“Women’s Institute Makes Progress In Fields Of Work,” Says Annual Report

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 40, 23 April 1948, Page 4

“Women’s Institute Makes Progress In Fields Of Work,” Says Annual Report

The close of the year’s work, 1947-48, shows a very satisfactory state of affairs, with the bank balance in an exceedingly healthy state, several innovations in the cultural field, and the formation of several new Institutes, says the annual report to the conference of Eastern Bay of Plenty Federation of Women’s Institutes.

This year a panel of speakers and demonstrators was inaugurated and Institutes have been making full use of the talents of these willing ladies. The committee expresses the thanks of the Institutes to these ladies for their willing co-operation and interesting talks. The V.O.’s the report says, are giving sterling service, and several new Institutes have been formed during the year. The report welcomes the new Institutes into the Federation.

This year five Long Service Badges have been awarded, and a Good Service Badge was also awarded to one of the V.O.’s, Mrs Caverhill.

Following up the remit re women on Local Bodies, it is interesting to note that two ladies, one of them Mrs Caverhill, were successful in the recent Bay of Plenty Hospital Board elections. This year, the Drama Festival, held at Taneatua, occupied two days, and was divided into several sections. It was most successful from the point of view of both finane and entertainment. All trophies, with the exception of the Best Actress Trophy, which cannot be won outright, become the property of any groups winning them three years in succession. Mrs Le Lievre has kindly offered to donate a miniature cup each year to be held by the winner Qf the Best Actress Trophy.

Owing to the infantile paralysis restrictions, the Institute Show had to be postponed to September, but this may enable more members to complete, as it allows more time for completing entries. The only section to be revised is the Cut Flower Section, which would be out of date. Arrangements are practically completed for the Group Travel visit to North Auckland in May. The Bi-annual Council meeting for 1947 was held at Waiotahi. Mrs Haultain, the guest speaker, gave a most interesting address on Women in Public Life. Mrs Caverhill was elected as Dominion Councillor for a further term.

Late in 1947, the committee suggested that the president should write a short monthly letter to all Institutes in the Federation, in order to keep them in closer. touch with the committee. This has been done. The committee decided this year to nominate Mrs Armstrong for the Dominion Executive. Mrs Armstrong accepted at the time but later asked leave to withdraw owing to domestic affairs.

It was decided not to use the services of Mrs Maclntyre, but to concentrate on obtaining a dressmaking tutor some time during the year. Delegate to conference this year is to be Mrs Mayo. The following remit has been forwarded for discussion at the conference: That the Endowment Fund be terminated

and combined with the Thanksgiving Fund, and used as a Building Fund. The committee are endeavouring to obtain a Federation Banner in time for the conference. In conclusion, the committee extend thanks to all members for cooperation during the year, and wish all incoming officers an enjoyable and successful term of office.