Women’s Institute Movement

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7069, 31 January 1933, Page 2

Women’s Institute Movement

HIS EXCELLENCY AS MEDIATOR REGARDING CONSTITUTIONS.

As the result of a difference of opinion that arose over the adoption of a constitution by tho Dominion Conference of Women’s Institutes in Wellington in July, a number of Institutes in the Auckland district withdrew and formod a separate federation (with a constitution of its ow r n), which became an incorporated body. Other Institutes in tlio Auckland district remained loyal to the Dominion Federation working under tho Wellington Constitution. This wms felt to bo an unhappy condition of affairs, and in order to preserve the unity of tho movement in the Dominion, His Excellency, the Governor-General, Lord' Bledisloe, was approached and consented to arbitrate. The following official statement was issued from Government House after a conference of representatives at, which His Excellency presided :

“His Excellency, the GovernorGeneral, having accepted a joint Invitation from the Executives oi the Dominion Federation and of the Auckland District Federation of the Women’s Institutes, to act as arbitrator with a view to the settlement of the differences which have arisen between tho two bodies, and to the establishment of a Central Executive for New Zealand which shall enjoy tho confidence of ail tho Women’s Institutes throughout the Dominion, a meeting of representatives of both executives was held at Government House, Wellington, on tho (sth January, over which Lord Biedisloe presided. After prolonged discussion it was decided, at the Chairman’s suggestion, with a view to future har monious co-operation and without any reflection upon the public spirited activities of those who have hitherto directed the movement in the Dominion, that both Miss Jerome Spencer and Mrs. Irwin temporarily relinquish their present official positions, viz., as Chairman of the Do minion Federation and as President of the Auckland District or area Federation respectively, and that somo lady possessing the confidence of all present at tho meeting should be asked to act as President of tho re-united Dominion Federation until the next Annual General Meeting, and that in the meantime an attempt be made to formulate a Constitution on a democratic basis to which all parties can give their entire adherence. ’ ’ Following on the agreement of the meeting at Government House, Miss Jerome Spencer has resigned the chairmanship of the Dominion Executive Committee ; and Mrs. Irwin has resigned as President of the Auckland District Federation,

Tko name of Miss Amy Kane, President of the Pioneer Club, Wellington, was submitted to His Excellency and approved as interim Chairman.

Colonel John Studholmo’s name was also approved as one suitablo to deal .with the setting up of the now Constitution. „

PICNIC AT MAKINO

Tho day spent by the Makino W.I. in picnicking at Johnston Park on Thursday afforded ail who were fortunate enough to be present a great deal o fpleasurc. The weather was beautifully line with a cooling breeze to temper the heat. As was to be expected the river made a special appeal to many who availed themselves of the opportunity to have a good swim. Games were also played and races for small prizes were run by the little folk. Further interest was provided by novelty events and chain stepping for the older ones. The prizes won during tho various events were presented by Mrs. P. R. Simpson, vice president. At tho end of a long and most enjoyable day the picnickers returned home feeling much the better and brighter for their respite from the usual daily round at work. It was inadvertently ommitted from the account published of the last monthly meeting, that the decision come to regarding February's competition was that it should be for the best article made from a sugar bag. Mrs. P. R. .Simpson will at the same meeting give a demonstration of the making of pine- needle baskets.