Talking Points Over The Teacups

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 84, 9 May 1949, Page 3

Talking Points Over The Teacups

W.I. FEDERATION ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING HELD

At the annual Council meeting of. the Eastern Bay of Plenty Federa- 1 tion of Women’s Institutes in Opo- • tiki, Mrs Armstrong, Federation President, presided over a good attendance of delegates and members from thirteen Institutes. Among the correspondence was a letter from the Standards Institute | in answer to a- remit alleging bad workmanship in men’s working trousers. The Standards Institute j stated it could only make recom- ! mendations to manufacturers, and j advised members not to accept goods showing bad workmanship. The remedy lay in their own hands to 1 compel manufacturers to issue a better class of goods. The balance sheet presented by the treasurer, Mrs Mayo, showed an excellent, credit balance, and included a donation of £2O from the Institute Show proceeds to the Headquarters Building Fund. The annual report, presented by Mrs Gardner, showed an excellent year’s work, including a very successful Drama Festival, Home Industries Show, Eisteddfod and a Group meeting at Opotiki.

Remits Edgecumbe W.l.’,s remit and Manawahe W.l.’s amendment re. invitations to Institute birthdays were withdrawn in favour of an open discussion. It was suggested that Institutes should send out inivitations well in advance in order to allow them to be discussed at Institute meetings. Otakiri W.l.’s amendment to Waimana W.l.’s remit, “that the annual Eisteddfod be held at Waimana and Edgecumbe alternately,” was carried.

Thornton W.l.’s remit “that a rec6mendation be sent to the Standards Institute suggesting that materials, especially those recommended for infants’ wear, either A Be marked with the proportions of different fibres used, or B Such information to be available on request from retailers” was carried unanimously. . Officers Elected After the opening of the afternoon session, flowers were presented to Mesdames Armstrong, Mayo, Gardner, Stewart, Withy and Mrs Kelso, guest speaker, by the Opotiki Institute.

The result of the ballot for president and executive committee of the Federation was. announced, as follows: President, Mrs McCallion; executive committee, Mesdames Bowden, Hewitt, Carr, Stewart. Hollard, Grey, Gardner, Carter, Branch and Miss Lambert.

Institutes then presented their six-monthly reports which all showed much interest and good work in both local and national affairs.. Eisteddfod Prizes . Mrs R. Withy gave a report and balance sheet of the recent Eistoddfod. Prizes were awarded to the following Institutes: First prize and Talent Rose Bowl, Otakiri WX, second prize, Waimana W. 1., third prize, Edgecumbe W.I. Mrs KelSo, guest speaker, in addressing the meeting, gave a very interesting and instructive talk, touching on both Institute and outside a^airs. Appreciation

Mrs Armstrong, outgoing president, was presented with an orchid and a Good service 'badge in appreciation of her services to the Federation. Mrs Armstrong, replying, said .that she had enjoyed her term of office and thanked all members for their co-operation. She particularly thanked Mrs Mayo, outgoing secretary, and presented iier with a leather writing compendium as a token of appreciation from the Federation.

After two vocal solos by Mrs C. Black, which were very much enjoyed by the audience, the highlight of the afternoon was reached. This was the presentation to Mrs Withy Snr. V. 0., of a chair, slippers and autograph book as a token of esteem and appreciation for her work from all Institutes in the Federation. Mrs Armstrong, in making the presentation, eulogised Mrs Withy’s work during her long term of office. Foundation members from each Institute them came to the stage, each speaking a few words of appreciation to Mrs Withy, and presenting her. with flowers. Mrs Withy replied, thanking the Institutes in a touching little. speech. Competitions results: Fancy night dress, Mrs Peck, Otakiri, -1; glass salad bowl of flowers for effect, Mrs Jeffries, Waiotahi, 1; sponge, M”s Bennett, -Opotiki, 1; dinner, Mrs W. li. Dunlop 1, The y afternoon concluded with a humorous monologue by a'member of Opotiki W.L. “A Lesson in Love” and the National Anthem, after which a delicious afternoon tea was served.