WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 249, 21 October 1936, Page 2

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

ACTIVITIES IN WANGANUI FEDERATION | HALF-YEARLY COUNCIL MEETING j Representatives of all the institutes | in the Wanganui Federation gathered at Fordell yesterday for the halfyearly council meeting of Women’s Institutes, there being close on 20u present. Mrs J. Brine, president ot the Federation, presided, and welcomed all the delegates and visitors, after which the meeting was opened by the singing of.the Institute Song and the reciting of the Creed. Also on the platform were Miss Amy Kane, of Wellington, a member of the Dominion Executive; Mesdames O'Reilly, J. Shanks (secretary), Farley, Morrison, Glasgow, Gordon, Aidworth, Gray, Miss Young, members of the Federation Committee. In addition, very welcome guests were Mesdames McCorkindale, Short, and Barnicoat, of the North Wellington Federation. On behalf of the Fordell Institute, Mrs L. Bruce (president) extended a hearty welcome to the delegate and a special word of welcome for the visitors. She hoped that their visit to Fordell would stimulate interest in institute affairs. The members of the comnjittee were introduced to the audience by Mrs Brine. The meeting decided that a letter of congratulation be sent to Miss Batten, who was accorded hearty applause for her wonderful achievement. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by the secretary, Mrs Shanks, ana adopted, also the annual report. Mrs Brine asked the various institutes to make a suggestion in regard to time and place for the picnic. Matters relating to invitations from institutes were spoken of by Mrs Brine, who also referred to the help being given to the Health Camp Fund by the institutes who were working in conjunction with the W.D.F.U. in the interests of the Country Queen. I The balance-sheet submitted by Mrs Farley showed a very satisfactory credit balance. A resolution that the federation include any other special yearly effort by each institute with the potatogrowing competition, the trophy known as the potato trophy going to the institute forwarding the largest sum per member. This was spoken to by Mrs Aidworth, Miss Young, and several delegates. This resolution was carried. A remit from Westmere that when judging delegates’ reports at federation meetings the following points be taken into consideration: (a) Scope of institute work coutained in report; |(h; form of report; (c) presentation ,'of report, including use of good English. This was spoken to by Mrs Lambert, who considered that the reports should be given in a straightforward manner and not given in limerick or rhyme. It was stressea that only good English should be used. Mrs Aidworth, in speaking on the matter, said that all members were not able to send in well-written reports, but their ideas were good and they should not be penalised. Miss Amy Kane spoke and stressed the educational side of the question. The motion was lost. The voting for the favourite banner resulted as follows: Aramoho, the trophy being a sman silver question box. The voting for the best limerick resulted: Poukiore 1, Westmere 2, Hunterville 3. The following were the winning limericks: Poukiore, first.— In our midst is an institute small, But most households respond to its call, With activities many. We are unrivalled by any, May we always be true to its call. Westmere, second. — At gardening and crafts we excel, Our vigilance circle work well, We cheer every farmer, With music and drama, And our newspaper makes us feel swell. Hunterville, third.— Each for all and all for each,’ 9 Is the motto we’ve tried to teaeh, At service we aim, And progress the same, Through those success may we reach. The favourite piece of work was won by Mrs Henderson, of Turakina Institute, with some beautiful tatting work in string shade. The trophy for the potato competition was won by Silverhope. Miss Amy Kane, the speaker during the morning, brought greetings from the Dominion Executive. She referred to the new copy of Home and Country, the W.I. publication, which she hoped would become a means of forwarding the education of the movement. She said the Women’s Institutes were a well organised body of women who were educating themselves. The Dominion Executive subcommittee was dealing with many questions. They hoped the women would take interest in the centennial movement. A commission had been set up to deal with the question ot abortion. The people on this commission were intensely concerned with this vital question. This subject that should concern every woman. The increase in mental deficiency was positively alarming and these questions should be studied and a thought-? ful opinion given on them. Dental clinics, the education and care ot country children were dealt with by the speaker. Miss Kane asked women to take an interest in the W.I. magazine, write and ask questions and encourage knowledgeable questions ana discuss these things of vital importance to women. It is this way that they can get the considered opinion of the women. Women must think on scientific lines and not be afraid to express an opinion. One could really set tnemselves out to learn. It is a question of study. It was time that the W.l/s put into their programmes more study, think out things, and suggested that talks, lectures, and ten-nnnute discussions on a particular suo.iect or -some aspect of

