WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Grey River Argus, 30 April 1938, Page 12

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Annual Meeting Held MRS I. BASSETT RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT. There was an attendance of over 200 members of the various branches at the annual meeting of the West Coast Federation of Women’s Institutes, at Trinity Hall, Greymouth, yesterday, despite the inclement weather. Mrs I. Bassett, of Hokitika, presided. There was a delightful array of handwork, preserves, etc., made by Institute members. After the singing of the Institute song, and the reading of the "Aspirations” by Mrs Mclntyre, the president said that she was pleased to see such a large attendance, and welcomed those present. She announced tne resignation of Mrs Mckay (Harihari), ex-president and office-holder, who had given wonderful service. Her resignation was owing to her husband’s illness. Another resignation regretted exceedingly was that of Mrs Peebles (Ross), owing to business reasons. She had been a valued executive member and acted as secretary for the past two years. She would be hard to replace. Mrs Swan had succeeded Mrs McKay on the executive. The president introduced other members of the executive, including Mesdames Meade, Rankin, Tnleyshort and Mclntyre (voluntary organisers). She apologised for the absence of Mrs Patterson. The bal-ance-sheet read by Mrs Mclntyre, showed a credit of £3 8s sd. The president said they were not in debt. A competition arranged by the executive had raised £54 10s. She hoped that Institutes would do their best to help the Federation in the coming year. The secretary, Mrs Peebles, presented the fifth annual report of the executive. The Committee had met eight times in Greymouth. The president and members visited as far as funds permitted, several Institutes. The broadcasting session still proved interesting, and all who took part were to be congratulated. Two delegates were s»nt to the round-table conference in July. Institutes were thanked for their prompt replies to correspondence; affiliation fees and donations; also the Hokitika W.I. for organising a drama festival. Mrs Swan was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mrs McKay. Thanks were expressed to Mrs Bassett for her help during the year. Membership of the 29 Institutes was well maintained, and they were doing their best to make life in the country educative and attractive. The secretary’s report was adopted on the motion of the president, seconded by Mrs Oliver. Mrs Bassett said that she had noticed that branches had had good annual meetings. In some cases the same president went back year after year. Members did not want to part with good presidents, but it almost amounted to selfishness. They should not keep a president in office until she was very tired. Members should look forward to occupying the president’s chair. They should take a greater interest in the Institutes, put* ting no undue pressure on any member to take office. They all were members of a world-wide organisation. The District Federation was there to assist the small Institutes. In New Zealand there were approximately 850 Institutes, comprising about 40,000 women. There were Women’s Institutes to the uttermost ends of the earth, even in China. She hoped the Institutes were pleased with their year’s work. Even if they were not satisfied that was also good because they could sort out their mistakes and make a fresh start. Suggestions would be welcomed by the District Federation from the Institutes and the Federation was ready to help them. She did not feel particularly satisfied with the work done during the past year. When returnde as president she had hoped to visit every Institute, but had not been able to do so. Only one tour had been possible. Mrs Appleton and herself had visited Inangahua Junction, Cronadun,, Reefton and Ngahere and she believed that their visits were appreciated. Mrs Appleton’s demonstrations created much inter* est. The speaker’s part was to speak on finance and she received a patient hearing. As a result of these meetings, the Institutes (gained a better understanding of the needs. Among exhibits made to-day was a beautiful rug, the work of Mrs Appleton, who saw a similar rug in a home at Reefton. That was an example of their motto, “If you know a good thing, pass it on.” Mrs Stewart, an ex-presi-dent, was now in Africa and hoped to return next year. Mrs Stewart was proud to wear in England the honours badge, having been the first West Coast member to receive it. West Coast Institutes were lucky to have their wireless session. The Greymouth session had been envied in other districts. The Dominion Federation had succeeded in arranging a fortnightly session from 2ZB, Wellington. She was pleased to. report that the membership of the 29 Institutes on the West Coast was being maintained. There had been some confusion about a circular regarding affiliation fees, sent to Institutes from the head office, at Wellington. Some Institutes had sent an extra 10s to Wellington. That was not required. All money should be sent to the West Coast District Federation which forwarded it to the Dominion Federation. The circular was rather misleading. A vote of appreciation was passed to Mrs McKay for her services. A Runanga member asked whether it was in order for the members of an Institute to pass a resolution providing that members must attend personally, to pay their subscriptions. The president replied that such’ a resolution would involve an alternation in the rules and was out of order. If a member paid her subscription she was a member, whether she attended meetings or not. Subscriptions need not be paid in person. Members could not be compelled to attend meetings, but should be encouraged to do so. Mrs Meade reported Sister Stringer intended to return to the district shortly and requested Institutes reouiring her services to get in touch with the executive. Delegates presented reports on the various Institutes. The election of the executive for the ensuing year resulted: President,

