THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Otago Witness, Issue 4041, 25 August 1931, Page 16

THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

PROGRESS OF ORGANISATION. Wonderful progress, both in enthusiasm and numbers, continues to be made by the Women’s Institute movement throughout New Zealand (says the Wellington Dominion). There are now seven provincial federations and 283 institutes in the Dominion. The following are reports from some of the institutes:—

Stokes Valley.—At the August meeting Mrs Martin, a member of the Pioneer Club W.I. Circle, gave demonstrations of crushed paper and sealing-wax work. So interested were all present ■ that Mrs Martin was begged to continue in place of the time being given to the usual social half hour. Mangatainoka. —There was a very large number of members at the August meetin, held in the library hall. Mrs Walker (president) was in the chair. After the business had been dealt with a demonstration of the making of paper rope and a small cake-basket was given, at the request of a number of new members, Mesdames Walker and Morris and Miss Reid. Pioneer Club. —On Friday, August 7, at the Pioneer Club Circle of W.1., visiting members ably demonstrated the following: Mrs Boyes, the making of’‘seagrass stools; Mrs Burrows, tatting; Mrs Huse, smocking; Mrs Heathcote and Mrs Pedersen, rug making; and Mrs Summers, raffia baskets.

Cheltenham. —Over 100 members and friends were present at the Cheltenham Women's Institute on Wednesday, when the president of the Feilding A. and P. Association, Mr L. J. Wild, addressed the meeting on the subject of show from the time of their inception. The possibility of the institute, together with other women’s organisations, working in co-operation with the show authorities was sounded, and will be given further consideration later. Mrs Harrison, of Pahiatua, gave an interesting demonstration on the making of soft toys, mocassins, skin-curing and dyeing, etc., and brought with her a collection of all gorts of handicrafts. It is expected that Nirs Harrison will hold a series of classes in various handicrafts in October next for the benefit of surrounding institutes. Afternoon tea was served by Mesdames Atkinson, Bramwell, Cameron, and Evans.

WORK OF THE BRANCHES. WAITAHUNA. The first monthly meeting of the Waitahuna Women’s Institute was held in the anteroom of Brown’s Hall last Friday afternooon, with the gratifying attendance of 36 ladies. After the singing of the instituion’s ode by the gathering, the president (Mrs J. Walker) read the rules of the institute.

The roll call, “ Hints on the Uses of the Demon,” brought forward some entirely new uses as well as many of the better known hints. New ideas in knitting, raffia work, the making of “ paper mache ” bowl were on exhibition, and created much interest. The

“market” table was a great success, every article being disposed of before the close of the meeting. Miss M. Ryan contributed a song during an interval which was much appreciated by everyone. After a very enjoyable afternoon tea, the meeting closed with a verse of the National An them.

The next meeting, which is to take place on September 11, is to take the form of a “ surprise parcel ” day, and the roll call is to be “Tea Dishes.” Mrs Abernethy, Mrs J. H. Auld, and Mrs Brown were appointed hostesses for the next meeting. ¥ v ¥ JANEFIELD. The Janefield Women’s Institute’s monthly meeting was held on August 14, a good attendance of members being present. . A' very interesting lecturette on “ Home Nursing ” was given by Mrs Pond, w’ho is a qualified nurse with much experience of other countries. A vote of thanks was proposed by the vice-presi-dent (Mrs Forsyth), and seconded by Mrs Haggart. After tea had been served a “ roll call ” was much enjoyed by the members. Mrs Irvine (president) presided over the meeting. ¥ ¥ ¥ PALMERSTON. The monthly meeting, presided over by Mrs Horner, was held on August 13. After the singing of the institute song, the president welcomed the members before proceeding to the business of the meeting. A demonstration of rug-making, given by Mrs Korner, in conjunction with the home

science rag-box, was followed with great interest, while a plaited rag-rug, displayed by Miss D.M'Ritehie, brought forth favourable comment from members. The competition for the day, “ The Best Article Made from Waste Material,” attracted many and varied entries, the best of which was judged to be Mrs S. Dowie’s bag made from felt. Afternoon tea and social ehat brought an instructive and enjoyable meeting to a close.