a subject and a whole twelve months could be well put in. Miss Kane appealed to the delegates to take up these studies, educational, civic, ana the vital social questions of the day. After study comes articulation. Information can be asked on any subject or through the magazine. She mentioned the summer school of drama, saying that drama was good for us. It was a thing that they could have a lot of. The Summer School will stage a Shakesperian play which should be an interesting event in the life of the drama school. For those interested in drama the Summer School should be a great experience. Miss Kane told her hearers of ». big conference she had attended last year, and it was found that the losses were more than the gains. The women’s losses were greater. Women were pushed out of their rights and dismis d into the background. They were told that their mission in life was to bring children into the world and look after the homes, and Miss Kane said that during times of depression it was always the woman that was the first to suffer. Women have got to have a policy of their own and exercise their privilege. The 30,000 mmbers of the Women’s Institutes can have a big say in the matters that- concern their country and their opinion will have a big weight. Miss Kane mentioned the forthcoming visit of Mrs Alfred Watt, whose mission should prove a tremendous inspiration to members. Sprays were presented to Mesdames McCorkindale, Short, Barnicoat, and Ginnane, also to members of the Federation Committee. After the luncheon adjournment, Miss Kane, who left on her return to Wellington, was accorded a hearty vote of thanks with much hand clapping. Mrs Short conveyed the greetings of the North Wellington Federation, and issued an invitation to members of the Wanganui Federation to attend the council meeting. Mrs Brine spoke of the privileges of the institute, and also mentioned their activities in connection with the Country Queen Health Camp campaign. A resume of the work of visiting the sick showed that this work was appreciated. Mrs Lambert was asked to stage for Mrs Watt’s benefit, the international exhibit displayed with such success at Auckland and Dunedin. Mrs Brine spoke of the work done by Mrs Guinane as voluntary organiser. - Mrs McCorkindale, the speaker for the afternoon, took as her subject the staging and judging of exhibits. She referred to the exhibit staged in the hall, saying it was such handcraft that was a credit to the institute movement. Mrs McCorkindale dealt with the institute competitions, which had a definite part in the life of the organisation. She referred to the various stages of crafts and workmanship. As members make crafs to help themselves financially, it was time the institutes went into the matter more fully. She made the suggestion that the household article and purely ornamental should be divided to make the work of judges easier. Institutes contemplating having a banner should study the question thoroughly before commencing the work, the suitability of the material, the important point of lettering and the type of letters and motto. To be careful not to mix capitals and script letters. The speaker dealt with heraldic designs and their relation to the motto and lettering. A banner should be a flaunting thing in rich colour and bold design. The president’s table-cloth should be artistic to the eye. Mention was made of the entries of banners an<? presidents’ table-cloths seen at the Dominion conference. Some of these were vividly described by Mrs McCorkindale, who said such a competition was well worth while. It is amazing the designs seen, and one worked by a Maori institute was symbolic of the institute movement There was something outstanding in that design, which was lacking in others. High class standard or workmanship, in not only crafts, but other branches of the institute work. Much useful information was given on staging displays and exhibits, whether single or collective. There was always room for study in this branch of the work. Suggestions for backgrounds—for which quiet tones are successful—were given. A quiet neutral background, such as ivory, pale green, are allowable, but all devolves on what is displayed. Trade and shop window displays should probably develop later. Hints were also given how to arrange and group exhibits to get an orderly display and an eye to colour harmony, which was just as important as grouping. Toys should be well finished; all articles in use furbished up before being exhibited. Thrift rugs that have seen some use, can be furbished up. The suggestion was given to sew on to backs of rugs curtain rings, so that they can be properly hung. It was not always necessary to send in a full set for judging good work, one piece being sufficient. As there was a wide variety of needlework, much more could be shown if this idea was followed. “The time is coming when articles that do not reach the standard required will be rejected,” said the speaker. Th# standards of judging were dealt with: first, workmanship, then material, design, correct cutting out, finish and general appearance, and the right stitches coming under the warks of awards. Cooking is a tremendous subject, and judges here define the degree of workmanship and texture. Uniform arrangement of bottles and jars helped in the attractive arrangement, and judging always followed on those lines. The finish of knitting articles are not always up to the judge’s standard. Frequently the seams were joined up in a wrong manner. Three hundred and forty stitches can be made from the three main stitches used. At the conclusion of the address the speaker was accorded a hearty vote of thanks by Mrs Morrison (Maxwell), who also thanked Silverhope for the sprays, Fordell members for the wonderful hospitality, the exhibitors, Makirikiri for the play, the Westmere ladies for the musical item, and also the Press. Mrs Brine said that they could not depart without giving a special word of praise to the members of the Fordell Institute, who had made the day so enjoyable for them all. As hostesses they had done excellent work, and Mrs Brine paid tribute to them for their untinng efforts, the morning and afternoon teas and the excellent luncheon provided. The hall, too, had been made attractive with greenery, while the stage was artistically arranged with flowers set in brass bowls and baskets. Iceland poppies

