WOMEN SEEK DEATH PENALTY FOR MURDERERS: DECISION BY EASTERN BAY INSTITUTE FEDERATION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 9, 18 October 1948, Page 5

WOMEN SEEK DEATH PENALTY FOR MURDERERS: DECISION BY EASTERN BAY INSTITUTE FEDERATION

Should Hanging Come Back?

A decision to urge the Government to reinstate the death penalty for murder, “in view of the increasing number of murders and acts of violence resulting in death”, was arrived at by the bi-annual council meeting of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Federation of Women’s Institutes at Edgecumbe on Thursday. Otakiri W.I. introduced the subject in a remit, which the Council adopted.

The Council also adopted the Ota:kiri remit that the Government urged to pass legislation whereby adequate punishment be meted out to persons convicted of the theft and unlawful conversion of motor vehicles. Poor quality of certain clothing ■on the market today was the subject of discussion, and the Council adopted a Manawahe remit that the Institutes approach the Standards Institute asking that clothing factories put better workmanship into : men’s working trousers! In many • cases even good quality parma napps and khaki trousers split on first -wearing due to no reinforcement of •crutch and poor quality cotton. Appeals For Money Prompted by a remit from Whakatane dealing with the many appeals to W.l.’s -for financial help, the Council resolved that, “owing to increasing exploitation of Institutes in this direction, all appeals be made through the 'Federation and all donations from Institutes be sent through them also. _A special month is to be specified for collecting of funds for recognised appeals. 'Finances Sound Thirteen out of the 16 Institutes in the area answered the Roll Call. Delegates from Opotiki, Woodlands, Waiotahi, Otara, Waimana, Taneatua, Whakatane, Kowhai, Thornton, Edgecumbe, Otakiri, • Matata and Manawahe W.l.’s paid into the

Pool of Expenses and voted on thbe many matters of business brought forward. Mrs K. Armstrong, Federation President, was in the chair. The financial statement presented by Mrs F. Mayo showed a very sound position with considerable credits from proceeds of Drama Festival, Concerts and Home Industries Show, held during the last six months. Miscellaneous Matters The' following is a summary of business dealt with:— A recommendation from Edgecumbe that Mrs Ruth Caverhill be appointed as J.P. to fill the need in the Awakaponga area. It was decided to support this recommendation. wholeheartedly and ‘ forward Mrs CaverhiU’s' name to the right ■quarter. The executive is to endeavour to ■engage -Mrs Judith Terry, of Auckland, to conduct a Drama School before the holding of the next Festival. The meeting was unanimous in its request for a Musical Festival in April and asked that a programme be compiled before the Xmas recess. Group Travel Following an excellent talk by 'Mrs Dunlop, of Opotiki, on last year’s holiday travel, the president read the itiniary of a proposed trip for next year to the Southern lakes, from Whakatane to Queenstown. After discussion it was agreed that the Federation proceed with the organising of this comprehensive tour, and also the arranging ■of a shorter tour to meet the needs -•of members unable to travel so far afield.. Should groups not be filled, .an invitation will be issued to Women’s Division members and neighbouring Federations to join in. Vice-Regal Visit In view of the forthcoming visit of Lady Freyberg who is the Patroness of New Zealand Women’s Institutes, the meeting expressed a wish that a representative of the ' Federation be allowed opportunity to extend Institute greetings to Her Excellency on their behalf. Arr rangements were made in accord- ,■ ance with the wish of the meeting. Mrs Caverhill was re-elected unopposed as representative on. the Dominion Council. The Social Side The Edgecumbe W.I. Music Group •entertained rwith. - two ■ very pleasing itehis-'-arid Mrs Spence also of Edgecumbe. W.I. sang two r-solos in her usual good style. * Overall points for four competi-

tions jug of flowers, silk evening bag, supper cloth and six meringues, resulted in a win for Edgecumbs. Waiotahi W.I. won the photography section. Mrs Armstrong extended special thanks to Mrs C. Wilson and Mrs T. Carter for judging of competitions, to Edgecumbe W.I. for preparing the hall so tastefully for the meeting, to stall holders and hostesses.. After the meeting all enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea and an informal chat together. The dinner competition was won by Mrs Barker of Whakatane.