PATEA WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 61, 14 March 1939, Page 2

PATEA WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

ANNUAL MEETING. Attendance was good at the annual meeting of the Patea Women's Institute on Friday, the president, Mrs. A. A. Carey, welcoming four new members, Mesdames Cliff, Richards, J. Pankhurst and A. Johnston. Sympathy was expressed with Mrs. J. N. Anderson, who had lost her mother, Mesdames H. Peacocke and W. White were appointed delegates to the third annual council meeting of the South Taranaki Federation, and nominations were received for officers. It was decided to entertain the returned soldiers, their wives, and the band to afternoon tea on Anzac Day. A shop day is to be held on March 31 in aid of the Centennial Memorial at ’Patea. Election of officers resulted:—President, Mrs. A. A. Carey; committee, Mesdames H. J. Peacocke, L.~ T. Adams, W. White, S. Gunn, G. Laing, D. Roots, R. E. Moore, A. Gillon, A Davidson, G. Mercer, H. Boswell, Miss R. Locker. Conveners for sub-circles were appointed as follows: Arts and

crafts, Mrs. A. A. Gillon, meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 14, in Town Hall; and for Garden Circle, Mrs. S. Gunn, meeting on Wednesday, March 15, at her residence. Hon. auditor, Mr. L. W. Austin. A special letter of thanks for his past services is to be forwarded to Mr. Austin. The president congratulated the secretary (Mrs. W. White) for compiling the excellent report, the institute being fortunate in having such an excellent secretary. She congratulated the treasurer, Mrs. S. Gunn, and thanked all members and Mr. and Mrs Haddon. A special vote of thanks was passed to the men folk who always assisted when asked. Miss Lavery, on behalf of rpembers, thanked the qresident, secretary and committee for their work- Competitions resulted: Best bloom: Mrs. C. Derrett 1; travelling shilling: Mrs. H. Peacocke 1; paper picture, Mrs. E. Horner. Points Prizes. —Best bloom, Mrs. Derrett (9 points) 1; Mrs. L. Adams (8 points) 2. Usual competition: Miss Locker (8 points) 1, Mrs. C. S. Martin (6 points) 2.

Hostesses were Mesdames E. Smith. G. Macken, L. Adams, E. A. Rodgers, W. White, Miss B. McCarthy. The committee reported that the year under review had been particularly busy and active, the monthly programmes having been considerably enlarged to meet the varied tastes of the large membership. Fourteen new members joined and the roll now stood at 95 financial members, a decrease of four on the previous year. The committee met on eight occasions and eleven general meetings were held, attendances being well maintained. Demonstrations were given on rucked cushions, cake icing, soft metal and brass and pewter, penpainting and silk art. Addresses had been of an interesting and cultural nature, and in conjunction with the Golden Thread continuity talks on national health had given members the opportunity to enlarge the scope of their views on present-day problems. The successful functioning of the institute was due to the zeal and energy of the various sub-committees. Early in the year it was decided that the institute must conduct its financial affairs on a better basis in an endeavour to stand on its own feet. The only assured income was the membership fee of 2s, which was a legal obligation and must be paid. This was entirely inadequate for the growing needs of the institute and it was decided that Ihe deficit could be made good by the increase support of the competitions and trading stall. The co-operation of members was called upon to assist in these measures and they were grateful to those who through the year had so consistently taken advantage of these avenues to assist the finances, and they were nowin a position to record a satisfactory credit balance. Handcrafts and needlework still continued to play an important part in the activities. Under the efficient leadership of Mrs. E. O. Horner and Mrs. L. W. Austin the Arts and Crafts Circle continued to provide a fitting demonstration of the practical value of the institute. Interest was stimulated by a visit from Miss Madd.ever, Dominion handwork expert, and at an exhibition staged by the members at the December meeting a praiseworthy example was given of what ability and ingenuity can achieve. The beautifying of the Queen Mary Reserve finalised the active work of the Garden Circle. A further area was laid down in lawn during the year and with the co-operation of the Borough Council staff both the reserve and triangle had been kept in order. To commemorate Arbor Day a pohutukawa was planted at the golf links by the president, Mrs. A. A. Carey/ With the presentation of the South Taranaki Cup interest in drama waa again revived in the institute. In competition at Hawera, Patea A team staged the winning play, “Me and My Diary,” and congratulated Miss McCarty heartily for producing the play. At a drama evening held subsequently in the Town Hall, Patea, a selection of plays produced by South Taranaki Institutes was staged, and proved a most successful entertainment. This was the only effort held during the year in aid of federation funds. At the banner competition organised by the S.T. Federation, Patea again proved the successful competitor with the institute banner made and de-

signed by Mrs. D. Roots, and according to custom they had again endeavoured throughout the year to assist all enterprises of a public-spirited nature. A parcel of goods accompanied a cash donation forwarded to the Makogai Leper Fund. Assistance was afforded the disabled soldiers shop at Wellington by the sale of a parcel of goods, and in co-operation with the local picture company a collection was taken up at the screening of the film “Torch of St. Dunstans” in aid of the Blind Institute, a substantial sum being realised. Members of the committee also decorated and entered a float in aid of the Plunket Society's gala day. Social activities included the entertainment of the older residents of the town and district at an afternoon function in the Town Hall, followed by an entertainment for members and friends'in the evening. Again on Anzac Day they had the pleasure and privilege of entertaining the Returned Soldiers, their wives and the Municipal Band to afternoon tea. A floral emblem was placed on the Memorial Gates by the President. Individual members assisted with the sale of poppies. Another important visitor to the institute was Miss Elsie Andrews, chairwoman of the Pan Pacific Association. The outstanding social event of the year was the annual birthday party, visitors attending from all parts of the Federation. In connection with this and the many other social activities, the members were to be thanked for the high standard of hospitality they had maintained. Contact had been kept with provincial and Dominion Federation by delegates attending all council meetings and the biennial conference at Wellington. Full reports being received from each centre. As an indication of the institute’s aim to act upon its own judgment, a unanimous request was made to the president to accept nomination on the Patea Hospital Board. Subsequently Mrs. Carey was elected unopposed and has the honour of being the first lady elected to a local body in the district. Grateful thanks were due to Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Haddow for the generous treatment afforded the W.I. in the matter of rental for the hall and supper room; to the Press correspondents for space and publicity which helped so materially in the expansion of the movement to demenstrators and speakers, especially those who travelled long distances to give the benefit of their knowledge and experience. In conclusion members were reminded that they had set themselves a high standard of citizenship and to attain that aim they must co-operate one with the other jn an endeavour to arouse and foster a desire to take an active interest in all matters concerning the public welfare. They looked forward with confidence to the attainment of all our ideals of citizenship and service.