Bay Federation’s Annual Meeting

Northern Advocate, 3 May 1943, Page 5

Bay Federation’s Annual Meeting

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

The annual meeting of the ' Bay of Islands Federation of Women’s Institutes was held at Moerewa when Mrs M. E. Fricker presided over a good attendance. A welcome was extended especially to the member of the newly-formed Matawhia Institute. The Roll Call “Age and Activities of Institute” was responded to by delegates from the following Institutes. Kaikche. Kaikohe N., Karetu, Kerikeri, Moerewa, Opua, Otaua, Paihia, Rawene. Russell, Taheke, Taumarero, Tautoro, Waikare. Waitangi. Waima,' Oromahoe, Moerewa N., Matawhia, and Okaihau. The responses given showed that 'the Institute movement is well justified even if only cn the score of patriotic work accomplished. as one after another spoke of knitting and sewing done, and parcels sent to further the war effort. Officers’ Reports The secretary’s report showed that the number of Institutes in the Federation was 23. The president reported that she had visited every Institute in the Federation, and spoke of the strong bond of friendship being built up by the movement. Reports from the two Voluntary Organisers,' Mesdames McMullen and M. E. Johnston, were listened to with interest, the latter having just completed, in her role of Dominion organiser of Maori Institutes, a two-months’ tour of the more southerly Maori Federations. Election of Oflicefs Mrs M E. Fricker was re-elected president, and Mrs M. E. White (hon-secre-tary, Mrs W. H. Moor (hon. treasurer), Mrs Deeming (press correspondent), were all re-elected. The members of the committee elected were: Mesdames Minchin (Rawene), Simpson (Kerikeri), White Moerewa N.). Gilbert. (Kaikohe N.), Gilleft <G*pua). Te Haara (Ngawha N.). Te Tai (Karetu N.), Whitefield (Rawene), and Strange (Moerewa). Guest Speaker’s Address The guest speaker was Mrs W. Barnicoat, of the Dominion Executive, who is the Institute’s representative on the standards committee.

Mrs Mcor gave a report of the meeting of the Women’s Advisory Committee on Adult Education which she had recently attended. It was announced that a winter school would be held at the Auckland University between May 10 and 15. the main theme of the school being re-con-struction. In the programme competition Kaikohe was awarded first prize and Kaikohe Native second. An appeal for passion fruit, etc., for the Servicemen’s Club in Auckland was made, and it is hoped that it will meet with good response.

HAKARU , , , The president (Mrs. Cooper) conducted the April meeting of the Hakaru Women’s Institute, when 22 members were present. It was decided to forward a parcel each month to local soldiers overseas, contents to be purchased with funds raised by a monthly sales table. Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Speed offered to pack the parcel in May. Mrs. Cameron was asked to take charge of the library, and Mrs. Tantrum the competition book. The programmes for tthe next six months were discussed. Members spent the afternoon covering coat-hangers, to be sold at the annual bazaar, The competition for a knitted balaclava was won by Miss Bagnall, and Mrs. Tantrum and Mrs. H. Harrison tied for the prize bloom. Afternoon tea was served by Mrs. Speed and Mrs. Cameron. The meeting closed with the singing of the New Zealand National Anthem.

V.’ATPU , ~ . A large gathering of members and their friends attended the 10th birthday of the Waipu Women’s Institute on April 19. A play acted by Mesdames Wood, Hodsell and Knight and Misses D. Hodsell and P. Rimmer, was greatly enjoyed, as were songs by Mrs. Wood. A presentation was made to the president (Mrs. J. P. McKay) as a token of affection and esteem from the members, while little Margaret Morrison presented her with a beautiful bouquet. Afternoon tea was served. The beautiful birthday cake was made and presented by Mrs. J. P. McKay. A book competition was won by Mrs. Knight and a musical competition by Mrs. Wood.