopted by the conference.

' Owing to the unhappy and unsatisfactory condition existing between the Auckland federation and the Dominion federation, a point arrived at which it was deemed advisable to arrange an understanding of the difficulties," said the report. "His Excellency the Governor-General consented to act as arbitrator, with the result that the chairwoman of the Dominion federation and the president of the Auckland federation resigned in the interests of the movement. The constitution was reviewed by a delegation from the Dominion and Auckland executives respectively, presided over by Colonel John Studholme, with the result that the constitution, as adopted at the last conference, has been amended. _ Your executive desires that the constitution as it is now in your hands be tried out for this year at least. "The Dominion executive desires to place on record its very great appreciation of the desire for the welfare of the women's institutes shown by his Excellency the Governor-General, not only in this instance, but at all times. The committee also desires to record sincere thanks to Colonel Studholme for the time, thought, and financial aid given to bring about the desired harmony in the movement. "We regret to have to record one loss in the interests of the movement, the resignation of the chairwoman of the Dominion executive. Miss Jerome Spencer. The New Zealand Women's Institutes, which come next to Canada in their strength and activity, will remain a monument to her 12 years of sacrifice and service. At his Excellency's suggestion that a lady more or less independent of the movement and approved by all parties be asked to take the chair until the annual conference, the name of Miss Amy Kane was submitted and approved, and we are indebted to her for her acceptance of the position." The revised constitution, which had been submitted to the arbitration committee since the last conference and approved by the executive of the federation, was adopted on the motion of the chairwoman without discussion. The chairwoman said the delegates to the meeting had agreed to give a trial to the revised form of the constitution for one year. The conference could either adopt it or throw it out as a whole. If it was thought after a year that amendments were necessary they could be brought forward at the next conference. The conference decided to ratify the action of the arbitration committee and of the New Zealand executive by adopting the constitution.

WELCOME BY MAYOR. VALUE OF THE CONFERENCE. "I want to extend to each and every one here, the delegates and all the visitors, the very warmest possible welcome from the people of Christchurch," said the Mayor (Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P.) in extending a civic welcome to the Dominion conference of the Federation of Women's Institutes yesterday. "That is not just a formality," he added. "I want you to know that our welcome to you is a real one." The people of Christchurch were well known for their kindness and generosity, said the Mayor, and they had shown this clearly during the troublous times through which the country was now passing. He felt sure that the people of Christchurch would show the same spirit in their welcome to the conference. "Of course, I rather regret that you did not manage to hold your conference a couple of months later," said the Mayor. "I assure you that if you had seen our city in the spring with all nature bursting into bud and flower to welcome you, you would have thought you had stepped straight into Paradise. However, I am sure _ that those of you who have experienced the cold of the south or the torrid heat of the north will find Christchurch, even in winter, a most desirable place." (Laughter.) The Mayor remarked that it was astounding to think of the immense progress the organisation had made in so short a time. The first institute had been founded only in 1918, and it had been only in the last three or four years that regular conferences had been held. In that time many institutes had been opened and thousands of members had been gained. He had a particular reason to be grateful to the women's institutes, because the very first piece of outside assistance that he had received for the Mayor's Relief Fund had been a cash donation from a country institute. Women's Place in World. The part that women were taking to-day in industry and commerce, said the Mayor, and in fighting the depression made it perfectly natural and desirable that women should come together from all over the country to discuss their own particular problems. Since the war women had come into industry and commerce in such very large numbers all over the world that numbers of men had been displaced. This development had been an extraordinary one, though, of course, he did not wish to imply that it should not have taken place. Inasmuch, however, as women had helped to create this social problem, they should meet in conference, and try to help find a solution for it. "I sincerely hope," the Mayor concluded, "that your conference may be wholly successful. I am convinced that the women of this country can make valuable contributions to the solution of the Dominion's problems. Finally, I want to express my own personal gratification, that of the City Council, and that of the city as a whole that you have honoured us by holding your conference here." The chairman (Miss Amy Kane) thanked the Mayor for his welcome. They, in their turn, appreciated the horttmr that he had done them by giving them a civic welcome, she said, and they also appreciated the warmth and kindness o£ that welcome, 1;

! =1 DELEGATES ENTERTAINED. MUSIC, DRAMA, AND DANCING. Delegates to the annual conference of the New Zealand Federation of Women's Institutes were entertained in the Choral Hall last evening by the South Canterbury Federation. More than 300 delegates attended, and the various items on the programme were received with enthusiastic applause. Included in the entertainment were a one-act play by Mrs Spence-Clark and the Christchurch Players, a parade of old-fashioned dresses announced by Mrs E. J. Chennells, folk dancing, and several songs, a recitation, and orchestral items by institute members and delegates. At the beginning of the evening the whole gathering joined in community singing, led by Mrs L. E. Williams, president of the South Canterbury Federati ;i, and Mrs W. Deans, president of the North Canterbury and Westland Federation. The charming one-act play, "When the Whirlwind Blows," was produced by Mrs Spence-Clark, and delightfully acted by the Christchurch Players. The cast was as follows:—Madame Androya, Mrs Spence-Clark; Josefa, Mrs Vera Ardagh; Anna, Miss Edith Woodward. The stage manager was Mr James Brittenden. The parade of old dresses organised by Mrs Chennells was one of the most interesting items of the evening. Dresses more than a hundred years old were worn. In some cases they had first been worn by their wearers' great-grandmothers. They were elaborately beautiful in design and material. 1 Those who took part in the parade 1 were Mrs A. Johnstone, Mrs G. Lovell- ] Smith, Misses Claire Perry, Dorothy Redgrave, Chrystobel Bowen, Gwyn- ] neth Talbot, H. Ellis, Barbara Bloxam, Judith Barker, Jill Barker, Joan } Gard'ner, Elisabeth Morris, Patricia • Davidson, Kathie Macdonald, A. ! Blakiston, and Eleanor Denniston. 1 Each mannequin was announced by 1 Mrs Chennells. « An exhibition of folk dancing was < given by pupils of Miss M. V. Ken- 1 iiedy, of West Christchurch District High School,. items were played by < Mrs I. F. McDonald (piano) and Miss ; M. Walsh (violin), a recitation was given by Mrs B. H. Watt, of Rangitata, i and a song was sung by Mrs Ross < Brodie, of Rangitata. J