WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Grey River Argus, 11 May 1944, Page 6

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

WEST COAST FEDERATION MEETS. The annual meeting of the West Coast Federation of Women’s Institutes was held in the Lyceum Hall on April 19. Mrs. Johnson presided. The meeting opened with the singing of the Institute song. The secretary in her report mentioned the work the Institutes, especially Greymouth and Blaketown had done towards the health exhibit in the Town Hall.

The Greymouth Borough Council had replied to the remit, that a shelter be erected at the hospital bus stop and called the Mcßrearty Memorial, Mcßrearty money to be used for same, as follows: “The Council intends to proceed with the erection of the shelter when circumstances permit.” In regard to a remit, “that clothing and material for babies’ layettes be made more readily available and cheaper to expectant mothers,” the Minister of Supply (Mr. Sullivan) wrote stating that as production for the Armed Forces had eased the production of clothing for civilian needs would be increased. Therefore, we could hope for an increased supply of these necessary materials. The following remits were discussed:—

Dobson Institute: That a branch Post Office be opened in Dobson. — Carried.

Greymouth Institute: The GreyWomen’s Institute and surrounding Institutes are in favour of a shelter being erected immediately at the approach from High Street to the hospital to be.known as Dr. Mcßrearty Memorial, all funds previously collected to be used for this purpose.—Carried.

West Coast Federation Committee: The Committee respectfully urge the Borough Council to proceed immediately with the erection of the proposed bus shelter at the hospital stop'. -—Defeated.

The Blaketown Institute was granted leave to present an emmergencv motion as follows-: “That the Government be urged to look into the price, quality, and supply of children’s garments.—Carried.

The election of officers resulted: President, Mrs. Longstaff (Blaketown); Secretary, Mrs. Taylor (Moana); Treasure/ Mrs. Smart (Greymouth); Committee, Mesdames Aiderton (Greymouth), Barker (Runanga), Green (Greymouth), Johnson (Runanga), Jones (Blaketown), Panckhurst (Reefton), Rankin (Moana), and Timlin (Runanga). Mrs. Stewart, (Greymouth) was elected West Coast representative on the Dominion Council. SOUTH- WESTLAND FEDERATION. The South Westland Federation of Women’s Institutes held a very successful annual meeting in Hokitika. The President, Mrs. Reedy withdrew her nomination, and officers were elected as follows: Presioent, Mrs. Peebles (Ross), Vice-President. Mrs. Reedy (Kumara); Joint Secretary and Treasurer', Mrs. Mclntyre. Press Correspondent, Mrs. Cunningham; Executive: Ruatapu, Mrs. Shearer; Koiterangi, Mrs. S. Havill; Kanieri, Mrs. G. Wells; Kokatahi, Miss O’Neil; Wataroa, Mrs. Adamson; Harihari, Mrs. Berry,; ' Rimu-Woodstock, Mrs. Inwood; Franz Josef, Mrs. L. Gibb; Three Mile-Arahura Pa, Mrs. Rassmusson; Arahura Valley, Mrs. Bradley.

The Air Force competition (written) for the Isobel Bassett Memorial Cup was won by Kanieri Institute, to whose President, Mrs Rooney, a handsome trophy was presented. Three Mile-Arahura Pa Institute was 2; and Wataroa and Kumara Institutes tied for 3. It was decided that the subject of the half-yearly competition for the cup next time should be a patchwork apron. It was reported that 84 pairs of mittens had been handed in for patriotic purposes. A demonstration of fabrics and their care by Miss R. Robins proved most interesting. It included a sample of a cotton flower on a branch, brought from California by a lecturer; wool made from dried milk (not so smooth in texture as fleece wool), and a rayon fabric. Advice was given on the laundering of fabrics. It was reported that the delegates were extended an invitation to see the film in the Health Department exhibition by Miss Cocks-Johnson (gardening demonstrator) through the President of the Hokitika Institute (Mrs. Neil).

Visitors from the Greymouth Federation of Institutes were present and their interest was appreciated.