Maori Women’s Institutes

Northland Age, Volume XII, Issue 43, 5 August 1943, Page 3

Maori Women’s Institutes

j A visit to some of the Maori Institutes was recently made by Mrs. Tul-loc-h, President of the North Hokianga Federation, and Mrs. J. Dyer Voluntary organiser, when the followinginstitutes were visited: Mitimiti W.I. Waihou W. 1., Moutiti W.I. Pungaru W. 1., Mihirau W.I. Motuti W.I. was visited first. This Institute is not so large as a few years ago, but with the able help of Mis. Howard and Mrs. Roskilly a wonderful amount of work is beingdone. The next Institute visited, Mihirau, is only a new Institute, but if the wealth of good cheer that abides there

is any sign, it should be a very good asset. The work shown was of a very good class, shows what really can be done in a small community when the right spirit is there. Pungaru W. 1., which is a very recent recruit to the movement, was addressed by Mrs. Tulloch, who explained most fully the meaning and the spirit of the Women’s Institute movement to the members. Mrs. Cassidy, the President of Pungaru Women’s Institute, showed a great deal of Patriotic knitting that she herself had done for the boys overseas. The need for bed coverings is ver; acute in this district, and if any of the Pakeha Institutes could send parcels of clean clothing fit for making patchwork quilts to Mrs. J. D. Dyer, voluntary organiser, R. D., Kohukohu, they will be distributed to the Maori Institutes and will be made into patchwork quilts for beds! Mitimiti Women’s Institute was visited the following day, and Mrs. Tulloch and Mrs. Dyer were welcomed by Mrs. Kendall, the President. This is a very good Institute, and does excellent work. The members do home spinning, and then dye the wool, using natural dyes, and then knit it into all sorts of clothing to keep their children and themselves warm. One member, who had only joined the Institute recently, and who had previously been unable to knit or spin, wore a twin set, which she had spun and knitted herself. The next Institute was Waihou. This Institute had grown since Mrs Tulloch and Mrs. Dyer’s previous visit, and there were many eager faces watching for their arrival. Every member had arrived to greet their visitors. Their President, Mrs. Pio Thomas, is a great help to them. Mrs. Dyer had a great surprise when she found one member, whom she had taught to knit, and who had dropped stiches and thought she would never learn, displayed half a dozen jumpers, all knitted by herself, for their Maori boys. At all these meetings Mrs. Tulloch addressed the members, and talked to them about the Women’s Institute spirit, and she proved that in all places where Institutes existed the l

settlement improved, and was proud that it had an Institute. The children were warm, and well looked after, and the mothei-s took a great pride in their homes and themselves. Mrs. Dyer talked with the members at all meetings, and answered any questions that were asked. The questions were numerous and varied, showing that our Maori sisters are taking notice and helping themselves to learn and to take part in the Women’s Institute movement. This is particularly evident just now, as each Institute is sending a delegate to the Dominion conference.

it was regretted that, owing to shortage of petrol two Maori Institutes had to be omitted, but these will be visited after the conference. Much thanks and praise is due to Mrs. Howard and Mrs. Kendall (Maori V. 0.), for the patience and help displayed towards their fellow Maori member's.