red broom and blue and gold flowers. During the meeting a Scotch duet in costume was well given by Mesdames Corliss and Wilson, of Westmere, and the Makirikiri Institute presented a playette. An exhibition was held of members’ favourite piece of work and included all branches of needlework, a string rug, papier mache vases, a beaten brass firescreen with galleon design, some beautiful tatting, a black and white picture and some attractive cross-stitch work being among the articles displayed. The winner was decided by popular vote, as also was the limerick competition. Institutes x'epresented were Westmere, Aramoho, Fordell, Hunterville, Kai Iwi, Kaitoke, Kohi, Makarikiri, Maxwell, Mosston, Okoia, Turakina, Porewa, Silverhope, Upper Waitotara, and an apology was received from Poukiore. The annual report was as follows: “Your committee has pleasure in presenting the report of this federation for the first six months of its third year of existence. Since the formation of the Ruapehu Federation, we continued with 16 institutes. Castlecliff requested the formation of one there, but the Dominion Executive decided against this move. Our president, Mrs. Brine, accompanied by members of her executive, has paid official visits to various institutes, and has always received a very warm welcome. Other visits are on her schedule. Miss Young, our V.O. for the •nearest 12 institutes, has paid visits to most of them on request, and given talks and helpful advice, the others will be visited in the near future. Mrs. Ginnane, newly-appointed V.O for the northern end, will visit as arranged. All appear to be flourishing, excellent reports being handed in of her visits by Miss Young. All institutes are very keen on demonstra-

tions, and we have some fine and willing demonstralors on our panel, who give time and knowledge freely when desired. Miss Young was nominated by this executive for the Dominion Executive, and was also our delegate, numbers of our institutes also sent delegates. We forwarded a parcel of “arts and crafts for the Dunedin Conference exhibition. “Rules for Circles’’ have been sent, to each institute. It was decided that nothing could be done at present regarding a separate drama festival, there being insufficient support. Aramoho Town Centre arranged a table for the Returned Soldiers’ tea on Anzac Day, members of other institutes sending supplies of food, etc. We are grateful to Aramoho for undertaking these litle duties. A group has been formed of the four Main Trunk institutes, namely Porewa, poukiori, Silverhope, and Hunterville, with Mrs. Aidworth as convener, which should help to draw members together. Several institutes sent donations instead of growing potatoes there is a remit on this subject. Great interest is being shown by some of our branches in the Children s Garden Circle, our secretary, Mrs. Shanks, representing you on their committee. The show held recently was of outstanding merit, oui; members assisting in various ways. Letters are written each month to outback institutes by federation mem-

