MARTON JUNCTION WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 54, 6 March 1939, Page 2

MARTON JUNCTION WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

ANNUAL MEETING HELD. MARTON, March 4. The annual meeting of the Marton Junction Women’s Institute was held on Wednesday, Mrs. Slight presiding. Three new members—Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Barton and Miss Hart —were enrolled. An invitation to the Halcombe W.l. birthday was received, also a letter of appreciation from.the Health Camp Campaign committee. The annual report was as follows. The past year has been one of interest as shown by an average attendance at the monthly meetings of over sixty. The membership is slightly lower than last year, financial members now numbering 99. Ten meetings were held during the year In June the fifth birthday was celebrated, when visitors were present from neighbouring institutes as well as members of the Mothers’ Union and the local branch of the Women's Division of the Farmers’ Union. Seven committee meetings have been held with an average attendance of 11. Two circles were active

throughout the year. The Drama Circle, under the leadership of Mrs. J. Kendrick, and the Gardening Circle presided over by Mrs. Slight. Among the subjects taken were rose pruning, planning of a home garden, flower culture, diseases of plants, and the rockery gardens. A monthly competition of "the best bloom in your garden" has helped to maintain interest. It was with regret that owing to lack of a leader the Singing Circle had to be abandoned. the institute was represented at the Dominion Conference held in Wellington in July by Mrs. Humph-

in October a concert was staged a. in past years, with very satisfactory results.

The committee extend their thanks to the Press for courtesy in publishing reports of the monthly meetings, to Mr. Humphrey for auditing the books, and to those lecturers and demonstrators who have assisted during the year.

General Business. The president, Mrs. Slight, paid tribute to all who had supported her so loyally during the year. She presented the points prizes for the year, which were: Mrs. Johnston lirst with 26, Mrs. Lewis second with 24, and Mrs. J. Kendrick third with 13. Mrs. Gregory, as vice-president, then took the chair and proceeded with the election of officers for the coming year. Mrs. Slight was unanimously elected president, and from fifteen nominations the following committee was chosen: Mesdames Connell, Davison, Franke, Gibson, Hempieman, Sawyer, Johnston, Tarry, Watts and Miss Neilson. Mrs. France was appointed secretary and Mrs. A. Watts treasurer.

A presentation of a silver serviette ring, bearing the institute’s badge, was made to Miss Margery Slight op

the occasion of her approaching mar riage.

The competitions were won as follows: Best bloom: Mrs. Morrison 1, Mrs. Davison 2, Mrs. Tarry 3. Tomatoes: Mrs. Slight 1, Mrs. Hart 2. During the afternoon Miss Beverly Kendrick entertained with recitations, and Miss Nancy Twigg with song and dance. An amusing roll-call, "Life’s Awful Moment," brought tc light some funny experiences. Donations were made to the Chinese Refuge Fund, Makogai Christmast. appeal, and the Auckland Blind Institute. A gift was sent to the conference gift table. At the Palmerston North Winter Show an exhibit of preserves was staged and was successful in gaining first prize. From the Home Science Department of Massey College ten nutrition lectures were purchased, four ol which have been dealt with so far. From the same source a dressmaking course was commenced in February, with Miss Hazel Johnson as instructress, and is still in progress.

The trading t,able has proved a useful adjunct and the institute is in possession of a good library.