WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 252, 23 October 1937, Page 11

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

ACTIVITIES IN DISTRICT WANGANUI COUNCIL MEETING HALF YEAR’S WORK REVIEWED Westmere was the venue of the half-yearly council meeting of the Wanganui Federation of Women’s Institute, which was held yesterday, when delegates and visitors had the pleasure of a visit from the Dominion president, Mrs W. Deans, of Canterbury. Miss J. Bankier Young (pre* sident) presided and was accompanied on the platform by Mrs Deans (Dominion president), Mesdames Aleworth (Silverhope), Shanks (secretary). Farley (Makirikiri), Gray (Gkoia), Stillborn (Mosston), Gordon (Hunterville), Glasgow (Turakina>, West (Makirikiri), Miss E. Smith (Westmere), and the voluntary organisers, Mrs J. Brine (Aramoho) and Ginnane (Mangaweka). Delegates and visitors were present from Aramoho, Deniair, Fordell, Hunterville. Kaitoke, Kohi, Kai Iwi, Mosston, Makirikiri, Maxwell, Gkoia, Silverhope. Turakina, and Westmere. Apologies were received from Mrs Dellow, president of the Ruapehu Federation. | also from the secretary and Mrs W. Lambert.

The stage was a bower of beautiful flowers, including rhododendrons, azaleas, arum lilies, lilac, Iceland poppies, gold marigolds, and nasturtiums and banksia roses, which flanked the stage and decorated the table which had been covered with the banner.

The morning session opened with the singing of the Institute song, followed by the Aspirations, which was read by Mrs Aidworth, of Silverhope. Mrs Cooper, of Westmere, presided at the piano. Mrs Brownlie, on behalf of Westmere Institute, welcomed all and said it was lovely to see so many under the roof of the Westmere Hall and in a cheery little speech expressed the hope that all would have a happy day. Mrs Deans, Miss Young and Mrs Brownlie were presented with lovely bouquets. Miss Young, president, said she had great pleasure in welcoming all and they were especially glad to have Mrs Deans, the Dominion president, with them. A special word of welcome was extended to the visitors. She thanked all for giving her, together with Mrs Shanks, the opportunity of attending the round table conference. They had given reports at the various institutes in the federation. Next year’s conference would be even more interesting. She stressed the need of as many as possible going to the next conference. The halfyearly report was read by Mrs Shanks (secretary), and after matters arising therefrom were discussed, was adopted. Matters relating to the report were spoken of by Miss Young, also matters concerning the A. and P. show and she urged all to do their part in making the home industries successful.

Miss Young referred to the affiliation of the federation with the National Council of Women, also to the work of the Children’s Gardening Circle. The last show held by the C.G.C. was one of the most beautiful she had seen. This movement was getting widespread and it was first started in Wanganui. It was wonderful to see how interested the children were. Mrs Shanks, their secretary, had done good work on the C.G.C. and she deserved the thanks of all for the part she had taken. Mrs Shanks was accorded hearty applause. Miss Young spoke of the back country institutes, saying that several attempts had been made to get to Upper Waitotara, but the fates and elements were against them. It was very pleasing to see representatives from Deniair, the youngest institute. The federation had been most fortunate in their organisers, Mrs Brine and Mrs Ginnane, who was at the other end of the district.

The financial statement, read by Mrs Farley, was adopted. The resolutions then came up for discussion.

From Kaitoke: “That each member in our federation plant at least

one native shrub or tree each year, in own garden or elsewhere.” Westmere';* amendment: The words “be encouraged to” be inserted after federation; also Silverhope’s addendum: “And that preference be given to trees which provide food for birds in winter.”—This was carried.

Speaking re Silverhope’s addendum. Mrs Aidworth told the delegates the joy and delight she had had through encouraging native birds. Round her home trees for native birds had been planted and last season was especially good for seeds and these she had distributed among members. It was wonderful to hear the tuis and other birds each morning. She hoped - all would plant trees which provide food for these birds in winter. Aramoho: “That each member on paying her subscription receive a pamphlet of the general rules of the constitution as from pages 28 and 29, and to the end of Section VII on page 30 (handbook,” and with the addendum from Silverhope: ‘ And that the membership cards be grossed,” was carried. After considerable discussion the following resolutions were lost, but will come up for discussion again at some future date:— Maxwell: “That all members in our Federation of Women’s Institutes recovering from a period of accouchement be given two weeks’ holiday, cost to be met from the existing ‘Provident Fund,’ the amount to be uniform and agreed In committee, the mother to have been a member of an institute for at least twelve months, the Women’s Institute concerned to apply for same.” Makirikiri: “That words ‘be given a sum of money' be substituted for ‘be given two weeks" holiday.’ ”

