WOMEN’S INSTITUTES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 121, 20 April 1940, Page 5

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES.

OROUA FEDERATION. The first annual report of the Oroua Federation of Women's Institutes states:—“Our federation has now completed its first year —a year which has been fraught with momentous happenings. A year ago, when the Nortli Wellington Federation was divided into two federations and wc were launched, a now craft on the high seas of Women’s Institutes, some of us felt apprehensive of the future. The committee hopes that you now feel, with them. Unit these fears were groundless. The half-yearly meeting ,was both an inspiration and encouragement to us all The large assemblage of members and the happy friendly feeling prevailing was indeed a joy. At that meeting a new plan was tried regarding the social side, when we had a community morning and afternoon tea. This was very successful, due to the kindly and capable manner in which the institutes responsible cared tor everyone. Vo hoped to continue such arrangements for the future. Our happy relations with the Manawatu Federation are maintained through our co-ordinating committee and good work has been done throughout the year. Our display at the Feilding Show was outstanding. It was very beautiful, and the committee is proud of the strides members have made in this activity. We congratulate the Makino Women’s Institute for gaining first place in the floral flags, Cheltenham for gaining first in the preserve section, and llangiwahia for gaining a special in preserves. The judges . both expressed admiration for the high standard of the exhibits. Mrs Guthrie deserves our most grateful thanks for all her work in distributing calendars. We are keeping the home helps scheme well in mind and will bo glad if members will let the committee know of anyone willing to give their services in this direction. Wo realise the necessity for adequate help for our country- women. Many beautiful articles were sent from this federation in responsc to the request for articles for the women’s court at the Exhibition. For the Feilding Centennial celebrations a splendid response was made by the institutes. In spite of petrol restrictions and extra burdens that have fallen on many of our shoulders, burdens which are being bravely and cheerfully- born, we continue to carry on. It is impi'otant that wc should make every endeavour to let nothing interfere with our institute work, because we are a national body, well organised and ready- to do what is needed when called upon. The Government have asked US lor 2500 soldiers’ parcels, a request which was immediately responded to. We regret to report that three of our executive committee members, Mrs Barnicoat, Mrs Thompson and Miss Bridgeman, arjs not seeking re-election and we wish to place on record our thanks for the services they have rendered. Our sympathies go out to those who, in the year that has just passed have suffered thrnough bereavement and other ways.