WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 98, 28 April 1939, Page 3

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

WANGANUI FEDERATION The sixth annual report of the Wanganui District Federation of Women’s Institutes, which was presented at Wednesday’s conference, stated:— * The interest in the work of our movement is still growing and one new institute has been formed. Unfortunately Silverhope had to be closed as no officers could be found to carry on and for want of membership. Poukiore has been closed for three months, the position to be then revied. As only seven members are available to carry on, this left too small a number to make a meeting interesting. The membership of the federation is approximately 804. Visits have been paid by the president, V.O.’s and other members of the executive to practically all the institutes in the federation and these visits have been a great help to all. Our federation had several delegates at the Dominion conference in Wellington, Mrs. Shanks representing the executive committee. In October the half-yearly council meeting was held at Makirikiri and proved a delightful and helpful gathering. All the members present were treated to a most inspiring address by Mrs. Paterson, of Pahiatua. The Makirikiri members proved perfect hostesses and the day was in every way a memorable one.

Reynolds won the trophy, being placed first with the best report on the six months’ activities. Deniair won the trophy awarded for the potato competition or best special effort. Mrs. Shanks was elected as the Wanganui District Federation's representative'on the Dominion Council. In November we had an exhibition of handcrafts at the Wanganui A. and P. Show. It was a splendid exhibition and was a centre of great interest to show patrons. The annual reports of institutes show that activities have covered a very wide field. Lectures and talks have been given on many educational subjects, health, horticulture and travel. Demonstrations have been

most helpful and interesting and various drama and musical circles have given much pleasure to a large number of people. The community work has been splendid and it covers a very wide range. Assisting to raise funds for the Wanganui Garrison Band, entertaining the inmates of the Jubilee Home, selling poppies for the returned soldiers, raising money for the Chinese refugee fund, leper appeal and Porirua Mental Hospital appeal. Help was also given for the tea to returned soldiers on Anzac Day, Aramoho Centre making the arrangements. During the year a drama festival was held which proved interesting and helpful. The Children’s Garden Circle is well supported in some districts and its committee is very appreciative of the co-operation of institutes and members. Miss Young, our V. 0., had the misfortune to meet with a serious accident, which meant that she was unable to continue with her work as V.O. except in a consultive capacity. Miss Edith Smith was appointed in her place. Our various representatives on other bodies have ably carried out their duties, namely National Council of Women, League of Nations, Children’s Garden Circle and Wanganui A. and P. Association. Letters are written each Month to outback institutes by federation members in an endeavour to keep them in touch with the centre of our affairs. In conclusion we wish to extend our most grateful thanks to all who have so generously given our institutes much appreciated lectures and demonstrations. We also wish to thank the Press for continued interest and a geneous share of valuable space.