Westmere: ‘That members in Wanganui Federation of Womc-n’s Institutes recovering from a period of accouchement be encouraged to take one or two weeks’ rest at the Mothercraft Home, the cost of same to be subsidised from the existing Provident Fund, the amount of the subsidy to be decided by the Federation Committee, the mother to have been an institute member for at least one year, and application to be made through the Women’s Institute Committee. Expressing her opinion on the latter resolutions, Mrs Deans tnought there should be an endowment fund for providing domestic help for mothers, as that need seemed the greater. Afternoon Session Following the luncheon adjournment, the afternoon session com-. nienced with the singing of the New Zealand National Anthem. To the visitors who had arrived for the afternoon session, a welcome was extended by Miss Young, Mesdames Carey and Morrison, of the South Taranaki Federation, being specially welcomed, and they joined the partyon the stage. The president referred to the work done by Mrs S. G. Millen during a period of years, for the institutes in the district and the great amount of spade work that she had done for this movement.

Mrs Young voiced the hope that the voluntary organiser would carry on the good work she had done. A good lot of virgin country had to be broken in and this had been well and faithfully done by Mrs Millen, who was deserving of the prolonged applause accorded her by the appreciative gathering.

Miss Young announced that the last executive meeting for the year would take place on November 29, when it was desired that all business for the year would be done. The institutes would close down from December 16 to the end* of January. During that time if there is anything urgent needed, the members were requested to get in touch with the president. Reports and Trophies As it had been passed at a previous council meeting that the two-minute reports of the activities of the institutes should be judged some time beforehand by a competent judge, this was done and the reports were submitted to the founder of the movement, Mi§s Jerome Spencer. The reports were judged in regard to thu age of the institute, facilities and general institute activities. A letter from Miss Spencer was read and her awards were as follows: Westmere Institute 1, Maxwell and Deniair Institutes, equal 2. The winning reports and those from all the other institutes were then read by the representatives. Mrs Aidworth expressed thanks to Miss Spencer and her co-judge, Miss Corrigan, for their great interest in the matter and for judging the reports. They owed her their grateful thanks and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks and musical honours. The potato trophy was won by Turakina Institute, the members contributing nearly Is 3*d per member. Maxwell and Silverhope were about equal for second place. They raised the money by growing potatoes. Approximately £l5 Ils Id was raised. In the family cake competition, Mrs Z. T. Smith, of Westmere, gained first place, Mrs Stillborn (Mosston) 2, Miss J. Ross (Westmere) 3.

The smocking competition was won by Miss Hughes (Makirikiri) 1, Mrs Cameron (Mosston) 2, Mrs Aidworth (Silverhope) 3. Mrs W. Deans, of Canterbury, Dominion president, the speaker for the afternoon, was warmly received. She expressed the pleasure it gave her to he present and mentioned the various institutes she had visited and said it was interesting to visit the different districts and it was of immense assistance to her to attend the various meetings and see the members of each federation. She voiced her thanks to the members who had so kindly motored over to Mangaweka on Thursday to bring her to Wanganui and so save her spending hours on a tiring train journey. She was surprised to hear that there had oeen no drama festivals in this federation and pointed out the many advantages. From the institute festivals they could send on the best to the Dominion festival. She had found the two-minute reports interesting, but wondered if they did not take up too much time. These had been eliminated from the council meetings in the South Island and instructive lectures given instead, something of interest that the delegates could impart to their respective institutes. She dealt with the work being done by the executive in the North Auckland district, where there were 70 or 80 institutes. The vast distances and lack of money hampered the work. Out of this number, 35. or 40 were Maori institutes. These institutes, in many instances,; were run by the native teachers and also nurses of the Health Department. Realising the good work being done, the Health Department helped, gave lectures and then a grant of money was given to help with the work. Mrs Deans gave a lucid account of the demonstrations and lectures given. In some cases an interpreter

