WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20588, 30 November 1936, Page 12

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

SOUTH CANTERBURY FEDERATION The half yearly meeting of the South Canterbury Federation of Women’s Institutes was held on Thursday, when there were present 90 delegates representing the 45 institutes in the district, besides a large number of members. The 100 per cent, attendance of delegates emphasised the loyalty which is a focal point in the life of the Institute movement. The occasion was the visit of Mrs Alfred Watt, M.A., M.8.E., of Canada, president of the Associated Countrywomen of the World and founder of the Women’s Institute movement in England, who was invited by the Dominion executive of Women’s Institute’s to spend three months among the institutes of New Zealand.

Mrs L. E. Williams, president of the Federation presided, and with her were members of the executive. An apology was received from Miss G. A. Brown on account of illness, and a vote of sympathy with her was passed. In her opening remarks, Mrs Williams welcomed those present and expressed a hope that the delegates would be imbued with the spirit of loyalty and enthusiasm and would take home to their institutes impressions of a happy and successful gathering. The president, in her report announced that the Robert Young Cup was won by the South Canterbury Federation for its hospitality scheme organised by Mrs A. H. Gillingham. Another cup presented by Miss E. J. Davies for most points in the Women's section at the A. and P. Show was won by Sherwood Downs with most points in cookery. Mrs P. W. Hislop, Geraldine, for the tree-planting committee, reported that 24 trees had been planted on the main highway at Seadown, 11 at Cave, and several institutes had also started planting to beautify the countryside. It was advisable that only certain trees should be planted and application should be made to the tree-planting committee.

To celebrate coronation year, it was intended to extend the scheme by planting one tree for each of the British Dominions.

At this stage of the proceedings, Mrs Watt arrived, accompanied by Mrs G. A. M. Macdonald. In welcoming her, Mrs Williams expressed the pleasure of those present in being associated with Mrs Watt. The Institute song was then sung, and Mrs Watt was presented with bouquets by Mrs A. H. Gillingham and by delegates of the Arowhenua Maori Institute.

On the resumption of business. Mrs R. W. Irving, gave a comprehensive report of the work done by the Women’s Institute Depot. She stressed the need for the best quality of produce for profit, and stated that nearly £looo—their objective—had passed through their hands for the 12 months. Mrs Irving hoped that more members would support the depot during the next year, as expenses would be heavy owing to the proposed change of building. There was a ready sale for arts and crafts of all kinds. Mrs Gillingham reported fully on the aims and success of the Hospitality Circle. One hundred and ninety five guests had been placed in country homes, five of them from overseas. The scheme was working successfully towards bringing town and country more into contact and co-operation, in understanding each other's problems, and also in encouraging international good will. Mrs Watt delighted the gathering by giving statistics of arts and crafts work in Canada and other countries. She said that the depots were most successful, and proved an easy living for many on the Continent of Europe. There as always a market for quality goods and with good salesmanship, good results were sure to follow. Mrs Watt advised New Zealand women to endeavour to get better designs for their work, by sending to other countries, especially for peasant architecture and said that they could learn much from the Maoris in designing. Mis Watt congratulated the women of the Dominion on thrir flower-arranging which she considered the best in the world and she admired the taste shown in colour schemes.

Referring to the hospitality scheme, Mrs Watt said that in America every Institute had community and camping places for use by tourists as they passed through. Mrs Watt then gave much helpful advice and many valuable hints on the running of institute meetings by

means of groups, and on the arranging of programmes. Several questions were asked. Mrs Watt was entertained at lunch by the executive. At the afternoon session the hall was well filled when Mrs Watt spoke on “What the country women of the world are doing for peace.” HILTON The November meeting of the Hilton Women’s Institute took the form of a garden party held at the home of Mrs Baynes. There was a good attendance of members and friends, and after the business was over Miss Scott, the president, handed the meeting over to the married members.

Mrs Willes extended a welcome to all, and thanked Mrs Baynes for her hospitality. The following were winners of the various competitions.—Hat parade: Mrs Baynes 1, Mrs Talbot 2. Chain stepping: Mrs Jones 1, Mrs Beattie 2. Hopping race: Miss Omelvena 1, Miss Baynes 2. Nursery rhymes: Mrs Geddes 1, Mrs McCullough 2.

Monthly competitions resulted.—Best worked supper cloth, class A: Mrs Toomey 1. Class B, Miss Omelvena 1, Miss Brenton 2. Child study, class A: Miss Scott and Miss Wilks equal 1, Mrs Twomey 2. Class B: Mrs Beattie 1, Miss L. Friend 2. Best bloom: Miss L. Friend 1, Mrs Winmill 2. A delicious afternoon tea was served, all members being hostesses.