WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 94, 21 August 1942, Page 5

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

WHAKATANE MEETING

The Whakatane Women's Institute held its August meeting recently, Mrs Stewart presiding over a good attendance. The meeting opened with tlie Institute song and the thought for the day was read. "There is 110 duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. He or she is a radiating focus of goodwill." Mrs Stewart commented upon the necessity, especially in the present times, of living for others. A minutes silence was observed as a tribute to Mi s Lux ton and Mrs Mayo i both of whom wer.c recently bereaved .

Jt was announced that for - the second time, Whakatane Institute had been awarded first prize by the Dominion Council, for their annual programme, Whakatane's name being placed again on the banner. A letter was read from the Blind Institute remarking that although there was no Winter Show this year goods made by their inmates could be obtained direct from the Blind Institute. Arrangements were made re the stocking of the Red Cross shop for a day. Also assistance was solicited in the making of garments for emergency use for boys 6-8. years.

A most interesting lecture Avas given by Mrs Fletcher Cole on the application ol' pressure to stop bleeding. The roll call "Household Hints" brought many practical suggestions and amusing comments. demonstration on the making of pumpkin seed posies was given by Mrs. Stewart, who showed what pleasing effects could be obtained with the seeds. Mrs Print also demonstrated the making of charming little posies

Rom bread

Appeal for the Blind

Mrs E. Armstrong pleased the audience Avith two recitations. Mr Mair, of the Blind Institute, then addressed members. Blind himself for 30 years, Mr Mair made a stirring appeal that the utmost support be given his institute, remarking that they Avcre dependent for their existence on gifts, which Avere subsidised. After pointing out the care Avhicli is bestowed on the patients and the ad\ r antages received by way of training in useful occupations and their present difficulty in not being able to procure the materials for their work, .owing to the Japanese invasion of the countries, where the supplies were previously obtained, Mr Mair stressed the undue strain at the present time upon the institute finances. In many cases blind parents liA'ing in their own homes missed the support of wageearning sons and daughters avlio had been called for defence purposes, and the necessity arose of rendering assistance Avhere necessary. A strong plea Avas made to support the Blind Institute to the utmost of members' ability, bearing in mind that returned servicemen had yet to be* cared for, indeed 22 men returned from this Avar Averc already inmates, and it Avas a sad fact that many more must yet be expected. Mr Mail' thanked the Whakatane Women's Institute for past support. The sum of £.1 Avas raised by means of a surprise packet afternoon and for this they Avere gratefully thanked. Mr Mair - also told the interesting story of Braille.

Competitions were Avon as follows: Marmalade, Mrs Norman, Leeks, Mrs Hanham 1, Mrs Stewart 2. Mrs Sisam made helpful remarks concerning consistency, colour etc. of marmalade.

OTAKIRI MEETING The August meeting of the Otalciri Women's Institute was held in the Otakiri Hall on the first Wednesday of the month. The vice-pre-sident, Mrs Whiteside, presided over 20 members and friends. The meeting opened with the singing of the Ode to Friendship after which the business and correspondence was dealt with. Two letters were read from soldiers overseas thanking the Institute members who had packed Patriotic parcels they had received. The meeting was "Army Day" and a display of articles received by members from friends and relatives overseas caused considerable interest. Two songs by Mrs Armstrong were much enjoyed. A pair of socks made and donated by Mrs Rickard brought in a considerable amount for soldiers' parcels. Competition winners were-: Mittens from Patriotic wool, Mrs Mayo 1, Mrs Armstrong 2>, Mrs Woods 3. Shortbread, Mrs Mayo 1. Best flower,, Mrs Missin 1, Mrs Mayo 2. Best (Continued in next column)