BUSY YEAR

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 58, Issue 4126, 22 April 1949, Page 8

BUSY YEAR

INSTITUTE FEDERATION ACTIVITIES REVIEWED MEMBERSHIP INCREASING “On reviewing the record of our past year’s activities it shows that even much more has been achieved than in the year ended 1948, which won for us the Robert Young Rose Bowl for the federation in New Zealand with the best year’s work to its credit—and you will remember, we tied first equal for this honour, with the Ouroua federation,” said the secretary of the Thames-Hauraki Plains District Federation of Women’s Institutes, Mrs D. Brady, when presenting her report to the annual meeting of the federation. “This year the amount of work we have done is considerably greater than that done in any year since this federation has been in existence, which is just four and a-half years. “We thank institutes very sincerely for their co-operation and support so unstintingly given at all times and are mindful of the fact that every appeal has met with a ready response. We are proud of the way our institutes have worked individually to give 'post-war’ ireliaf, which ic so desperately needed by millions of people in Europe, and the women’s institutes rank high, along with other women’s organisations who send warm clothing, food, and comforts overseas.

Enthusiastic Executive “ We have found happiness in serving you, and though, once again, we may have been too zealous —we have felt that we must serve our country —serve our Dominion federation in a true spirit of steadfast loyalty; give assistance to other organisations, and help to bring cheer and happiness to the aged and sick—and in the main be worthwhile members of a worthwhile organisation such as ours. “ Your executive committee has been fired with enthusiasm to put the Thames-Hauraki Plains District Federation of Women’s Institutes on a pinnacle, from which we hope it may never fall. “ Personal gain, or prominence, has never entered the scheme of things. We have seen for ourselves on your behalf, how such organisations as Ravensthorpe Mental Hospital, Avondale Mental Hospital, St. Dunstans (N.Z.), blinded servicemn’s organisation, and the Auckland prison are conducted —we have not been content to just read about them—and incidently you may be amazed to know that the expense of these visits was borne by the individual committee members who comprised the visiting party.

“ It is very encouraging to know that the institute membership in this federation is steadily increasing. In the year 1944-45 there were 704 member*; 1945-46 735 members —and today we now have approximately 800 members. Eleven executive committee meetings, one bi-annual council meeting, and two special after council meetings have been held.

“ In May, following the last annual council meeting, we started our activities in earnest by taking a concert party to Coromandel, Mercury Bay, Coroglen and Hikuai. This was headed by our president, Mrs G. Pinnock, and four other executive committee members, Mesdames Lithgow, Scott, Crawford and Brady. To the women’s institutes in each centre visited we owe a deep debt of gratitude for the hospitality and co-operation extended to us, and as you know our hard work earned for the federation a profit of £26 10s 6d.

“ In June a concei t party also visited Waihi and we thank the Waihi Women’s Institute for their kindness and great assistance given. This concert was a success financially too. Cultural Work “ Probably our biggest undertaking was the drama festival occupying two days, July 16 and 17, when four judges from Auckland were engaged. The entries were good and the stand* ard set very high. The syllabus included plajs, dialogues, dancing, vocal, elocution and pianoforte. This proved a most popular festival and attracted ’entrants from as far away as Hamilton. It was a stupendous undertaking to be handled by so few, but each year we learn much that will stand us in good stead for the next festival. Concerts were held in Paeroa, Waikino, Patetonga, Waitakaruru — and we thank sincerely the respective insti-

tutes for the kindness and hospitality extended to the visiting artists—most of them finalists from the festival. “ The federation played its part in secu/ing the bus service from Thames to Hamilton, and our delegate to the meeting of bus services held in July was Mrs Carter. “ The month of August brought with it the success of our federation president, Mrs Pinnock, in gaining a seat on the Dominion executive. We are justly proud of this achievement, especially when we consider that there were 26 nominations from all over New Zealand for only six members required, and out of those returned, there were but two new members elected. For such a young federation to have its president on the Dominion executive speaks volumes for the esteem in which she is held not only in this district, but throughout New Zealand. Attending the Dominion conference in Wellington on behalf of this federation were Mrs Pinnock, and Mrs L. E. Scott as voluntary organiser.

