Bush Federation of Women’s Institutes

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 96, 23 April 1941, Page 10

Bush Federation of Women’s Institutes

ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING The annual meeting of delegates to the above mentioned federation was held yesterday in the Wesley Hall, when a very large and representative gathering of delegates attended. Mrs. N. M. Burnett, of Woodville, was in the . chair. Delegates were formally welcomed by official hostesses from the Bahiatua Women's, institute in the persons of Mrs. E. B. Watson, president, and Mrs. A. W. Bissct. Prior to the official business delegates wero served with a most refreshing cup of morning tea. Proceedings opened with the singing of tho “Ode to Friendship," after vynich the aspirations of tlio organisation were recited by all present. After prayers for peace nad oeeu said, the president, Mrs. Burnett, welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress and invited the Mayor to say a few words. fa the course of his remarks the Mayor said: “Mrs. Siddells and I are very happy to be present at the commencement of your conference. l understand that tnere are present delegates from Woodville, Pongaroa, Eketahuna and Pahiatua district's, all of whom are part and fmrcei of the Bush Districts federation. It is my pleasure, on behalf of the citizens of Pahiatua, to welcome you all wholeheartedly to our midst, and 1,-do so warmly. You will, no doubt, be having a whole day of speeches and addresses, and I know you will prefer to get down to the more interesting agenda of your conference. May 1 tnereiore conclude by puiilicly expressing my personal appreciation of the ever generous support given by ail Women’s Institutes to New Zealand’s war effort. Every man, woman and child is in this struggle to the death. With due deference, might I suggest that this, conference adopt this slogan for the day ‘Organise for Victory.’ Ladies, may your short stay in Pallia-, tua be a happy one and your deliberations of beneiit to all. ”

After the minutes of the previous meeting had been read and confirmed, the annual report and balance-sheet were presented and adopted. Mrs. Burnett, the president, then reviewed the year’s workings. The eloction of officers rosulted as follows: President, Mrs. N. M. B/urnett (Woodville); secretary, Mrs. A. Schormann (Eketahuna); executive committee, ALesdames Nixon, Weston, Hobbs, Norman, Wenham, Paterson, Coulter and Dick.

Discussions on several matters of interest to institutes followed and two remits considered and dropped. A very delectable luncheon was provided by the local institute members for the visiting executive members. The afternoon agenda was taken up with the consideration of several reports and two talks delivered, by Miss Hazel Johnson, J3.A.R.F., and Miss Jerome Spencer, 0.8. E., founder of the movement, were most enjoyable and instructive. The delegates were provided with a bountiful afternoon tea served by members of the local institutes. Tho president of the Pahiatua Institute, Mrs. E. B. Watson, presented the president of the

federation, Mrs. N. M. Burnett, with a beautiful box of flowers and pinned shoulder sprays on the coats of the Mayoress, Mrs. S. K. Siddells, and the excellent secretary, Mrs. A. ♦Schormann. Tho conference closed with the singing of “God Defend New Zfealand’ 7 and the National Anthem.