WOMEN'S INSTITUTES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume VL, Issue 3132, 9 February 1934, Page 2

WOMEN'S INSTITUTES.

INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER

OF MOVEMENT.

How valuable the international character of the Women’s Institute movement is considered to be by people in other lands is shown by a passage Which has just appeared in a wellknown Scottish journal. The passage deals with a series of talks by Miss Agnes Stops, whose work in connection with New Zealand Women’s Institutes will be remembered by many, and who has been lately touring Scotland telling of her experiences in this country, especially in the backblocks.

Everywhere she found crowded and keenly interested audiences, anxious to hear of their fellow members across the sea, with many of whom they already have links. The article goes on to stress the value of such talks by people who can speak from personal knowledge and experience of other countries, in fostering a wider outlook and greater international sympathy and understanding. Incidentally their commercial value, though not a first consideration, is not to be despised either, and concludes by pointing out that they help one to realise how great an organisation the Women’s Institute movement is when one hears of “women in all parts of the world banding themselves together to carry out the same ideals and interests, irrespective of class and creed.” THE NGATEA INSTITUTE. Resuming activities after the summer vacation the Ngatea Women’s Institute had an exceptionally large attendance at its meeting on Wednesday afternoon, Mrs H. Dalgety presiding.

The roll call caused much amusement, being “what I would do if I were twenty years younger. ” A competition for a. lady’s spray was won by Miss Irwin and Mrs Keyes, the judges being Mesdames Olsen and Davies. Arrangements were made for the election of officers at the annual meeting in March, Mesdames J. Reid and J. Darlington being appointed the scrutineers. For a social evening to be held in March Mesdames A. Constantine, J. Davies, E. A. Mahoney, P. R. Wilkins and Miss Irwin were appointed to make arrangements. It was agreed that a flower show be held at the April meeting and Mesdames Dudding, H. Dalgety, Wheeler, Wilkins, McTaggard and Sherlock were appointed to make the arrangements. In invitation was received for the Waitakaruru' Institute’s birthday . party on February 9. The hostesses appointed for the March meeting, were Mesdames Hallett, Davies, Courtney, Dudding and Galvin. At the conclusion of the business the Institute’s literary circle entertained the members with items from Longfellow’s works. The leader of the circle, Mrs E. A. Mahoney, read an essay on the poet, Mrs P. R. Wilkins sang “The Bridge,” Mrs A. R. Vowles read “The Psalm of Life,” Mrs J. McKerchar sang “The Silent Land,” Mrs C. H. Waite recited “Excelsior,” the duet, “The Day is Done,” was sung by Mesdames F. Hallett and R. Justin, Mrs A. Constantine gave the poem “Children,” Mrs Schulze sang “Ships that Pass in the Night,” and Mrs A. Sherlock recited “The Slave’s Dream.” Afternoon tea was served at the conclusion of the meeting which terminated with votes of thanks to the members of the literary circle and to the judges who had officiated during the afternoon, and with the singing, of the National Anthem.