WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 89, 16 April 1938, Page 3

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

MEETING OF MARTON BRANCH.

The annual general meeting of the Marton branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held on Tuesday afternoon. In the unavoidable absence of the president, Miss M. Taylor, Miss M. K. Simpson was elected to the chair. There was an attendance of 21, while several apologies were received. The president’s report was read as follows:

“The membership of the branch has remained very much the same. We have unfortunately lost several of our members, but otherwise have taken their places.

“The committee have worked splendidly and I am grateful for their loyal support, but the branch is too inclined to leave everything to the committee.

“Several functions have been held during the year. A most successful garden parly was held at Miss Simpson’s, “Closeburn,” to raise funds tor the work of the Division. An afternoon “At Home” was held at ’ the Ladies’ Club at which the Drama League gave a charming play. The Dominion Book Day was held at the Parish Hall, when a splendid response was made to requests for books and magazines. “During the year, the committee has provided morning and afternoon tea for three provincial meetings held in Marton, and managed the luncheons. A successful sale of work for the Blind Institute was conducted under the capable management of Miss Simpson. “Our representatives have attended the provincial meetings, the N.C.W. at Palmerston North, and the conference in Wellington. Several speakers, Miss Andrews, Miss Barrer, and our own Dominion president, Mrs. Drake, have kept us in touch with the wider scope of our own movemeit and world-wide women’s movements.

“I am sorry that I have to leave you, but you will always be in my thoughts, and I wish the committee and branch continued success. Especially do I wish to thank the secretary and treasurer.”

The house-keeping secretary (Mrs. W. F. Stevens) reported as follows: “Since our last meeting the housekeepers have been kept very busy in the Marton branch and sub-branchcv. 39 homes have been helped by 11 housekeepers, two of these being juniors. Permanent help is so hard to get that all these calls on our housekeepers were necessitated. Th?re were 14 cases of sickness, four new babies, and 11 homes were helped where there were small children. The dressmaker went into 11 homes and gave great satisfaction.”

The balance-sheet disclosed a credit balance of £3B 13s 4d (community chest £26 2s lid, general £l2 10s 5dL The treasurer, Mrs. D. Simpson, was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for presenting such a healthy report. The reports were adopted. Election of Officers. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted:— President: Miss M. K. Simpson.— Tributes to the way in which Miss Tayloi (who did not seek re-election; had performed her duties during the year were voiced by Mrs. F. R. H. Bi.ce and Mrs. G. L. MarsrfL “We arj going to miss he) exceedingly; she has been a real citven,” commented Mrs. Marshall.

Vice-presidents, Mesdames W. F. Stevens, P. H. Wood and D. J. Willis; secretary, Mrs. R. Harris; assistant secretary, Mrs. Jock Simpson; treasurer, Mrs. J. B. Thorp; house-keeping secretary, Mrs. F. E. Williamson.—A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs. W. F. Stevens for past services. Committee, Mesdames H. W. Lampp, T. Whale, A. H. Wing, G. L. Marshall, A. Gray and Miss Brown; Delegates to provincial executive, Mrs. F. E. Williamson and Mrs. A. H. Wing; advisory members, Mrs. Williamson and Mrs. W. F. Stevens; hospital visitor, Mrs. P. H. Wood; press correspondent, Miss Brown; votes of thanks were accorded the Press for their publicity; Mr. A. C. M. Parkinson, for his conscientious services as auditor; and the Jockey Club for the use of their rooms.— (Carried by acclamation). Mrs. D. Parkinson briefly outlined the programme for the Girls’ Educational Week to be held in Palmerston North during May. She intimated that the Hunterville, Tutaenui and Makirikiri branches were sending girls.

Hearty votes of thanks to the secretaries and the president concluded the meeting.