“ It was at this Dominion conference in Wellington that it was announced that the federation had tied for first place equal with the Ourua federation for the federation in New Zealand with the best record of work to its credit, thus winning the coveted Robert Young Rose Bowl. Our success is due to the magnificent achievements of the individual institutes—had it not been for their hard work this award could never have been won. We held the rose bowl for six months, and the Ourua federation now holds it. We should stand a very good chance of winning this distinction outright for the past year’s work.

‘‘ We are indeed indebted to His Worship the Mayor of Thames for his kindness in still allowing us the use of the council chamber in the borough council building for our monthly meetings—this has added greatly to our comfort and is much appreciated. Social Success “ A presentation ball was held at Turua on August 26, when we were honoured indeed to present the daughters of women’s institute members to our then newly-elected Dominion president, Mrs E. R. Sawer, of Silverdale. We feel that, although this ball was not a success financially, it was a success in that we upheld the prestige of this organisation. We did not receive the support that we merited, but we do not regret having launched the first presentation ball in this federation—'and any financial loss was made up by the executive committee themselves, working harder than ever at functions to make up the deficit. To those members who presented their daughters, we say * thank you,’ and they were all a credit to the mothers who had gone to such trouble to dress their girls for the occasion. The Rangimaria Women’s Institute—always a dependable and loyal one — travelled a very long distance to pay homage to our Dominion president and to present their own lovely deb. Their presence in full ceremonial dress added to the enjoyment of the evening. During the evening a good service badge, together with an illuminated address was presented to the federation secretary. “ Overseas food parcels have been sent from the federation each month and the amount of food parcels sent from individual institutes has never slackened since the war years. We as women know just how much these are valued by our fellow women in other countries, so we would ask you to carry on with the good work you are doing. There is a great deal of satisfaction in giving to others in need of so much assistance. “ Hospital visiting has been considered a major service we can do for the sick and we are fortunate in having two such splendid women as Mrs Crawford and Mrs Ellery who carry cut the duties of hospital visitors in such a capable manner. We thank institutes who have supported our hospital fund thus enabling fruit, sweets, flowers, etc., to be distributed. A special effort was made at Christmas time, when each patient in the hospital received a gift from Santa Claus, and a concert party staged a performance in each ward. Carols also were sung, and we did feel that we had contributed in some small way to bring cheer during the festive season. Appreciation Expressed “ There are many institute members who have expressed their gratitude for services rendered by our hospital visitors, not only inside the hospital, but for their many actions done on behalf of the sick, outside of hospital wards.

“ The aged men at the Tararu Home were remembered this year at Christmas time and we took them by bus to Puru, -where at our request Mrs Johnson had catered specially in the true spirit of Christmas. A marquee had been erected and the party was held in this. The table was laden with good things—Mrs Paul’s Christmas cake which she had kindly made specially for the occasion, having pride of place on the table. Each guest received socks, cigarettes and sweets. They were returned to the home by bus and all voted it to be a never-to-be-forgotten occasion. The executive committee members who escorted the old folk to this party, did so at their own individual expense. I mention this because a number of institute members are under the impression that the executive committee have their fares paid when attending functions like this —and visiting institutions such as those visited in Auckland. This is not the case, each committee member pays her own fare, and has been only too happy to do so. “ A garden party was held at the home of Mr and Mrs G. Henwood, of Wharepoa, in November. Their lovely garden was admirably suitable and the day spent was most enjoyable. Our host and hostess did everything possible to ensure that we had a happy and successful day, whilst the Wharepoa Women’s Institute did all the spadg work, and took full responsibility, for which we were truly grateful. The guest of honour at this function was our past Dominion president, Mrs Barnicoat, of Wellington. Mrs Barnicoat toured the Coromandel peninsula, and we mapped out an itinerary for her, and are appreciative of the hospitality and kindness extended to herself and Dr. Barnicoat who accompanied her on this tour. “ Whenever possible the president and executive committee members have visited institute birthday celebrations and group meetings. Mrs Pinnock has never spared herself and even though travel weary from her numerous trips to Wellington on Dominion executive business, she has answered the many calls made by institutes, and has always been in attendance whenever a request has been made.

