Provincial Federation Of Women’s Institutes

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6841, 23 April 1932, Page 2

Provincial Federation Of Women’s Institutes

ANNUAL MEETING

There was a very large and enthusiastic gathering of delegates and members of Women’s Institutes from all ever the province for the annual meeting of the Provincial Federation, held fei Palmerston North yesterday. The Municipal Hall, where the meeting took place, was well filled, there being an attendance of over 200. Mrs. J. D. C. Crewe (Pahiatua), president, was in the chair, and associated with her were Alesdames Kelso (Parapnraumu), A. AlcCorkindalo (Fcildiug), Athol Shannon (Cheltenham), Burnett (Woodville), E. C. Austin (Pahiatua), hon secretary, and Miss Grant (Palmerston North). Miss Maddovcr (Wellington) arrived later. After the singing of tho “Ode to Friendship,” the Alavor (Mr. A. B. Mansford), who was introduced by Miss Grant, extended a welcome to the visitors to tho city. Traversing the history of the Women’s Institute movement, Mr. Mansford said its growth was a revelation, while its aims must commend themselves to every right-thinking person. Remembering the old adage that the character of a nation was the character of its womanhood, Mr. Mansford said it was to movements such as the institutes that, the country looked to bring about a changed outlook. Ho trusted that 10,12 would see the dawn of a new era of prosperity for tho Empire, and also for the Women's Institutes. He hoped, the visitors would have mi opportunity of viewing the city, and that thev would take away with them happy memories of their visit. Mrs. Crewe returned thanks to the Mayor for his hearty welcome to the city. Voicing her pleasure in the largo attendance" Mrs. Crewe welcomed the delegates, and particularly those from the new institutes. At such gatliciings, she said, the members realised more than ever the power for good the movement held. It was tho duty of every member to view the movement from it# widest aspect, not only from tho-view-point of her own institute, and to support the federation and the central executive. “\\c are a national bocß, she said, "and must not have a selfish outlook.” Mrs. Crewe expressed thanks to the Bunnythorpc Institute members for decorating the hall, and to tho Pahiatua Institute for providing floral spravs for the members of the executive. The secretary (Mrs. Austin) read the report (previously published), which covered in a most, comprehensive manner the activities of the federation over a period of six months. The adoption of the report was moved by Mrs. Crewe, who referred to the fact that since last annual meeting about 32 new institutes had been formed. Thanks were due to the voluntary organisers, who aimed at forming institutes in everv possible township. Referring to the 'formation of the Nelson-Alarlbor-ough Federation, the speaker regretted tho loss of those institutes, but wished them all success. The Taranaki Federation would be formed in May, and this would moan a total loss of about 28 institutes to the Provincial Federation. The decision to hold an exhibition had not been lost sight of, and it was hoped in the coming year to foster drama and music in the institutes. Paving tribute to the work of Miss Crawford (Palmerston North) as treasurer for a number of yeas, Airs. Crewe said she had done much of the spade work. Thanks were also due to Mrs. Burnett and Miss Crawford for theiT excellent work in connection with the -calendar. The meeting- endorsed these remarks by acclamation. 'Mrs. Crewe also expressed her appreciation of the loyal support of the com-1 mittce, and in particular of the work of tho secretary (Airs. Austin). (Applause.) Tributes were paid, by several delegates to the report and to the work of the executive. A graceful tributo was paid to Mrs. Crewe at this stage, when Airs. A. W. Hamilton (president of Afangatainoka W.L) presented her with a beautiful bouquet from all the institutes. Alusicnl honours and cheers were accorded the recipient. The financial statement was presented by Aliss Grant and disclosed a credit of over £2O. This was considered satisfactory, and thanks were conveyed to tho acting-treasurer. The report and balance-sheet were adopted as read. Airs. Kelso referred to the fact that Aliss Elizabeth Blake had returned to New Zealand and that she was anxious to get in touch with the institutes. Aliss Blake desired to start community drama and to aim at a festival, and the speak-

er urged the institutes to take full advantage of her visit. Airs. Churchill (Apiti) moved a vote of thanks to tho members of tho executive for all their work, and this was seconded by Airs. IV. G. Short (Cheltenham) and carried by acclamation.

