WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 133, 8 March 1940, Page 5

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

WHAKATANE BRANCH ANNUAL MEETING HELD The annual meeting of the Whakatane Branch of the Women's Institute was held in the Parish Hall on Tuesday, sth March when the retiring President, Mrs Armstrong, presided over a good attendance. Alter confirmation of the minutes of the previous annual meeting, the secretary read a letter from the Dominion Secretary asking for co-operation in making up parcels for soldiers. It was unanimously decided to assist in every way possible, members t,o be asked, to subscribe 2/6 per head into a Comforts Fund to provide the quota from the Whakatane Institute. Mrs Woollield, President of the local Federation, addressed the meeting on the matter of the forthcoming blip to the Exhibition and after giving particulars of the arrangements made asked intending participants to communicate with their local secretary before Saturday 9th March. Mrs Withy, Voluntary Organiser, spoke on the matter of affiliation fees, subscription to the Journal "Home and Country" and the rules and aspirations of the Women's Institute. She also asked members tci carry on in the spirit of the Institute with the Drama, Gardening and various other circles.

President's Address., The report for the yar was read by the secretary, antl adopted on the motion of the President, Mrs Armstrong. In her address, the president expressed her pleasure at the support she had received while hold ing office and asked that the same support be given to licr successor. She spoke of the pleasure it had given her to work for the Institute and regretted that she Avas unable tp continue in office. Mrs "Armstrong asked members to continue to give their support to those things that appeared to them to be for the good of the greater number. The balance sheet was then read by the treasurer, Mrs Murphy, and adopted.

Centennial Costumes. Members were asked to lend costumes suitable for the forthcoming Centennial parade and to leave same with the Editor of the Beacon if unable to wear them themselves. Mrs Berry gave particulars of the money made for the P-lincl Institute by the sale of their goods at the two Shows during the and also by private sale. The total collected amounts to £90. Mrs Woolfield here rose to congratulate the Institute on this magnificent effort and also upon the excellent report for the year, as well as the amount in hand for the Building Fund. She suggested tdiat in connection with outside activities not appearing in the report and balance sheet that the secretary should write to the Federation Secretary in this connection so that not be lost sight of. On behalf of the members Mrs Woolfield asked the retiring president and secretary to accept a small present in appreciation of their services. Mrs Luxton as a Foundation Meir ber asked Mesdames Woolfield anc Withy to accept bouquets from. th< members in appreciation of thfcii help during the afternoon, and Mr Armstrong and Mrs Norman w T er« also recipients. Mrs Luxton then asked Mrs Berrj to come forward and accept a small appreciation of her services as a member of the committee for the last six years. Shoulder sprays were presented also to Mesdames Syroons„ Sims, Moran, Murphy and Littlejohn for services throughout the year. Competitions. The points prize for the year went to Mrs Armstrong (22)j, Mis> Print 2 (11) and Mrs Norman 3 (8). The best flower competition was won by Mrs Wheel'er„ and Mrs Norman's prize for the introduction! of the most new members by Mrs Stewart. This month's competition for the best Tray Cloth out of a flour ]bag was won by Mrs Stewart. The cake went to Mrs Mclsaacs, the Tea Shower to Mrs F. Holmes, Matamata* and the Cushion to Mrs F. Bell, Waimana. Two new members were proposed and elected. (Continued foot next column).

The President for the forthcon*» ing year, Mrs F. Sutcliffe, v® 3 - elected unopposed. Thirteen names were submitted for the new confcmittee and on the proposal of Mrs Lux ton it was decided to with a ballot and the committees was elected as follows: Mesdames.. Albister, Bennett, Cairns, Eggera Hills, Larsen, Miller, Murphy, Mnt«* holland, Moran, Stewart, Wheeler.* , Zinsli. The resignation of Mrs Garrowajf was accepted with regret and it was decided on Mrs Stewart's proposal to send her an Institute teaspoon. A letter of appreciation is to be* sent to Mr Guest, for his Avorfc ill writing mottoes, etc., for the Institute throughout the year.

Officers Elected.