ANNUAL MEETING

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 55, Issue 32703, 17 April 1946, Page 6

ANNUAL MEETING

INSTITUTE FEDERATION I AN ALL-DAY GATHERING ALL DISTRICTS REPRESENTED The gusty and stormy weather did little to dampen the interest and enthusiasm shown by a gathering of over 150 delegates anti members of the Thames-Hauraki Plains District Federation of Women’s Institutes at their first annual council meeting held in Thames last week. The 18 institutes represented in eluded: 'Coromandel, Kaihere, Kai Ngaiwi (Maori Institute), 'Kopuaraai, Maramarua, Ngatea, Netherton, Paeroa, Pipiroa, Puriri, Rangimarie, Waihi, Waikino, Waitakaruru. Whitianga. Wharepoa, Thames, Thames Coast. The meeting opened with the Ringing of "God Defend New Zeland,” followed by the Institute prayer, and a moment of silent prayer at che suggestion of Miss A. E. J. Paul, of Ngatea. president, for all the women of the world—especialy those women of Europe faced with starvation and suffering.

Mrs xU M. Lithgow sang “Bless This House,” accompanied’ by Mrs Crawford, and Miss Paul then extended a welcome to everyone present, introduced the guests, and to each presented an attractive spray of flowers'. Guests Present Mrs Ensor, the wife of the Mayor of Thames, was thanked' for her interest in the Institute and for finding the time in her busy life to be at the meeting. Miss 'W. Hill, matron of the Thames Hospital, was then asked to say a few words concerning the staff position in the hospitals. “I have just returned from a nursing conference in Wellington,” said Miss Hill. “Much was saidi concerning staff difficulties—much has in our papers, not all of it true.” Miss Hill explained how th f e need for the number of nurses has risen considerably in the last few years. In 1940, only 650 registered nursing staff were required to manage in New Zealand, while in 1'945, 1190 were needed. “The people themselves chose Social Security, and it is up to them to encourage young girls to take up nursing as a career,” she said, and enumerated, too, the vast variety of courses open and the opportunity of travel that nursing affords. Other guests presented with sprays were Mi’s Laird, representing the RjS.A., Mrs ‘ Ludwig ((St. Johns Ambulance) 1 and Mrs Brook. Apologies were received from Mrs Blackmore (South Auckland). Mrs McNaughton, i(Tauranga)/and Mr J. W. and Mrs Arbury who are in Rotorua. Miss Paul had several sprays presented to her, including one from Mrs T. 'Scott on behalf of the executive of the federation who were then in turn introduced and received spontaneous ovations' from members' present. They were Mesdames M. Pacey (secretary). V. Turton and Longmuir Smith (Vicepresidents), A. M. Lithgow (Treasurer), 'D. A. Inglis, I. E. Jamieson, R. L. Ralph, T. Scott, D/Brady and T. V. Neil. The meeting resumed' after lunch with the singing of “Comrades and Friends,” followed by the Presidential address.

“'The first milestone has been passed in the making of Women’s Institute history of Thames-Hauraki Plains Federation,” said Miss Paul, “this being our first annua? meeting. Our thanks as members 1 go to Miss Jerome Spencer, who founded this countrywomen’s organisation away back in 1921.” Miss Paul sketched the growth of the Institute from 1897 in Ontar'o, through the United Kingdom, up to ’the prles-ent 'da'yi when there is a membership of 30,000 in New Zealand.

“May it be the earnest desire of every member here today .to make oar tranches even stronger in membership. Keep your meetings attractive and informative, and in so doing you will give added strength to this wonderful organisation. Then we are in the position to demand 1 bigger and better achievements for our community life.” 'Miss 'Paul spoke with deep sincerity of the work of her executive and their loyalty and sent her thanks to all members everywhere through the delegates present. Annual Reports The secretary, Mrs Pacey read the minutes of the last meeting, and also a reply from Mr Thorn the Thames Menii.tr of Parliament and Mi Pkc-lan concerning the bus-fares ir. the

Thames-Hauraki (Plains districts. They have arranged for a thorough in-

vestigation. Miss 'Paul commented on the public meetings held in Thames as a result of the talks given at the last council meeting on the obstetrical and gynaecological hospital by Mr Macky and Elr Oliver. “The women of New Zealand have raised £14.0'00,” she said. I “and as the Thames-iHauraki Plains Federation I feel we should do something.” Mrs 'Lithgow, treasurer, read the 'annua! report and balance-sheer, [which showed a very satisfactory financial state. As a break from business, the Rangimarie Maori Institute performed an entertaining action song, and Miss Paul was presented with many more beautiful floral sprays- and posys from the delegates 'of each institute. The secretary’s annual report showed a busy and satisfying year, and as a result of questions being asked by the Thames 'Coast delegate a hope was expressed that women’s institutes may eventually get a magazine of their own. A proposal was made and seconded that the suggestion be sent to Dominion Headquarters. The election of office-bearers for the coming year resulted in a unanimous vote that there should be no change. Mrs Longmuir-Smit h, however, has retired on account of ill-health, and it is left to the executive to co-opt a member. The secretary, Mrs J. Pacey, also did not seek 're-election. (President, Miss A. Paul (Ngatea), vice presidents, Mrs V. Turton (Paeroa) and Mrs T. Neil (Maramarua). secretary, Mrs D. Brady (Puriri); treasurer, Mrs A. M. Lithgow (Waikino); drama convenor, Mrs G. Johnson (Turua); press correspondent, Mrs L. E. Scott (Pipiroa); committee, M‘rs M. Pacey, Mrs A. M. Lithgow;, Mrs D. A. Ingles, Mrs I. E- Jamieson, Mrs Ralph T. Scott, (Mrs T. V. Neil. Miss Paul expressed deep appreciation of Mrs iPacey’s splendid work as the federation secretary for the past eighteen months. Competition Results

During the afternoon the arts, and crafts display of the institutes in the St. James’ Hall was open for inspection, a number of people taking the opportunity of seeing the beautiful work on show. The competition for the best table, which included a shoulder spray, lady’s crochet gloves, daintiest frock for a child of five, and an appliqued' breakfast cloth, was' won by the Puriri Institute with 9 ! 8 points. Coromandel was second with 82 points, and Maramarua third with 81. The individual competitions were won byi Mrs Hare, of Maramarua, for tatting, and Mrs McCollum, of Wharepoa, for a jar of pickle and plum sauce. Mrs T. V. Neil spoke briefly on the work of reporting the Institute’s activities in the magazine, “’Home and Country,” and l expressed' disappointment at the delay in her reports being printed. Visits, to Hospital A short report on the hospital visiting was given by Mrs 1 D. Brady, who took over the work of Mrs Longmuir Smith and carried it out competently and with a smiling sense of humour which obviously ■would cheer up any members of the institutes' in hospital. Mrs V. Turton also reported briefly jon the work of the voluntary organisers, who travel about to the country | institutes giving advice and help in all matters. “The spirit is remarkable,” she said, “and I would say to :you all: carry on, for it is well worth while.” I In closing the afternoon’s proceedings Miss Paul gave some ,messages to the delegates to carry back to all their members, including a request to them to save fats to send to Britain and ideas for organising” the packing and sending of these parcels. A vote of thanks to the Thames members, Mrs Twentyman and Mrs Claxton, was passed l for all their help in coping with such an influx of vistors. Mrs A. M. Lithgow sang “Happy Song” to give a final touch of gaiety to a very successful day, and the National Anthem was sung. The guest speaker for the day was Mr H. G. 'Dorrington, principal of the Thames High School, whose remarks will be reported subsequently.