bers, in an endeavour to keep them in touch with the centre of our affairs. Labels have been purchased for the rimu trees in the Avenue of Remembrance, another member (Mrs. Morrison) having charge of this section ot our activities. Functions and competitions of all kinds are being arranged for the Health Camp appeal, our federation joining with the W.D.F.U. in this effort. “In response to numerous requests, a picnic will be arranged during the summer. "We are to be privileged to have as our guest on November 4 Mrs. A. Watt, the founder of the W.I. movement, and all members are invited to be present on that date. In conclusion, we wish to thank the Press for their continued interest and a generous share of their valuable space."

PERSONALS The members of the staff of he Public Works Office met last evening to say farewell to Miss B. G. Johnston, who is to be married at an early date, and presented her with an electric kettle and toaster. Miss Johnson's future home will be in Dunedin. ENGAGEMENT The engagement is announced of Madge Frances, eldest daughter of Mrs. and the late Mr. Frank Poppe, Marton, to George Thomas, only son Of Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Hales, of Feilding. PHYSICAL CULTURE • THE ALWYN CLUB. DISPLAY FOR HEALTH CAMP FUNDS. Among the various clubs and organisations to offer assistance in the Health Camp campaign to raise funds, is the Alwyn Physical Culture Club, which gave a display of great interest at the Peter Pan Lounge on Monday evening to aid the City Queen (Miss Merle Spurdie). Manywomen interested in physical culture attended to see the junior and senior classes of women and girls give a pro- | gramme of general exercises for the purpose of keeping fit and renewing vigour and organic functioning powers. Watching the members of the club perform their exercises to appropriate music, one realises that the pupil attains a new consciousness ot her body and is stimulated to adopt a healthier attitude and a better carriage. Physical culture certainly brings health and beauty in its wake. One gained much knowledge from watching the exercises and felt I that the members of the club were setting an example of health and happiness to those around them. Added enjoyment was given to the display by various tap dances given by pupils of Miss Shirley Cramond. At the conclusion of the performance the president, Mrs. R. A. W. Sutherland, took the opportunity to thank the demonstrators and said that they were responsible for the success of the work, which had been very hard. She also wished to thank Palmerston visitors for coming through. The following are the club officers: President, Mrs. R. A. W. Sutherland; secretary, Miss Newrick; treasurer, Mrs. D. Martin; committee, Mesdames O’Halloran, Friend, Roddy and Reeves. The demonstrators comprise Mesdames Gaskin. Woollams, Newsome, Misses Beadle, Traynor, Granville. Newrick, Ayson (2), Stone, Muir. Hainsworth. TITLES NO NOVELTY A M ERIC A N DEB I TA N TES Foreign tit’es have no attraction for this season's American debutantes, according to Miss Madeleine Riordan, society editor cf the New York Even' ing Post. Men of title are seen everywhere in New York,” she says, "and the novelty of meeting dukes, earls, and princes -has worn off. Another reason is that the wealthy American girl is becoming family-conscious and feels it is more distinguished to marry into the American dollar aristocracy. “The rich American girl to-day prei ters yachting and swimming at Palm | Beach to being dragged about Europe ;by her mother in search of a titled husband. She is more independent than the English girl.” Not for many years, Miss Riordan told a correspondent recently, have j there been so many representatives of i : the old millionaire families among 1 ] debutantes. "The combined fortunes of the ten most prominent debutantes arc well over the hundred million dollar mark.” she declared. Among them are two striking beauties, Barbara Field, grand-daughter of the founder of the Marshall Field fortune, and Priscilla St. George, grand-daughter of the Wall Street millionaire, George F. Baker. WE’RE YOUNG AND HEALTHY. So say middle-aged people vvho take their J.D.K.Z. regularly—and justly so. There's nothing quite like J.D.K.Z. Gin for stimulating the kidneys, purifying the blood-stream and banishing rheumatic tendencies. In flasks, pints and economical quart bottles at hotels and bottle stores throughout the Dominion. —Advt.