RONGOTEA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 84, 8 March 1945, Page 7

RONGOTEA

(From Our Own Correspondent.) By every possible means members of the Rongotea Women's Institute arc alwavs making their contribution to rural culture. At the 16th annual meeting of the branch the large number present discussed details of the past year's activities and plans for a. progressive 12 months ahead. Mrs W. A. Churchill has been president during four successful years. Pleasure was expressed at the attendance oE Mrs B. N. Ilockly, a member of the Federation executive! The thought for the month was given by Mrs It. M. Barker. A presentation was made to Miss L. Pedley, who is leaving to take up nursing at the Palmerston North Hospital. The report of the secretary (Mrs Barker) showed that the total membership was 64. The emergency and soldiers' parcels' fund was £22 in credit, much of this being proceeds of a trading stall held at each meeting. Returns from three canteens amounted to £9 16s sd. Through Zone K Patriotic Committee 60 parcels have been packed and forwarded for servicemen overseas. Donations have been made to tho Leper Fund, tho Y.W.O.A. Rest Room, and the Horticultural Society. Appeals for clothing on behalf of Greek and Polish people have been well responded to, quantities of clothes being packed away. Recreation and instruction have been provided by various demonstrations and addresses. Because of travel restrictions tho Drama Circle has been in abeyance, but the Garden Circle has been very active. Cash donations have boon sent to the parents of local boys who are prisoners of war for C'o express purpose of sending parcels to those boys. Mrs T. E. Collins was elected president for the ensiling year. Competitions resulted: Plate of apples. Mrs IT. V. Caverhill: jar of plum jam, Mrs M. Bower 1 and 2. Hostesses were Mesdames Wheeler, Will, Wood, Trenkner, and Terry. The Rongotea Auxiliary of tho Bulls R.S.A. -held its committee meeting on Monday evening, Mr E. N. Rowe presiding, bolters of appreciation were received from wives of soldiers overseas in recognition of Christmas gifts to their children. Tho rules for the Gift Stock Scheme were read and discussed by members, and fully approved. In this connection it was decided that a copy of these bo made available to every member at the annual meeting, and later be circulated throughout the' Bulls R.S.A. area with appeals to farmers.