WOMEN'S INSTITUTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 244, 15 October 1932, Page 2

WOMEN'S INSTITUTES

PROVINCIAL FEDERATION HALF-YEARLY COUNCIL MEETING ’There was a memorable gathering of country women in the Drill Hall, Woodville, on Tuesday, when delegates from Women’s Institutes all over the Wei lington province, numbering about 400, gathered for the half-yearly council meeting of the Provincial Federation. Presiding over this important meeting was Afrs J. D. C. Crewe (Pahiatua), president of the federation, and associated with her were t-ho following members of the executive: Afosdames Athol Shannon, E. Short (Cheltenham), A. McCorkindale (Feilding), Barnicoat (Kimbolton), S. G. Millen (Westmere), R. Kelso (Paraparaumau), Waring Taylor (Shannon'), Burnett (Woodville'), R. C. Austin (hon. secretary and treasurer, Pahiatua) and Afiss Grant (Palmerston North). All executive members were presented with posies of kowhai and Princess Alary violas, the work of Hamua Institute. The scene at the Drill Hall paid a fine tribute to the spirit of co-operation which is an integral part of W.T. membership. Every arrangement for the comfort of visitors and delegates had been well thought out. Morning tea was served and the luncheon tables were gay with coloured table napkins, with a background of Iceland poppies in varying shades. The cheerful appearance of the hall with its lovely floral decoration reflected the happy atmosphere prevailing. Prominent on the walls was a chart setting forth the aspirations of the movement. This was flanked by a large copy of the agenda and the Crawford potato shield. In forwarding her regrets for unavoidable absence, Afiss A. E. Jerome Spencer, chairman of the Dominion executive, extended good wishes for a successful meeting. The meeting opened with the singing of “Comrades and Friends,” followed by all present reciting the W.I, prayer. The Mayor of Woodville, Afr J. Elder, was introduced by Airs Crewe, and extended, on behalf of the people of Woodville, the welcome of the town. He spoke in admiration of the aims and high ideals of Women’s Institutes, fostering- home-making and promoting good citizenship, and prophesied that a movement with a membership of 20.000 would accomplish all it set out to do.

Afrs Crewe returned thanks to Afr Elder and expressed pleasaure in the presence of Airs Elder. Afrs Nixon, president of the Woodville Institute, expressed the pleasure members had .in entertaining the delegates at this meeting. She referred to , the fact that this institute was the third formed in New Zealand. On behalf of Woodville and Pohangina members, beautiful bouquets were presented to Afesdames Crewe and Austin. In returning thanks to Airs Nixon, Afrs Crewe said she felt the real institute spirit to be prevailing in the hall that day. It was a matter for regret that Afiss Spencer could not be with us, but we knew her thoughts and best wishes would be. In her own welcome Airs Crewe expressed the pleasure it gave her to be, presiding that day. She welcomed all present, especially those representing the very recently formed institute. We were now represented in 42 countries in the world —all united in one aim and purpose, and we must realise the great responsibility resting upon ns, individually as members of our own institute, and collectively as part of the whole movement, the greatest country women’s organisation in the world. Our Queen, when she attends her own institute, at Sandringham, enters into the. meeting with the true institute spirit, and we must foster this spirit, more and more. In speaking to the members of Canadian Women’s Institutes, who were gathered together on August 15, 1932, to meet the wives of the conference delegates at. Ottawa. Mrs Stanley Baldwin said that this movement brought peace into the homes of members, and so spread that, peace through the country, and through the world. From the home the nation draws its breath, the better the home the better the nation. .Mrs Crewe referred to the recent Dominion Con ferenco and the great pleasure Alias Spencer’s appointment as chairman of the Dominion Federation gave to all. The half-yearly report was presented by the secretary, ami was a record of sternly progress. Two evv federations had been formed from the Wellington federation—one in 'Taranaki ami one in Nelson-Marlborough. Two more would be formed within tho next few months. In this federation ve have now 78 institutes and a membership of 3580. Mention amis made of the Avomlerful assistance given to W.l.’s by Miss Elizabeth Blake of the Bril ish Drama League. The group system has been extended, and these gatherings arc greatly enjoyed. Many links are being formed overseas, and the interchange of ideas is proving very in

teresting. The financial statement showed a credit balance and institutes were urged to support their federation committee in the sale of the gardening calendars. “Following the discussion at our last meeting on tho matter of unemployment relief our institutes have done all in their power to assist in this cause. By raising funds, in some cases so much os that it is almost a i dran on the executive, by the steady, quiet and regular supplies of foodstuffs in the shape of groceries, meat, fruit, butter, etc., to the various clubs and depots, the institutes are taking their share of the responsibility of trying to alleviate the Dominion-wide distress in a manner and to an extent that is hardly realised. If we each think of what we know the members of our own particular institute are doing in this matter and the number of institutes to which we are affiliated, it will help us to grasp in a small de gree what the Federation .®s a whole is doing. ’ ’ Mrs Crewe moved the adoption of the report am) paid a tribute to the voluntary organisers and the executive committee. especially the secretary, Mrs Austin. This was seconded by Airs Waring Taylor. The financial statement, was presented by the treasurer, and on the motion of Mrs Crewe, seconded by Mrs McCorkindale, was adopted. Direct donations to federation funds totalled £27 2s 6d and the potato com petition yielded £2O. Afrs Kelso, organising secretary of the Dominion executive, spoke of the rest homes at Paraparaumu beach

