WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 170, 14 April 1932, Page 4

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Activities of Organisations

the World Over Some three years ago the Marchioness of Aberdeen, recognising the value of what she terms the "Institute idea,” as applied to rural women’s organisations in separate countries, decided to do her utmost to put it into operation among the organisations themselves, with the object of furthering international friendship and co-operation, by fostering a spirit of sisterhood and understanding among the women through unity in a common cause. Acting in collaboration with the Countess Kcyserlinyk and Mrs. Alfred Watt, she formed the liaison committee of the rural women’s and homemakers’ organisations of the world, which includes representatives of country women’s communities of practically every civilised nation, who meet from time to time to discuss problems common to them all, without distinction of party, creed, race or colour. The third annual report of this committee has just been published under the title “What the Country-women of the World are Doing,” and provides most interesting and instructive reading for town or country dweller, for nearly every organisation has furnished an illustrated report of its year’s work.

Each affiliated body aims at contentment among its members, and so bases its work on the particular needs of its own people, planning its activities so as to cater for leisure as well as labour, social and educational welfare as well as financial benefits. While it fosters national pride by reviving old crafts and folk lore, yet it encourages international friendship by means of “links” in other lands.

Nevertheless, however individual iu action each organisation may be, ail are actuated by the same motive power—the desire to improve rural conditions to assist in promoting the use of their country’s products and to work for international peace and co-opera-tion. In addition to the reports and general notes on the committee’s work, the book contains most interesting articles on current events by such notable-wo-men as Lady Aberdeen, Lady Denman, Dame Edith Lyttelton, Mrs. Alfred Watt, Mrs. Henry Ford,' and others, as well as a.l4th century Welsh calendar, which is a gem of its kind and serves to put tho finishing touch to a really unique publication. Paraparauinu Institute. On Wednesday last week the members of the Paraparauinu Women’s Institute held their monthly meeting, with ap attendance of 70. Mrs. Mackay, the president, was in the chair. During the considerable amount of business which followed; it was arranged that Mrs. Kelso should go as delegate to the forthcoming conference in Wellington. Mrs. Mackay gave an interesting talk on “Literature,” mentioning particularly books by Judge Alpers, and giving an outline of his wonderful life. The Paraparaumu troop of Girl Guides had been invited, and the full muster arrived under the leadership of Miss N. Treadwell, Guide mistress. They were welcomed by Mrs. Mackay, who referred to them as future institute members. Tea was then served. Mangatoki Institute. The monthly meeting of the Mangatoki Women’s Institute was held in the Mangatoki Hall on Friday, April 8, the president, Mrs. Douglass, presiding over an attendance of about CO members. Mesdames Douglass and Mahon were appointed delegates to a. meeting at Inglewood to form a Taranaki federation. '

The first meeting of the glee club will be held next Friday.

Pioneer Club Institute.

The monthly meeting of the Pioneer Club Institute was held on Friday last. Much Interest was taken in a knitting competition, the prizes being awarded to Mrs. Ryan, Orongorongo (Wainui-o-mata institute) for best pullover, and best child’s cardigan, and to Mrs. K. Thompson (Stokes Valley Institute) for best baby’s jacket. Miss Kane outlined the aims and purpose of the recent Easter Pan-Pacific committee conference, and explained the magnitude and world need of this great movement.

Airs. Mitchell, accompanied by Mrs. Lundius, gave much pleasure by singing. Afternoon tea and conversation completed a very pleasant afternoon.