Country Life Interests

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20784, 19 April 1939, Page 3

Country Life Interests

A page devo*— i to the Interests of the Country Women of the Waikato, and In particular to advancing and reoordlng the aotlvltlea of thesa two great national organisations, the Women's Institutes an* the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union.

WAIKATO FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S INSTITUTES ANNUAL MEETING HELD YESTERDAY DISCUSSIONS OF MANY MATTERS OF INTEREST Representing the Institutes forming the Waikato Federation of womens Institutes, a large number of delegates was present at the annual meeting held in the Waikato Winter Show Concert Hall yesterday. The president, Mrs J. Ward Chapman, presided. . Th ® mee,in o opened with the singing of the National Anthem and me Institute song “Comrades and Friends,” after which members stood m s, Jonce as a mark of sympathy to those who had suffered bereavement during the preceding year. e are sisters in one great family united in one great, purpose.” said Mrs Chapman, in her welcoming speech. The Mayor, Mr H. D. Caro, was warmly welcomed and expressed appreciation of the invitation to lie present at the meeting. “These Institutes are doing wonderful work throughout the British Commonwealth,” said Mr Caro, “and to-day is the day when all municipal bodies and Governments need and can use Institutes of your kind. As a matter of fact, we cannot do without you. You are, we might say, the link that gets us in touch with the people, who in the event of national disaster we wish to protect.. The work you do is only possible under a democratic Government. In other countries it is not possible for these Institutes to hold their meetings and to function. We are, therefore, thankful that we have your organisations to 'help us when trouble is near. I understand it is your aim to help more unfortunate people than yourselves, and on behalf of the people of Hamilton and of the Hamilton Borough Council, I thank you for all you have done in the past, for all you are doing now, and for all you intend to do in the future.” Sister Organisations Mrs Clements, provincial president of the Women's Division, then spoke of the possibility of a friendly working unity of the Women’s Institutes and Women’s Division, two of the largest women’s organisations in New Zealand. “Although perhaps not working on the same lines,” said Mrs Clements, “they have, to a great extent the same aims and objects, and with us, as with all things, unity is strength.” She spoke of the \\ omen's Institutes as a means of education, and remarked on the eloquent and capable women speaking at the recent Conference in Wellington, and urged the members to commence by taking a part, no matter how small, in their district meetings, to try and equip themselves for greater things in the future. She concluded by wishing her sister organisation every success.

A happy interlude was provided by the presenting of a floral spray together with a very warm welcome to a new delegate from Te Kawa. Following the reading by Mrs Bernard, secretary, and the passing of the minutes of the last annual meeting, Mrs Chapman briefly spoke of the gratifying result of a deputation to Mr C. A. Barrel!, M.P.. in that women police have been engaged and are being trained by the Minister of Defence. “The question of drink in dance halls was fully discussed at National Council,” said Mrs Chapman, “and it was decided the matter started in the home and was a job for ourselves as mothers.” Prior to the roll call correspondence was dealt with, members being reminded that the Drama Festival would take place on May 2 and 3. Mrs Bernard then presented the annual report, which read as follows :

“The Federation has had a very successful year. At present, our Women’s Institutes number 46, with over 1700 members. Te Kawa has returned to us while Arapuni has been transferred to Waikato East. The executive has held 10 meetings with an approximate attendance of nine.

“Our president attended the Dominion council in March, bringing back a wealth of information and inspiration. Our school for officers on April 4 was well attended and we hope it has proved of help.”

