WOMEN’S INSTITUTE.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18653, 3 June 1932, Page 3

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE.

WAIKATO FEDERATION. THE 81-ANNUAL CONFERENCE. BIG GATHERING IN HAMILTON. Delegates and members Women’s Institutes throughout the district gathered at Hamilton yesterday for the bi-annual conference of the newly formed Waikato Federation of Women's Institutes. _ There were nearly 150 present, which prompted the president, Mrs W. J. Trownson, of Matangi, who occupied the chair, to refer to the excellence of the attendance. , . In her opening remarks the chairwoman said that, this was a red-letter day in the history of the Women s Institute, as it was the first bi-annual meeting of the newly-formed Waikato Federation, and she w f as pleased to see such a large attendance. She welcomed the Mayoress of Hamilton, Mrs F. D. Pinfold, and Mrs J. Treloar to the meeting. Mrs Pinfold welcomed the delegates to Hamilton and congratulated the Institutes on the excellence of the district courts at the Show. The preserves, needlework and woolwork were really wonderful, and the display generally was a credit to tho ladies. Mrs J. Treloar also spoke, and wished the ladies success in the great work which they were doing. After the roll-call of delegates,- the meeting rose and sang the Institute song, following which the president addressed the assembled members. Progress of the JVlovement. “It is with great pleasure that we 'contemplate the growing activities of the Women’s Institute movement in New Zealand," said Mrs Trownson, in speaking on the progress made by the movement during the past year. “One of -the greale:*; needs of this new federation in the Waikato is more organisers. Our organiser, Mrs Harsant, is doing a splendid work, but is quite unable to cope with the demand for the formation of new Institutes. With the keen co-operation of our pioneer members the development in the last ten years has been rapid, and we look baok witfi some measure of satisfaction on the results of the work carried on during that period. The movement, however, has now become so national and widespread that with Its growth comes a tendency to lose sight to some extent of the objects and ideals to which we strive to attain in the turmoil of our numerous subsidiary activities which, of course, are only in reality the stepping stones to the attainment of those ideals. I would -therefore suggest that the time is now opportune for us to refresh our memories in recalling very briefly some of our main aims. They are cultural and social in character. Let me Just deal with our .social aims and ideals. The object here lies in unity in the bonds of fellowship of the womanhood of the world, with special reference to those.brave pioneers who hew their homes from the hitherto uncultivated and forest areas, and this has indeed a very far-reach-ing effect. We might go so far as to say: ‘As is the Women’s Institute, so is the nation,’ for we are the vital, component, foundational elements of the nation and it is through us in a large measure that the voice of the people is heard. This movement -lias also the great value of making the will of the individual subservient to national needs, and surely this is one ■of the most powerful methods of fostering those high standards of citizenship we visualise. To no force in the universe belongs -such power as that of minds united by one purpose. It acts, and is ever acting, on all grades of motive. The higher the motive the greater this power. It is used often unconsciously for evil. Its power is greater when used for good; the power generated by ten minds for good is superior to that of a thousand minds acting on a lower motive.

Educational Alma. Next let us take our educational aims. These are manifold. Of course, the main aim of education Is to develop In the individual all that perfection of whioh he or she is capable, and we endeavour to allow no talent to lie dormant, a - thing w'hich is one of the greatest tragedies of life. Not only in our handicraft circles, but also :n other spheres the cultivation of the talents of the Individual is nurtured, e.g., in our music and literary circles, dramatlo olubs, study of food and hygiene, etc. Aristotle once said that we must live “ happily and beautifully ” In order to fulfil his idea of true education, and to do this the need is becoming more and more urgent for us to make the correct use of our leisure hours. This is done in the various activities of the Women’s Institute. In our meeting and working together we learn to cultivate those virtues without which there is no happiness.. Love, which includes friendship, patience, unselfishness, respect for each other’s opinions and points of view, even though we may not agree with such.. Love is the foundation-stone without which no building can stand. Professor Gilbert Murray, of Australia, speaking at the Albert Hall, London, on May i'i, to 2800 delegates at a •conference of tho National Federation of Women’s Institutes, said-: ‘'What the nations of tho world need most to-day is a woman’s attention, particularly the attention of a severe mother.” Their housekeeping was shooking, and their food terrible, lie added. No home is oomplete or ideal without the Influence of both parents—the masculino strength of the man comblnod with tho liner instincts and Intuitions of the woman. Nolther can the nations be governed, guided, and uplifted aright without tho Influence of its mothers from the seats of government and leadership, and from tho ranks of the Women’s Institutes and similar organisations will como the fulnro members of Ihe Houses of Ropresonlnlives. Co-operation of tho Soxos. Improvement in our national housekeeping can only conic with the cooperation of both sexes and hv putting self aside and working for the common good, striving each to do our utmost' to Ht ourselves for the work given us in however humble a sphere. I would suggest that Ihe greatest need ol' the world to-day is not a multitude of religions, but the diffusion of tho Christ spirit, Ihe spirit of love and sacrillcc and high ideals. The striving for material things and possessions which from I heir Heeling nature are unsatisfying can never bring to humanity that happiness all