was needed, making the work more difficult. Mrs Deans said she felt sure i that the demonstrator chosen for the work among the Maori institutes would be most successful. To help such work should appeal to the other institutes. Mrs Kelso, who had the institute work at heart, was very plersed nt what was being accomplished. . Speaking of the showing of educational films up north, Mrs Deans said they were looking forward to the time when each institute would have ts own projector. and .show educational films. If they make a success of the work up north, the Government may help along some other institute effort. Mrs Deans dealt with the arranging of programmes and thought those arranged on a yearly basis were better than the half-yearly. She gave many new ideas for improving the programmes and making them wellbalanced and suggested several things, including study groups, educational lectures to which they could invite the menfolk, girls and boys. She urged them to encourage younger members to take part in institute affairs. She had been particularly struck with the eagerness with which visitors were welcomed in the little institutes. The speaker then mentioned the institute handicrafts and said she hoped they would not mind the bombshell she was going to throw into their midst. “We are verv rood in the stitching part, but we are poor in colour and design schemes,” said Mrs Deans. A visitor from overseas had pointed out the lack of artistic ability in the colour schemes and designs which spoilt the very excellent stitchery. Mrs Deans suggested that al! interested in this work should take advantage of having those who could demonstrate artistic work and suggested all should make an effort to have a display. It seemed a great pity to give time and thought and not turn out the very best. She urged all to do their best to help with the endowment fund. She hoped to see a large number at the conference.

Before concluding, Mrs Deans said she must say something about the arrangements Westmere Institute members had made for the meeting. The excellent arrangements made for lunch was wonderful and she was sure many could take a lesson from Westmere in this matter.

Mrs Aidworth passed a vote of thanks to the speaker. Mrs Gordon returned thanks to the judges, to the committee, the pianist, the Press and to the Fordell Institute for the sketch produced, and to all who had helped to make the gathering a success.

Mrs Gray (Okoia), on behalf of the Wanganui Federation, thanked Westmere members for their organisation. Mrs Farley made an announcement re a new health movement for women.

The concluding item was a short sketch by the Fordell Women’s Insti- . tute Drama Circle. The announcer stated that the sketch was a preview of what is to come at the British Ex- : hibitions. The pedestrian of the future, a 1938 typiste, a lady made up •in colouring to match the colour scheme of her home, how to reduce to suit the small modern flats and kitchenettes, were just a few of the humorous characters presented and which caused peals of laughter to reecho through the hall. The characters were portrayed by the Misses I. Howie, B. Budge, M. Tilley, O. Barnes, Mrs Lloyd, also Mrs L. Bruce, who produced the sketch. Afternoon tea was then served. During the afternoon, musical honours were accorded to Miss Jerome Spencer. Half-yearly Report The Executive Committee of your federation has pleasure in presenting this report of their activities for the past six months:— “We have held four meetings, at which a large amount of routine and other business was transacted. In addition, a number of our members attended a schedule meeting for the A. r.nd P. show, when ideas were put forward for the improvement of the home industries section. Mrs Farley is again our representative to this body. We hope members of our institutes will rally around and support our suggestions in a very practical way. As no benefit appears to be gained by institutes through affiliation with the British Drama League and the Dominion Federation has been seeking information with ideas of making different arrangements, we have not affiliated this year. As we all know, the National Council of Women is an organisation composed of representatives of women’s movements, thus forming a clearing house in matters pertaining to the welfare of women and children. In this, Miss E. Smith is our interested representative. Mrs West represents our movement on the League of Nations branch, while Mrs Shanks has had a very busy time assisting the Children’s Garden Circle show. This was again an outstanding success and was followed by the birthday party and church flower service. Our president has been particularly active, having attended one group meeting, 22 monthly meetings, three Women’s Institute flower shows, and eight outside meetings where she represented our federation. Miss Young, as V. 0., with Mrs Shanks as executive member, were privileged to attend the round table conference held in Wellington in June and express their thanks for the support of institutes which made this possible. They have taken their responsibilities very seriously and have endeavoured to pass on much of the knowledge gained, giving personal reports at twelve institutes and a written report to others where visits were impossible to fit in. In addition, many visits to birthdays and flower shows have been made by various of our members, these visits being always enjoyable. It. is unfortunate that four of our institutes hold their meetings on the same date, our members often having to allot themselves to the best advantage. A party also Visited the North Wellington Federation annual meeting. Plans have been made many times to visit Upper Waitotara until the subject is almost a joke, and once we got as far as Maxwell, but fate and the weather were against us. We were delighted to welcome a new institute, Denlalr. which was formed by Miss Young, at the P.W.D. camp on July 1, with 30 members. With keen officers and members, this is a happy effort. Another welcome addition was the appointment as voluntary organiser of Mrs Brine, who is so well known amongst our members. The round table conference stressed the importance of V.O.’s as links between federations and institutes. The north Wanganui group continues on its useful way, under the guidance of Mrs Aidworth, and links over four Main Trunk institutes together. There have not been any calls for the hospitality scheme, or the provident fund. The latter fund is available for needy members.—For the committee, J. Bankier Young (president), M. Shanks (hon. secretary