WOMEN’S INSTITUTES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 97, 24 March 1939, Page 11

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES.

LONGBURN GROUP RALLY. The Longburn Group of Women's Institutes held its half-yearly rally yesterday at Messrs Collinson and Ounningharae’s, when the opportunity was taken to farewell members of the federation who are leaving early in April to attend the triennial conference of the Associated Country Women of the World in London, the travellers being Mesdames A. P. Easton (Foxton), A. J. Will (Rongotea) and E. Dymock (Palmerston North). Mrs N. Burnett (Woodvilie), an official delegate, was aJso }i welcome visitor. Arrangements were in the hands of Mrs Dymock, convener, Mrs D. Scott (Aokautere; presiding. A guest of honour was Mrs A. E. Mansford, the Mayoress, members of the federation executive present being Miss Grant (president), Mesdames W. G. Short (Cheltenham), H. Barnicoat (Kimbolton), G. B. Gregory (Marton), J. Syinons (Eoxton), and T. Lynch (Linton). There were apologies for absence from Mesdames R. H. Guthrie (Rangiwahia), V. Short (Eeilding) and Jackson (Bunnythorpe). Proceedings were entered upon with the singing of “Comrades and Friends,” Mrs F. Murphy presiding at the piano. The hostesses were Mesdames Nicol and Martin, representing Longburn, the hostess institute. Mrs Scott extended a cordial welcome.

Voicing her appreciation of the invitation to bo present, Mrs Mansford offered a welcome from the citizens ol Palmerston North, who, she assured those present, were always glad to welcome tho country women to the city. Airs Mansford went on to speak of the advantages of being members of the organisation. A shoulder spray was presented to Airs Mansford by the chairwoman. The principal speaker was "Airs J. Davidson, of Terrace End, who described her recent tour to the East as far as Saigon in Indo-China. Mrs L. Craven (Aokautere) was nominated as convener for the coining year and Airs A. Pierard (Longburn) was elected chairwoman for the next The roll-call was answered by the following institutes ; Aokautere, Tiritea, Whakarongo, Alilson, Kairanga, Tiakitahuna, Ashhurst and Longburn. Elocutionary items by Aliss froda Whittaker gave pleasure, also vocal solos by Miss E. Thompson, those contributing to the programme being also presented with shoulder sprays by Airs The president of the federation voiced the appreciation of the executive committee for the thoughtful gesture on the part of Longburn Group in making it possible to farewell the overseas travellers publicly, and asked the three ladies to accept presentation boxes of flowers. A further presentation of a handsome bag was made to Mrs Dymock by Airs Scott, as a token from the group for her fine services as convener. , Mrs Dvmock said flic had enjoyed her institute association and would look forward to taking up the threads on her return. . . , , • The other recipients added their thanks and Airs Mansford said bon voyage” from the city folk. A book of typical views of New Zealand life and of the city of 1 almerston North was handed to Airs Dymock for presentation to AUlson s link institute on the Isle of Wight. A competition for a presentation box of flowers, judged by Mesdames Short and Barnicoat, was won by Airs Brookfield (Alilson), Airs Currie (Ashhurst) being second. A tea towel competition was won by Mrs Kilgour (Kairanga), Mrs Currie being second. 1 hanks to the speaker, the artists and Airs Dymock were accorded.