“ We owe a great deal too, to her mother, Mrs Paul, who has so generously contributed to any special undertaking we have planned, and who has always been so willing to judge the competition entries at the group meetings. No group meeting would be complete without Mrs Paul’s presence, and her generosity in donating a cup for competition by the Hauraki group, is typical of her sincerity to see the Thames-Hauraki Plains District Federation of Women’s Institutes firmly established. All who have been privileged to meet and know Mrs Paul, fee] that although she has not been in the limelight, much of our success can be attributed to her. Voluntary organisers have been* called upon on many occasions, and we recommend institutes to have a visit from a vocational officer at least once a year. We thank Mrs Pinnock, Mrs Lithgow and Mrs Scott for their past services in this capacity. Norfolk Island Visited “ On November 14, we made our epic trip to Norfolk Island by a specially chartered plane, under the leadership of our president, Mrs Pinnock, who felt that in this way .we could foster closer relations "with other women. This expedition made history for women’s organisations in New Zealand, and is the first occasion on which such a group travelled from the Dominion by air. Our foremost thought was to form a women’s institute over there but when it was realised that it was Australian territory, we got in touch with the Country Women’s Association of New South Wales and formed a branch of this organisation in Norfolk Island. Their members think it was a marvellous gesture for our institute federation to do this for them. Besides members of the executive committee, all institute members were given an opportunity of making this trip. Our federation president has always encouraged group travel among institutes, and consequently many trips to places of interest have been made.

“ The bi-annual council meeting was held in October and was well attended, and we were pleased to have with us on that occasion Mr Beckerleg, barrister and solicitor, of Auckland, who was our guest speaker, the theme of whose address was “ Justice.”

“ Mrs Lithgow, who holds the office of Dominion Councillor until October, 1949, and Mrs L. E. Scott, voluntary organiser, attended the Dominion council meeting on your behalf <Jn February 8, 9 and 10; this was held in Palmerston North. They put forward the proposal that the drama

position be revised and that national festivals be held in different parts of New Zealand. This would be a big undertaking but would mean that our standard of plays was high. It was also suggested that a special committee be set up from the Dominion executive, comprised of people who are experienced in drama work, so that institutes would have their knowledge. A proposal was also put forward that a function be held in the respective federations from Dominion funds, and that an invitation be extended to either two or more Dominion executive members to attend, thus giving an opportunity for members to intermingle. Work For Cancer Appeal “ You will be interested to know that the culmination of these proposals is that the Dominion has formed a subcommittee to deal with al] drama work, Mrs G. Pinnock being the convener. “We again congratulate Mrs M. Cross, of the Wharepoa Women’s Institute, for the success she has met with in the competitions for stories in ‘ Home and Country ’ and a Christmas story competition. “We have been able to contribute our first £2O to the Dominion headquarters’ building fund. As regards the cancer appeal, we have lodged our first amount of £23-odd with the cancer campaign committee. In this direction Mrs Pinhock is in charge of arrangements for the appeal on the Hauraki Plains, so is doing an excellent service. We would ask all institutes to support this appeal, which affects us all so vitally. “We have given our strong support to the recommendation that in cases of murder, the sentence shall really be for the term of the murderer’s life, and not be shortened fox any reason, and now this has been taken up by the Dominion, federation. “ The Thelma Bax Cup was won last October by the Netherton institute which represented Poland. “ Several of the executive committee journeyed to Auckland to attend church service when the dedication of the Grace Phillips Memorial Tablet took place. This was a very impressive and beautiful service, and one that will keep forever green the memory of one of Auckland’s so dearly loved institute members, and one who had done so much for our movement.” Work of Judges Mrs Brady here expressed appreciation to the judges who spent so much time studying the entries for the Sugden and Tuppy Paul shields. The judge for the former was Mr Beckerleg of Auckland, and for the latter Mesdames Teape and Rennie of Auckland. To Mrs Houghton and Mr Graney, who judged the entries for the Arbury Cup, further appreciation was expressed. “ A street stall was erected in Pollen street on Friday, March 18, and we thank institutes for their contributions to this, and also for their valued support. The executive worked in the stall and all felt well rewarded for the day’s work, with the resultant profit,” Mrs Brady continued. “ Our last undertaking has been the publication of the bi-monthly news letter, which we hope you will enjoy reading, and any suggestions for its betterment in the future will be gladly received by the incoming executive committee. “In conclusion, I would like to thank members, particularly institute secretaries, who by their kindness, courtesy and attention to all matters in the monthly notices have helped make my. office as federation secretary a very happy one, and I feel confident that this federation, with the wonderful service to its credit the past year, should have no trouble in annexing the Robert Yo»Bf Jlo»e'B®arl.*’ w