Donations to Maori Hostel Fund

The report referred in detail to the practical interest taken in the Maori Hostel fund and the help given to Tokanui Mental Hospital by donations of wool and bed socks. Several Institutes had held successful flower shows and the Waikato Winter Show courts again proved a centre of attraction and courts were exhibited at the Royal Show-. Mrs Chapman also spoke on the successful year experienced by the Federation, which had definitely justified itself as a federation. She spoke of her endeavour to visit every Institute and report on her attendance at the National Council. In the absence of Mrs Tanfleld, the treasurer, Mrs Chapman read the financial statement which showed a substantial credit balance of £44 Is lid. The new executive of the Waikato Federation were then introduced and comprised : Mrs Chapman, president; Mrs Rowe, secretary ; Mrs Scobie, assistant secretary; Mrs Warren, treasurer; Mrs Fletcher. Mrs Boickland, Mrs Baer, Mrs Bernard, Mrs Faville, Mrs King. Mrs Webber was retained as organiser. The remit from Gordonton that “the encroachment of the movement into towns be viewed with concern,” was the subject of an interesting discussion, the general opinion appearing to be in favour of the existing arrangement. Reports covering activities since the last biennial meeting were then read by the secretaries of the Puahue, Huntly, Fencourt and llillcrest Institutes, members voting as to their merits. Miss L. Bone, secretary of the Fencourt Institute, was the winner, and was presented with a handsome vase donated by Mrs Chapman. Afternoon Session The afternoon session was opened by the singing of the Institute Ode, followed by a clever little sketch by Mrs Angus and Mrs A. Tailby of Te Awamutu. Mrs Chapman then spoke on the proposed convalescent home at Putaruru and solicited the support of members for this worthy object. A fund to be called the “Mrs Chapman 2s 6d fund” will be opened in Hamilton. A committee to select suitable material for exhibition on the stall at the Centennial Exhibition was elected as follows: Mesdames Haines, Webber, McLaughlin, Huntingdon and Fletcher. It was unanimously agreed that a club room for members was urgently needed in Hamilton and members willingly offered to support such a project. A meeting will be held in the last week in July for the sole purpose of discussing and explaining the constitution. It was decided to launch a cookery book, the recipes being supplied bv Institute members and the proceeds from the sale to be used to help various Institutes in need. The compiling of this book was allotted to the following: Mesdames Trounson, Higgins, O’Brien, Pole, Hales and Garfitt. . . .. Mrs Chapman eulogised the services of the retiring secretary, Mrs F. H. Bernard. Raglan, which she wished to place on record and she also extended her thanks to the committee for their co-operation during the year. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks accorded Mrs Chapman.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

AT MORRINSVILLE The monthly meeting of the Morrinsville Women’s Institute was held in the parish hall recently, the president, Mrs Pole, being in the chair. Arrangements for the court at the Waikato Winter Show mainly occupied the business section. Mrs Wilde then gave a most interesting and instructive talk on “Currency reform.” This was thoroughly enjoyed by all members. The roll call was “Uses of scissors in the kitchen,” many helpful hints being gained. A demonstration on Italian quilting was piven by "Mrs Ramsay, a visiting member from Canterbury. An excellent, display of her work and instructions were given by Mrs Ramsay.

A trophy was presented to Mrs Needham, who won Jo competitions last year. Mrs J. Seals sang two songs which were greatly enjoyed. Competitions were won as follows: Rest bloom, Mrs Nicholson: plain sewing. Mrs L. Faulkner J. Mrs L. Osborne 2; decorative article, Mrs Glascock 1, Mrs L. Faulkner 2, Mrs Foster 3. Supper was served by the hostesses for the evening. AT FENCOURT The Fencourt Women’s Institute held its monthly meeting recently, when there was a good attendance of members. The president, Mrs Low, referred to the death of Mrs Boyle, and members stood for two minutes in silence. Mrs Chapman, president of the Waikato Federation, was present, and gave an interesting talk which was much appreciated. Competition winners were :—Best laundered shirt, Miss E. Burns 1, Miss E. O’Keefe 2. Four ginger gems, Mrs Harvey 1, Mrs O’Keefe 2. The roll call, “A funny story,” caused much amusement. The afternoon tea hostesses were Mrs K. Beer and Miss E. Wilson. AT WAITOA The April meeting of the Waitoa Women’s Institute, was held in the local hall recently. Mrs 11. Kerr, president, occupied the chair, there being a good attendance. A number of visitors from Waharoa were present and were welcomed by the president.

Mrs Rix, of Walton, gave an interesting address, the subject being

‘ This wonderful body of ours.” A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs Rix.

The competitions for the May meeting are for the best jar of peaches and the best flower in the garden.