('now full established), in Hawke’s Bay, and in Canterbury. She put in a plea for the women’s paper. Home and Country, which was standing at the back of the rest homo scheme, and also for support for the exhibition to ; be hold in Wellington at the end of November by the Dominion executive, 1 and which Her Excellency Lady Bledis loe had consented to open. The Crawford Potato Shield was presented to Tarata Institute (now in Taranaki Federation). Mrs Millen re ceived the shield ou behalf of Tarata. Luncheon for this great number of visitors was served by Woodville mem bers. Under the capable charge of Mrs R. O. Leach and her band of helpers. At the afternoon session Mrs E. E. Short spoke of the stall to he conducted at the Royal Show in Palmerston North in November. All institutes were urged to co-operate and make this effort a success. Afrs Grant, spoke of the proposed drama festival. Very encouraging support was given and all entries will close on October 22.

Following a discussion introduced by Rongotea regarding the presentation of reports at the council meetings, it was agreed, on the motion of Airs Afillen, to have a roll-call of institutes at the commencement of meetings, all from the particular institute to stand during the reading of a brief report. A discussion was opened by Halcombe and Rangiwahia delegates that every institute should be visited by an officer at least once a year, the meeting approving of the suggestion. Sympathy with Wairoa and Gisborne residents who had suffered in the recent earthquakes was expressed by the meeting, and the announcement that Woodville Institute, in conjunction with the Basketball Club, had raised £45 for their relief was received with applause. Short reports from institutes (N to W inclusive) were followed with interest and disclosed an amazing amount of useful activities. The speaker for the afternoon was Rev. Andrew Stevenson, of Woodville, who was introduced by Airs Crewe. After touching on the history of women’s institutes, Air. Stevenson, in an inspiring address, made a challenge to the members in his review of the movement, first from a man’s point of view. He then took the woman’s viewpoint, and. thirdly, the viewpoint of the husband. He stressed the relations existing between pakeha and Afaori in institute work as proof of the stamina of the movement. In support of his contention as to tho value of the work being done, the speaker quoted the Governor-General’s recent statement “that tho women’s institutes were tho most offcctive agency in the Empire for the revival and vigorous promotion of thrift.” in conclusion, Air Stevenson said the movement would last so long as the members would let it. If they worked with the one idea of holding themselves within themselves in perfect union, remembering the high praise of the GovernorGeneral, they would see all young New Zealand looking up to the women’s institutes as they did not look up to anything else for teaching them to be. thrifty. Thanks to the speaker were voiced by Alesdames Barnicoat and Kelso. A demonstration on brass work by Afrs Eising, of Makomako, was an attractive feature of the afternoon, and beautiful examples of her work were exhibited. Pahiatua members staged a playette, “The V illage Shop,” in a delightful manner, those taking part, being Alesdames Paterson, Ross, Gay and Etz, and Alisses Etz and McSherry. Airs Gay was the producer. A delicious afternoon tea was served and greatly appreciated by the large assemblage. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Palmerston branch of the W.D.F.U. for the use of their room for meetings. Thanks were also accorded to the performers, demonstrator and all who had assisted. Three hearty cheers were given to tho Woodville members for their wonderful hospitality. The singing of the Nationa* Anthem brought a most inspiring meeting to a close.

HIGHLAND PIPE BAND DANCE. Tho last dance of the season of the Wanganui Highland Pipe Band will take place on Monday evening next, October 17. in the Cadora Hall. It will be a long night’s dance and all arrange ments for an enjoyable evening an 1 supper have been made. Mrs. Gardner’s Orchestra will supply the music and ATonte Carlo and Spot Waltz dances are included in the programme, HIBERNIAN SOCIETY DANCE. A dati.o under the auspices of the Wanganui Hibernian Society will tie If’ld in the iDruids’ Hall on Monday night. October 17. Tin* committee in charge, of arrangements have engaged tho popular River city SyncopatOrs to supply a pleasing variety of modern and old-time dances. Every effort has been made to provide all that dancers desire. There will be euchre tables arranged for non-daneers and a very enjoyable evening is assured.