WOMEN’S INSTITUTE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 493, 30 June 1932, Page 14

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE.

“ Lone Membership ” System Instituted. FRIENDSHIPS FORMED. “ The Women’s Institute movement is one of this age’s best gifts to women.” This opinion, expressed by a speaker at a recent meeting, is one which will be heartily endorsed by all who have come under its influence during its thirty-three years of existence. In New Zealand particularly, where thousands of women in the backblocks lead more or less isolated lives, the institute has brought in its train a fresh interest in life and converted loneliness into comradeship through interest in a common cause. In some very scattered districts where it is impossible to arrange a meeting centre, a system of “ lone ” membership has been instituted by which the member is kept in touch with her institute through the post, taking part in ail its activities, and thus doing away with the feeling of being cut off from communion with her fellowwomen and so removing much of the hardship hitherto attaching to such an isolated existence. Prebbleton. At the second monthly meeting of the Prebbleton branch of the Women’s Institute, held in the Public Library on Tuesday afternoon, Mrs C. Askin presided over a good attendance. Six new members were elected. The Springston branch wrote inviting members to attend the first birthday party of that branch, which is to be held in July. The compeition for the meeting- was for the best pair of mocassins, and Mrs J. Easterbrook and Mrs L. Williams were placed first equal, with Mrs Kolkman second. In a memory test Mrs C. Atkinson and Mrs W. Kolkman tied for first place, and another interesting competition was won by Mrs R. Macpherson and Mrs H. Riches. During the afternoon Mrs Cl. L. Millar gave a demonstration of rug making and she exhibited a finished sample of one of her rugs, which was much admired. The hostesses for the day were Mesdames Gallagher, O'Neill and Prebble. X.adbrooks. A well-attended meeting of ladies of the Ladbrooks district was held in the Public Hall on Tuesday, when a branch of the Women’s Institute was formed. Mrs A. Couch and Mrs Eggleton, secretary and president respectively of the Southbridge branch, were present. Mrs Couch addressed those present on the aims of the institute, and it was unanimously decided to form a local branch. Mrs Fred Meyer was elected president, Mrs T. C. Foster vice-president, and Mrs R. J. Ware secretary. At the next meeting Mrs Coleman will demonstrate the art of rug making and members will have a sales table. Mrs Ware moved a vote of thanks to Mesdames Eggleton and Couch. Ohoka. The monthly meeting of the Ohoka Women’s Institute was held in the Hall, Mrs Newton presiding over a large attendance. Three new members were elected. A vote of sympathy was passed to Mrs Heron in the death of her sister. The clothes peg competition was won by Miss E. Schroeder, with Miss

Ashcen second. The competition for the best article from a. yard of cretonne was won by Mrs E. Saunders, with Miss Heron second. Arrangements for the approaching birthday party were discussed and brisk business was done at a bring and buy held to defray the expenses. Afternoon tea was served. Mesdames Hart, Heald, Hunt and Jones were appointed hostesses for the next meeting. Ashburton. The monthly meeting of the Ashburton District Women’s Institute was well attended. The president (Mrs E. A. Cockroft) was in the chair. Miss M. M’Eachen was appointed correspondent with the Bentley Health Institute, Herts (England), which asked to be linked up with the local body. The Women’s Division of the Farmers' Union wrote expressing the hope that the division and the institute would co-operate in regard to the use of the sales table. The resignation of Mrs S. Coates, who has gone to reside in Kaikoura, was accepted and Mrs Hambly was elected in her place on the committee. A farewell was extended to Mrs M. Osborne, a foundation member, and Miss E. Bacon, who will leave for England shortly. Musical items were contributed by Mrs H. J. Constable and Miss G. Warriner. A competition was won by Mrs L. Aitken, with Mrs J. T. Corbett second. A demonstration on rug making was given by Mesdames H. Millar and P. J. Andrew, and a demonstration on spinning and weaving from raw wool was given by Mrs E. J. Chennells. The sales table was in charge of Mesdames O. Moore and H. M’Lean. The hostesses were Mesdames J. S. Clarke, E. Coker, J. C. Christian, F. J. Chambers, J. T. Corbett and S. Corbett. Waluta. A general meeting of the Waiuta Women’s Institute was held at the Club Rooms on June 15, when there was a good attendance. After the formal business was concluded Mr Llewellyn gave an instructive lesson on cane work and wool rug making, and the members have now the intention of making cane Christmas gifts for their friends. In a neat speech Mr Stewart thanked the instructor for his kindness. The competition was won by Mrs Moorhead, with Mesdames Greengrass and Ellery and Miss Agnes Heinpseed tying for second place. Supper was served by Mesdames Ord, Hogg and Miss Southgate. Roof ton. Mrs W. Bell presided over the monthly meeting of the Roeftori branch of the Women’s Institute, w’hich, despite the inclement weather, was well attended. Arrangements for the second birthday party of the branch were completed. It was agreed that members invite their friends and that invitations be extended to members of the other branches in the district. The “ bring and buy " was most successful, and the competition for best article made from one yard of cretonne was won by Miss Arnott. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames M’Elwee, Floyd, Hampson and Miss Garth. A motion of sympathy was passed with Mrs Schofield in her recent bereavement, members standing. Com- j munity singing brought the afternoon to a conclusion.