are seeking. A great teacher 2000 years ago gave us this advice: ~eek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (right-mindedness) and all these things shall be given you. All health, beauty, possessions, happiness are ours according to our needs if we build our great organisation on the foundation-stones of that leaching. I hope each member wi t return to her home and institute witn fresh hope, courage and inspired Ideals to do her share of whatever work falls to her lot for the common good. , , In conclusion may I offer my heartiest congratulations to the Kalpaki Institute on their success in the Winter i Show court competitions. I somewh. dislike that word competition—co- , operation is better. To all who tried I also Offer congratulations; your j efforts were splendid. -So let ua all ; co-operate to make the coming year s work and the next exhibition of Its results an even greater -success. Work In the Waikato., A report on the work In the Waikato was given by the organiser, Mrs M C Harsant (Te Uku), who said j that when the Waikato Federation was formed In October by Mrs Irwin, president of the Auckland Provinc al Federation, the members were handicapped through lack ol finance and this coupled with the fact that farmers’ wives and daughters were busy owing to harvesting, somewhat retarded progress lor the first few months. On February 4 Mrs Harsant formed the first institute under the new federation at Horsham Downs. Since then others had come into existence at Kopaki, tawhata, Patetonga, Ohaupo, springdale and Horotiu. Enthusiasm m these districts was very keen, and all institutes were working together in harmony. . _ The treasurer, Mrs W. J. Marx (Te Rore), reviewed the'financial position of the federation. A brief talk on the Women’s Institute creed was given by Mrs W. J. Bridgman (Gordonton). Summer Onmp Proposed. Mrs S. V. Irwin, president of the Auckland Federation, said that although Waikato was now a separate federation, the Auckland body did not want to become entirely dissociated from it. It has been suggested that a summer camp should be held for members of the Women’s Institute, and this was being discussed prior to any action -being taken. Suggestions as to the venue of the camp, and other details, were Invited by the Auckland Federation. The speaker went on to trace the history of the Women’s Institute in New Zealand from a small beginning to a Dominion-wide organisation of 470 Institutes. She gave details of matters to be discussed at the forthcoming conference, and problems of organisation and administration. An important point which must be borne in mind was that religious topics were not to be introduced into institute affairs, because there were so many creeds represented that discussions on religion might offend some. Levy on Incomes. The opinion that the unemployment levy on incomes was a very unjust imposition on women whose incomes were below £IOO was expressed by Mrs Williams (Taupirl). Mrs Williams said that there were many women who had money invested in war bonds, and who had to pay unemployment tax on the* small income from these. She asked that the delegate to the Wellington conference should* be instructed to urge that a request should be made that women with an income of £IOO or less should he exempt from the levy. This met with general approval, and was adopted. The president presented to Mrs Pinfold and Mrs Treloar the badge of the Women’s Institute. Mrs Pinfold, in thanking Mrs Trownson, made complimentary reference to the work of the institutes. Mrs A. Fow moved a very hearty vote of thanks to the Winter Show Association, and to Mr Paul in particular, for the assistance extended to the federation in staging their display. This was carried with acclamation. Votes of thanks to the Mayoress, and Mrs Treloar, the president, secretary and press concluded the business, The meeting then adjourned for luncheon, which was followed by a short musical programme and social hour.