WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 147, 17 March 1933, Page 5

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Duty of Officials

“TO WORK UNSELFISHLY”

Miss Jerome Spencer’s Inaugural address at the formation of the Southern Wellington Federation of the Women s Institutes last Friday, contained much valuable information and advice to members. The subject of her talk was “The What and Why of a Federation, and in the course of it she impressed on all present the duty of availing themselves'whenever possible of the privileges which the half-yearly council meetings provide. She also pointed out that the officers are the servants of the whole federation, and are not responsible to or representative of any institute or district.

“The essential parts of the movement,” said Miss Spencer, “are the institutes themselves. The institutes control the federations. The truly democratic spirit of the movement ensures the governing of yourselves through your federation councils. The federations are not controlling bodies; the members have the last word.”

The speaker proceeded to give advice on the selection of officers and committee, urging delegates to exercise wise thought. “Work on a committee means service,” she said. “Any member who can should offer herself in 1 any capacity she is fitted for.” Miss Spencer gave earnest warning of the danger of allowing the desire for personal kudos to creep in and put forward a plea for continued unselfish work for the good of the whole movement. Upper Hutt. The monthly meeting of the Upper Hutt Women’s Institute was held in the Druids’ Hall, Upper Hutt, recently. Mrs. Rogers presided over a large attendance. During the afternoon a demonstration of sealing-wax work was given by representatives of Kirkcaldie and Stains. In addition to this a competition for the, best article produced from one yard of cretonne was held, Mrs. Edwards being the winner. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames I’eters, Collins, Neighbours and Misses Prouse and Watson. During last month the gardening circle of the institute visited the gardens of Mr. Fleming and Mr. Bell, Akatarawa. Porirua. Au enjoyable picnic was recently held by the Porirua branch of the Women’s Institute in . the beautiful bush owned by Mr. Prosser. Gaines, races and competitions were indulged in and the prizes, donated by the president, Mrs. Vickers, were presented by Mrs. Ryan.

The February meeting of the Porirua Women’s Institute took the form of an exhibition of arts and crafts. Miss Maddever declared the exhibition open, and complimented the members on the splendid display of work. Mrs. Vickers thanked Miss Maddever for coming out to open the exhibition, and presented her with a beautiful handkerchief made by Mrs. Renwick. Several articles had been lent, including a rug by Mrs. McDonald made from waste wool; also a tapestry rug by Mrs. Renwick and one made by Mrs. Dawson from old pieces of material. A silk Paisley shawl exhibited by Miss Maddever came in for special attention. There was also a cake and scone competition, which was won by the following:—Cake: Mrs. Huckstepp, 1; Mrs. Vickers, 2. Scones: Mrs. Tiague, 1; Mrs. Colley, 2. A cushion given by Mrs. Helliwell for competition was won by Miss R. Martin. Mrs. Ryan and Mr. Renwick were responsible for the musical programme and afternoon tea brought the proceedings to a close. Silverstreain. The Silverstream 'Women’s Institute gave its second birthday party on Thursday, March 2, in the Silverstream Social Hall. Members of the Stokes Valley, Belmont, Wainui-o-mata, and Upper Hutt Institutes were* present, also members of the Silverstream Meh’s Society and the husbands of the Silverstream members. Mrs. Castle was in the chair. An enjoyable programme was presented by the Dramatic and Singing Circles and other friends. It consisted of a. short play, “Waiting for the Bus,” solos, part songs, and recitations. Two short sketches given by Mesdames C. Jones and E* Campbell created great amusement. Miss Maddever made a speech and Mr. F. Castle spoke on the Women’s Institute movement, saying what a power for good it was in the country. During the evening a presentation was made to Mrs. Young, our former president, who was leaving for a visit to England. Mrs. Castle when making the presentation voiced the members’ appreciation of Mrs. Young's untiring devotion to the interests of the institute, also their good wishes for a pleasant visit and the hope that she would return quite' soon. The beautiful birthday cake, made and decorated by Mrs. Cleaver, was much enjoyed. Its two candles were lighted by two small daughters of institute members, and it was cut by Miss Maddever. Wainui-o-mata. The annual meeting of the Wainui-o-mata Institute was held on Wednesday last, there being a good attendance of members. The retiring president, Mrs. Len Wood, presided. During a review of the year’s work, Mrs. Wood thanked all for their support during the past year, and hoped the new president would have the same support extended to her. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mrs. White; secretary, Mrs. Heathcote; assistant secretary, Mrs. Haddry; treasurer, Miss Lucy Wood; vice-presidents, Mrs. Len Wood, Mrs. J. O. Wood; committee, Mesdames Burrow, Callis, Dick, Frazer. Tea and a social half-hour was enjoyed, the' hostesses being Mesdames Boyes, Callis, Dick, and Miss Baskesse. Further arrangements were made for a garden party to be held on Saturday..