WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 272, 12 August 1932, Page 4

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Progress in New Zealand OBJECTS OF FEDERATION The main purpose of the Dominion Federation of New Zealand Women’s Institutes, is, in the words of its newlyadopted constitution, “to provide an organisation with the object of enabling women to take an effective part in rural life and development.” In order to achieve this, it is empowered “to make provision for the fuller education of country women and to give instruction and training in all branches of agriculture, rural handicrafts, domestic science, hygiene, and social welfare.” Such is the aim and ideal of the W.I. movement all over the world. The New Zealand W.I. has already made good progress in this direction, and in order to further widen its sphere of usefulness and to augment its efficiency the organisation has offered to the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, and Education representation on its Dominion executive. Movement at Eketahuna. There was a splendid attendance at the August meeting of the Eketahuna

W.I. Members and friends thoroughly enjoyed the full and varied programme.. After singing the National, Anthem and the “Ode to Friendship,” delegates to the Dominion conference gave a report of that meeting. This was followed by a rendering of Barrie’s play, “The Twelve-pound Look,” in which the parts were taken by Miss Brittain (Harry Sims), Mrs. Brooks (Lady Sims), Mrs. Wilson (Kate), and Miss Sutton (Tonies). It was much enjoyed. A short concert programme, arranged by Mrs. Berry, was next contributed by the following members:—Miss McAnnulty, Miss Hooper, Mrs. H. Smith, Missse Paiata and Kensington. A fine demonstration of hemstitching was given by Mrs. V. Parsons, illustrated by blackboard diagrams, and a competition for a knitted beret, proved very popular. This was won by Mrs. Cecil Cooper, with Miss Sutton second and Mrs. B. Morris third. *A quilted handbag and novel decorative work with grassheads and chocolate paper on exhibition were much admired, while the sales stall did good business under the supervision of Mrs. Schormann. Afternoon tea, served by Mesdames Burling, Brookes, Brittain, and Miss Bowles, concluded a most enjoyable afternoon. Inglewood Branch. At the monthly meeting of the Inglewood branch of the Women’s Institute, Miss Trimble presided over a large attendance, including visitors from Tikorangi and Tariki. The business part of the meeting was preceded by the singing of the institute song, “The Ode to Friendship,” after which the secretary, Mrs. Adnams, read the minutes and correspondence. Intimation was received that Miss Elizabeth Blake would give a talk on English drama at the Parish Hall on Saturday, August 20. Three new members were welcomed by Miss Trimble, Mesdames McKinney, D. Allen, and Nicholls. The president then introduced Sister Corkill, who gave a most instructive and enjoyable lecture on “First Aid,” chiefly ns applied in the home. Good Meeting at Mangatoki. The monthly meeting of the Mangatoki Women’s Institute was held in the

Mangatoki Hall last week, the vicepresident, Mrs. Mahon, presiding over a good attendance of members. The institute song was sung at the opening of the meteing and the motto for the month, “Patience and determination will yvin for us nine battles out of ten,” was read. A pound scheme was held to asisst those & distress, members being aked to contribute a pound of any produce. A well-laden stall resulted, and it was decided to assist the local unemployed first, the surplus goods to be sent to Elthain. Owing to the absence of Mrs. Duncan, who is ill, the glove-making demonstration was postponed. The vicepresident introduced Mrs. Peacock, of Eltham, who very kindly consented to instruct members into the playing of flag 500. A very pleasant evening was spent. Mesdames Peacock, Davies, Mahon and Miss Elsie Gatenby being the winners. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs. Peacock for her kindness. A competition for the best article costing not more than 1/- resulted iu Miss Eileen Bootten gaining first place, Miss Olive Bootten second, and Miss Amy Sultzberger third. Misses G. Linn and A. Sultzberger were in charge of the stall. The hostesses for the evening were Mesdames D. Johnson and F. Willan. Paraparaumu Organisation. About 60 members attended the Paraparaumu Women’s Institute meeting. Mrs. A. Mackay, president, was in the chair. Mrs. Kelso reported on the annual conference in Wellington, at which she had been a delegate, and also informed the meeting of a rest cottage which has been taken for the benefit of sick members. It is hoped that a chain of these cottages will be taken throughout New Zealand, from the proceeds of the institute journal, “Home and Country.” Mrs. Davis, of Paekakariki. gave a lesson in the making of cane trays. Mrs. Burgess, who had won the potatogrowing competition, was presented with a fine big gardening fork. Tlte hostesses were Mesdames Bedding, Eatwell, Morgan. Chadwick. Maquarie, Bagnall and Shepherd. The brasswork class received the first of their lessons by Mrs. Brewer. Some singing was practised, particularly the institute song. Mrs. Cameron won the prizes for tiie best “gingerbread without eggs.” Mrs. Mackay called for votes of thanks to the demonstrators and hostesses, which was heartily given, followed by the singing of “God Save the King."