Mrs I. Bassett (Hokitika); committee, Mesdames W. J. Duff (Reefton), G. W. Meade (Greymouth), R. Patterson (Hokitika), A. Parkhill (Hokitika), Rankin (Moana), P. Swan (Runanga), J. Tilleyshort (Greymouth); secretary, Mrs P. Swan. REMITS CONSIDERED. A remit from the Paroa W-L ed that every W.I. contribute an article to each council meeting sales table, the proceeds to go lo the West. Coast Federation funds. The remit was adopted unanimously. A Moana remit was to the effect that country children should have equal rights with town children at. the Technical Schools, in that Standards 5 and 6 should be given the chance to attend the \home science and woodwork classes. The remit was approved. Mrs Berry, Harihari, spoke to the remit, and slated that they were in communication with the Education Department regarding the establishment of a travelling school for the country children. Mr Lambourn, Director of Education, would visit the West Coast in about two months' time to inquire into all country school education.

The Otira and Inchbonnie delegates also spoke on the subject. It. was- pointed out that some country schools, such as Blackball, Paroa and Kumara, were able to come into the Technical School for this sort of study, but not others. A Brunner remit was to the effect, that all institute members helping with programmes from 3ZR (W.I. sessions) have their travelling expenses paid. The remit was carried and it was left to delegates to report back to their respective Institutes.

An Inchbonnie remit that the annual meeting of the West Coast Federation of W.l’s. be held on Wednesdays in preferences to Fridays so that Institute members may obtain the full advantage of cheaper rail fares was carried, and meetings will in future be held on Wednesdays. A Nelson Creek remit that Monday be made cheap fare day instead ol Wednesday, was lost. A West Coast Federation Executive Committee remit that the Federation continue to hold half-yearly council meetings a t Reefton and Hokitika, was carried, and it was decided that it be held at Reefton this October. A Barrytown remit was to the effect that thp Federation do all in its power to influence the Borough Council to provide an up-to-date rest room in Greymouth. The motion was unanimously carried. There was lengthly discussion on this subject. It was pointed out. that the position at present was most unsatisfactory, and it was felt that until such time that the civic square scheme was proceeded with, some temporary provisions should be made for country people, by the installation of at least a hand-basin and othe% necessary conveniences. Only that day the utmost difficulty had been encountered and members attending the meeting had to go to other sources.

Reports from delegates proved most educative and inspiring, indicating the wonderful spirit displayed in the country more congenial. During the social half-hour Miss Eunice Scott was heard to advantage in a. recitation. Afternoon tea was then partaken of. NGAHERE BRANCH. The annual meeting of the Ngahere Women’s Institute was held in the hall, the president presiding over a full attendance. The meeting opened with the Institute song. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mrs Mulcare; vice-presi-dent, Mrs Armstrong; secretary, Mrs Sheehan; treasurer, Mrs Ware. It was decided to hold a bring-and-buy day next month. The competition for May is to be a knitted cuddle toy. This month’s competitions resulted: Embroidered picture, Mrs Sheehan 1, Mrs Burr 2, Mrs J. Donaldson h.c. Chocolate marchmallow biscuits, Mrs Ware 1, Mrs J. Donaldson and Miss V. Donaldson (equal) 2. Afternoon tea was then’ served by the hostesses, Mrs Sheehan and Mrs Shields, and the meeting closed with the reciting of the aspirations. Our motto: "Trying to give other people a good time is one of the surest ways of enjoying yourself.”