VANITY FAIR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 257, 31 October 1939, Page 5

VANITY FAIR

SOUTH TARANAKI DISTRICT FEDERATION OF W.I. HALF-YEARLY <’Ol NX IL MEETING HELD AT PATEA Nearly l‘V) ‘omen filled th#* Palea Town Ha'l on Friday for the half-yearly council meeting of the South Taranaki District Federation of Womens Institutes. Large bowls of fillies, the emblem of the Patea W.1., were arranged on the stage and the floral displays were colourful and artistically arranged on tables below. Mrs. A. A. Carey ‘president) presided and associated with her were Miss Maddever ‘Dominion executive member), Mrs E. F Hemingway (Mayoress of Patea • Mrs. G. Laing (vice-president of the Patf'a W.1.), Mrs. A. J. King (secretary, Hawera), Mrs. L. G. Morris ‘treasurer) and Mr. F. Ramsbottom. who was deputising for the Mayor. When welcoming <>; members, the president especially welcomed Miss Maddever. who was the New Zealand delegate to the A.C.W.W. conference in London, the Mayoress. Mr. Ramsbottom. members of the new institute, "Ramanui.” Mrs. Phillips (from England) and Mrs. Wylie (Wellington). "We meet.” she said, “under very different circumstances from the last meeting, but it is pleasing to see it ..eis made no difference to the attendance. The best we can do is to carry on as our organisation can do so much. Our ultimate aim for world peace seems a futile cry at present, but we will still keep trying and cry. •Peace, peace.’ Our immediate task is to stand ready for any task.” Mrs. Laing extended a welcome on behalf of the “hostess” institute. Patea. and Mr. Ramsoottom on behalf of the Mayor, town councillors and burgesses of Patea. The Mayoress extended a hearty welcome and good wishes for a happy day. Members stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the late Mr. Campbell. Mayor of Hawera. who had been one of the federation’s

staunchest supports, and in sympathy with Mrs. Clifford-Jones in the loss of her son. The secretary ‘Mrs. King) presented her report and was congratulated by the president who, in moving its adoption, remarked on the splendid response to the questionnaire sent out. She thanked all members who had sent articles to the Centennial Exhibition, Mis. Knuckey for transporting the secretary, and the Turi Town W.I. for use of its meeting room and all members of the executive for their fine co-operation. Congratulations were also extended to Mrs. Laing, of Opunake, on receiving the service medal. Mrs. L. Morris read the financial statement. The following remits were carried: (a) “That the secretary of each W.I. be supplied with a list of the officers of all the other South Taranaki institutes;” (b) an addition to this remit by South Taranaki executive, “Also ail institutes to immediately notify the federation secretary of any change of officers during the year;” “that each W.I. send its federation secretary a three-monthly report covering work done in any direction during that period.” It was decided to carry on the drama festival the same as usual. After the luncheon adjournment Miss Maddever, of Wellington, gave an address of intense interest on the A.C.W.W. triennial conference held in London last July. Every country was allowed to send five delegates, she said, and New Zealand sent the full number. Thirty different countries were represented. One of the most beautiful parts of the conference was the "herald,” who appeared before each announcement. She outlined the very elaborate programmes, giving a brief description of each meeting attended. Some of the delegates were very brilliant people and at the social gatherings it was a marvellous experience to mix with the other delegates, the German women in particular being wonderful. On the last day of the conference they went to Canterbury Cathedral and listened to an address by the Archbishop of Canterbury and heard the choir, with its wonderful children’s voicef They were fortunate enough to see the King and Queen leave for Canada and Miss Maddever told of some

amusing incidents whilst waiting for Their Majesties to pass. Mrs. Carey thanked Miss Maddever for her address and invited her to return at some future date to give a further talk on the subject. It was decided to hold the annual meeting at Hawera. Amusing and interesting reports were given by the Carlyle (Mrs. H. L. Moore), Opaku (Mrs. H. Chatterton), Kakaramea (Mrs. McAsey), Pariroa Pa (Mrs. Kershaw'), Palea Maori (Mrs. Heremia) and Patea (Mrs. White) Institutes. The Patea Maori W.I. won the prize for the best report by popular vote. Competitions were won as follow: Floral display: Kakaramea W.I. 1, Tawhiti and Whareroa equal 2. Thrift competition: Mrs. Murdoch 1, Miss Willcocks (Patea* 2, Mrs. Maddever (Hawera) 3. | An open discussion was held on patriotic work, when varied ideas were exchanged. The meeting concluded with votes of thanks to Mr. Ramsbottom, the Press for continued interest and publicity. Mr. Campbell and Mr. Martin, of the West. Coast Refrigerating Co., the Patea W.I. for arranging luncheon and afternoon tea, and to the president for the able manner in which she conducted the meeting. The “Ode to Friendship” was sung and members adjourned for afternoon tea. During the luncheon hour the visitors inspected the West Coast Refrigerating Co.’s butter and cheese grading store and Carlyle Beach. Half-yearly Report Presenting the half-yearly report, the executive extended a welcome to all in a renewal of friendship and co-operation. While doing this a few moments’ thought must be given to those who had passed on, and sympathy went out to those members who had suffered bereavement in their families. In the passing of the late Mayor of Hawera (Mr. J. E. Campbell), who was present at the last council meeting, the movement had lost a kind friend and sympathetic supporter. Removals from the district had caused other partings, but new people arriving and becoming members brought in fresh ideas and help, so the work goes on. It was with mixed feelings they met that day on 1 account of the momentous happenings

in the Empire and they must all feel that their activities might broaden out considerably, and they would get a greater conception of the world cooperation. The drama festival held in May was most successful, bringing 1 in a credit balance of £l3, and Taiporohenui were to be heartily congratulated on winning the silver challenge cup; thanks were offered to the other teams for helping to bring the festival to such a successful conclusion. International Exhibition. —In connection wiht this, a special meeting was convened by the president, Mrs. Carey, and was attended by presidents and secretaries of the district. Though the exhibition was not a financial success it was of a highly instructive and educational value and deserving of more public support. Thanks were due to those members who had kindly lent some of their best work for the women’s section of the Centennial Exhibition. Fifty articles had been sent, including the Maori firescreen, beautifully carved and woven by Mr. and Mrs. Toka. Women’s Institutes.—One new institute had been formed, “Ramanui,” since the last council meeting and was steadily going ahead. This brought the roll to 23. New members had been enrolled in most localities, which made for steady advancement. Arts and crafts circles had had a busy winter and the song and drama circles were adding enjoyment to the social side of general activities. The garden circles were proving both useful and ornamental and card afternoons and evenings had been a source of enjoyment and revenue to various institutes. Our five Maori institutes were doing well and executive members were visiting them regularly. A comprehensive panel had been compiled and it was hoped this would assist institutes in their selection of demonstrators and lecturers. A new venture being tried that day was a “pool” for delegates’ expenses to these meetings. The executive committee had met three times with a full attendance. One emergency meeting and one special general meeting were held. To all mothers and wives who were called upon to part with their men folk at our country’s call they offered sincerest admiration for their courage and endurance and wished all the men God speed and a safe return.