Committee Elected

No election was necessary for the executive committco for the year, the following being appointed: Alesdames E. C. Austin (Pahiatua), S. A. Barnicoat (Kimbolton), N. Af. Burnett (Woodville), J. D. C. Crewe (Pahiatua), E„ Kelso (Paraparaumu), A. C. AlcCorkindale (Feilding), S. G. Alillen (Westmere), E. E. Short (Feilding) and War-ing-Taylor (Shannon), and Aliss AI. Grant (Palmerston North). Airs. Crcwo was unanimously reelected president, and returned thanks oil resuming the chair. Tho meeting then adjourned for lunch. After the luncheon adjournment resolutions and recommendations from various institutes were considered and dealt with. Aliss A. E. Jerome Spencer, chairman of the central executive, vVas welcomed by Airs. Crewe and the meeting, and presented with a bouquet by Airs. W. Jennings from Al'akuri W.I. The question of the dates on which affiliation fees should be due was left in the hands of the executive to finalise. In discussing a recommendation from Apiti W. 1., Aliss Spencer pointed out that executive members were pledged to tho interests of the movement ns a whole, and not to the particular institutes to which they belonged. A letter from tho Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, suggesting that members should individually concentrate on the purelmso of Empire goods for a period of three months, was sympathetically considered, and delegates were recommended to bring tho suggestion before their institutes. Concerning a recommendation from Westmcre W.I. with regard to affiliation with tho Pan-Pacific Association, it was, decided, after an explanation from Aliss Spencer, to leave tho decision to the Dominion Federation. The .Mayoress (Airs. A. E. Mansford), who was present by invitation, was welcomed by Airs. Crewe. Airs. H. E. Fisher (Wellington) was introduced by Airs. Crewe and proceeded to give a most delightful talk oil "Home Gardens and Gardening Circles." Tho time was coming, tho speaker said, when the home gardens would be in the hands of tho women, and that was how it should be. The comfort and peace of a home depended on the mothers, and if the home was managed with love and tact, that made tho home beautiful. Stressing the pleasure that was felt in walking past well-kept, -gardens, the speaker urged her audience to give more attention to tho surroundings of their homes, so 'that from their windows would lie seen beautiful pictures of their garden friends. The beautiful tilings growing round a home went to make up a real home. If the mothers gardened, naturally the children became gardeners, and Airs. Fisher urged the mothers to encourage the children to a love of the garden, and not to give them only the tiesomo things, such as weeding, etc., to do. New Zealand had very beautiful native plants, and a love and knowledge of these should be inculcated. Airs. Fisher gave the meeting many practical hints on gardening and on laying out to get the best results. Helpful advice on the treatment, of plant diseases and pests, and a demonstration on the taking of cuttings of hydrangeas, etc., proved most instructive. In conclusion, the speaker referred to the value of garden circles and gavo some ideas as to how they should be xun with a view to raising the standard of horticulture and assisting the flower shows in the neighbourhood. Thanks to the speaker were conveyed by Aliss Aladdever and carried by acclamation. T’nc delegates from the institutes A to AI then gave short reports of the previous six months’ activities, all of which testified to the progress and vitality of the movement. Afternoon tea provided a pleasant relaxation from tho business of tho meeting. Aliss Spencer made a few remarks on institute matters, and urged tho institutes to send delegates to the forthcoming conference. Airs. Kelso spoke of tbe institute journal, Home and Country. A delightful playette, “Aunt Lizzie’s Friend,” produced by Airs. O’Donnell, was then staged by Bunnythorpe W.I. members, the performance providing excellent entertainment. The cast was as follows: Martha, Alis 3 E. Donald; Airs. Soaring, Aliss K. O’Donnell; Stella, Aliss U. Powell; Airs. Snobbe-Cranston, Aliss F. Egglcton; Aunt Lizzie, Aliss G. Burrell; Airs. Farrington, Airs. Lysaght; Aliss Wimple, Aliss N. Gore; Airs. Jefferson White, Aliss E. O’Donnell. An announcement was made that the

half-yearly council meeting would take place at Woodville. Excellent support was accorded the stall for federation funds, and there was a very line display of handicrafts, particularly rugs, soft toys, mocassins, etc. Alesdames E. E. Short, A. Shannon, Barnicoat and Alillen were in charge of the stalls. Apologies for absence wero tendered on behalf of Airs. Gibson Young (Stokes Valley), Airs! Waring-Taylor and Aliss Amy Kane (Wellington), who also extended good wishes for tho meeting. At a subsequent meeting of the executive Airs. Austin was re-elected secretary. The meeting concluded with the National Anthem.

TE ARAKURA.

The April meeting of the To Arakura Women’s Institute was held on AVcdnesday at Airs Bussell’s residence, Bobort’s Line. There was a large attendance of members and a few visitors. Airs Thomas presided and returned thanks for her re-election as president. Airs Thomas and Aliss Hansen were elected delegates to attend tho halfyearly council meeting in Palmerston North. The Institute will not be sending delegates to the conference at Wcllington in July, owing to finance. . It was- decided to start an entertainment circle for the younger members of the Institute, and Aliss Bailey was appointed chairman of the circle. Anyone is allowed t-o join this circle, the members of which arc at present. Aliases Baxter, Whisker, Lower, Grant, AI. and H. Bennett, Han,sen, and others will bo very welcome. There was a splendid response to tho gentleman’s buttonhole, and lady’s spray competition, the winner being Airs. Lower, with Airs Thomas second and Airs. Whisker third. The competition was judged by Airs and Aliss Biliman. Airs B'illman then demonstrated the making of bouquets, which were indeed very cleverly and artistically arranged. Airs Billmau presented Airs Thomas with a beautiful bouquet when finished, and also one to Mrs Bussell. At a committee meeting held after the annual meeting, Airs Griffiths and Airs Daniels were elected vice-presidents, and Aliss liansen secretary and treasurer. A dainty afternoon tea was handed round, the hostesses being Atesdames Bussell, Ansiii, Grant, and Aliss Grant. The president, then heartily thanked the hostesses and Mrs and Aliss Billman for the very pleasant afternoon, which had been greatly appreciated by all, which was carried by acclamation. It was decided to hold the next meeting at Mrs Dune’s place, Aorangi Hall, oa Alay 11, when the competition for the day will bo for the best knitted articlo not costing more than ss. for the wool.

KUMEROA,

The Kumcroa Women’s Institute held their April meeting on Tuesday last, Airs B. H. Norman presiding. A “bring and buy” stall was well patronised during the afternoon. It was decided to hold a chrysanthemum show on the next meeting day, when it is hoped to have an address on gardening by Air Black, of Palmerston North. A jumbled flowers competition was won by Airs. Little. AJiss V. Toogood and Aliss W. Smith acted as hostesses for the afternoon.