WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16209, 6 December 1926, Page 14

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

NUHAKA BRANCH FORMED # (Herald Correspondent.) Miss Jerome Spencer, chairwoman of tho Hawkc's Bay Provincial Federation of tho Women's Institute, now a world-wide organisation, was the guest last week, with Miss Large, of Mr. and Mrs. G. D. Tod at '' Corozo.'' A meeting was held in Nuhaka, there toeing a largo attendance of ladies. Mrs. Tod took the chair and briefly introduced Miss Spencer, the organiser of the- Institute in Now Zealand.

Miss Spencer defined the Institute as being gatherings of countrywomen, who met together to discuss matters of common interest, and within the scope of this simple definition a wonderful organisation had I developed. The speaker explained I that each Institute included in its . membership all the women of its disi trict without distinction of rank, I education; religion or wealth. Xon- ' party and non-sectarian, its constitu- ; tion was based on democratic priii- . eiplos, tho committee being elected by nil, and members paying a small subscription. The meetings, Miss Spencer ; stated, should be held once a mouth, | the programmes' embracing educational subjects and demonstrations, or study subjects. There were also included social subjects such as music and drama, folk-dancing, games, comvpctitions, and the teaching and practice of handicrafts, some of which were in danger of falling into disuse. Five years ago an Institute was formed at Rissington, Hiiwke 's Bay, and now there were 18 such, besides a federation. After giving some further interesting facts and figures concerning the movement, Miss Spencer was accorded a hearty vote of thanks, a similar compliment being paid to the chairwoman. At tho close of the address afternoon tea was served, during which Miss Spencer showed specimens of hand-spun and woven materials, and wools dyed from native plants. ■ A motion was then put, and carried unanimously, "That a Women's Institute be formed in Nuhaka." A strong committee was nominated, with Mrs. Tod as president, and an attractive programme was sketched out for tho first monthly meeting, to be held on the second (Saturday in .January.