A delicious afternoon tea was served by the hostesses for the day, Mesdames 11. Suckling, A. Sowter, and W. Craig.t

WOMEN’S DIVISION

MORRINSVILLE BRANCH TENTH ANNUAL MEETING The Morrinsville branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union held its tenth annual meeting recently, the president, Mrs R. A. .S. Browne, being in the chair. There was a good attendance, and apologies for absence were received from Mesdaines J. H. West, N. E. Lehmann and J. Thompson. During March one housekeeper was supplied by the branch. Mesdames P. J. Cooper and R. Hyndman were thanked for donations of books to the branch library. Mesdames J. R. West and J. McNaughton were thanked for ottering to make the Division's wreath for Anzac Day. A vote of thanks was passed to Mesdames P. J. Cooper and R. Gallichan for representing the Division among the ladies who helped at the stall held in aid of the crippled children’s fund, at which over £2O was raised. The treasurer, Mrs P. J. Cooper, presented the financial report showing that there was a satisfactory balance in the bank. Mr Woodcock was accorded a vote of thanks for auditing the books. A total clearance was effected at the sales table, where Mrs Cooper and Mrs Ballichan did good work. The members of the committee were hostesses for the day. The next meeting of the branch will lake the form of a birthday party to celebrate the 10th birthday of the branch. The librarian, Miss M. Turnbull, reported that the library now consisted of 820 books.

The president’s annual report showed a satisfactory position, the meetings having been well attended, and there being 119 financial members. The housekeeping work is unfortunately retarded owing to shortage of housekeepers. Reports from delegates attending conference furthers interest in the Division work, and at the branch meetings members representing the Various districts have acted as hostesses, and the entertainment and afternoon tea provided is much appreciated. The election of officers resulted as follows:—-President. Mrs M. E. Barrowclough; vice-presidents, Mesdames R. A. S. Browne, W. Smith and N. Lennan: secretary, Miss S. Hyndman; treasurer, Mrs P. J. Cooper (reelected : sales table stewards. Messrs R. C. Saxon and W. G. Caitcheon;; official hostess, Mrs IR. Gallichan; press correspondent, Mrs 11. Wilcox; competitions stewards, Mrs J. It. West and Miss Y. Sanders; librarians, Miss M. Turnbull and Mrs H. J. Barford: afternoon tea collector, Mrs R. Gallichan: housekeeping secretary, Mrs E. H. Hutchings; advisory member, Mrs N. E. Lehmann; general committee. Mesdames J. McNaughton Piako), G. Hopkins Kereone . F. Sing Kiwitahi . W. D. Glasscock Morrinsville . H. E. G. Wilson and P. Clark < Mangaleparu . Hanson Motumaolio;. R. G. Crocombe Hoe-o-tainui , Whitechurch Taliuna.. R. A. S. Browne Tuuhei . Floral tributes were presented to the principal outgoing officers, president, Mrs Browne, secretar; . Miss Cunningham, and the treasurer. Mrs Cooper, and librarian, Miss M. Turnbull.

RAGLAN —KARIOI BRANCH

The annual meeting of the Raglan- • Kariori branch of the Women's Divi- j sion of the Farmers’ Union was held recently, when Mrs V. Pegler presided over a good attendance. The balance sheet showed a small credit balance and the annual report dealt | with the Division’s work during the . year. The social, educational and ! financial sections were dealt with,.all j these being most successfully carried j out during the year. Although i several financial efforts had been held only one had been in aid of Division work. The report and balance sheet were adopted and the following officers elected:—President. Mrs V. E. Pegler; vice-presidents, Mesdames J. Polev. Noffke, Orr and Miss C. McDonald: secretary. Mrs B. Pegler; treasurer. Mrs T. White; librarians, Mesdames Jackson and Copeland: housekeeping secretary. Mrs V. Pegler; welfare officer and advisory member. Mrs Flower: press correspondent, Mrs C. H. Marcroft; stall holders. Mesdames Cowley and Downs; competition steward. Mrs Orr; committee. Mesdames J. B. Jackson, Orr, Cornes, Cowley, Earl and officers ex-officio. The ordinary monthly meeting was held prior to the annual meeting. A welcome was extended to Miss Mar> Donn. the branch’s first secretary. It was decided to take advantage of dressmaking classes to be held in conjunction with the Adults’ Educa- , tional Association. Members offered ttifflr assistance j at the reunion of the Old Settlers’ As- ; sociation, and the afternoon tea to he i served on Anzac Day. Jt was decided | t.i invite Mr Higgins, tutor-organiser j of the W.K.A. to address a meeting at a later dale. The birthday roll call was held. * and afternoon tea concluded the meeting.