WOMEN'S INSTITUTES.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20091, 21 November 1930, Page 15

WOMEN'S INSTITUTES.

CANTERBURY FEDERATION. MEETING AT GERALDINE. Tiie first half-yearly meeting of the Canterbury Federation of Women's Institutes was held in the Parish Hall, Geraldine, on Wednesday morning, Mrs L. E. Williams presiding over an attendance of 52 delegates from various parts of the province. The members of the executive were as folldivs:—Mcsdames G. A. M. MacDonald (Orari), W. E. Cook (Orari), P. W. Hislop (Geraldine), J. Charles (Arundel), R. Brodie (Rangitata), Misses Withell (Otipua), Ladbrook (Gapes Valley), N. Lysaght (secretary), and Mrs Chisnall (treasurer). Delegates present were Mesdamcs J. T. McWilliams, M. L. West (Fairlie), A. H. Roberts, C. G. Hibbs (Gapes Valley), C. Weeks and H. Brosnahan (Hilton), S. Unwin and R. Taylor (Orari), F. Pollard and Withell (Ealing), \V. A. Sharpe and Miss M. Hepburn (Mt. Somers), Mrs Coumbe and Miss Hurst (Waihaorunga), Mesdames R. Austin and J. J. Mulligan (Mayfleld), Martin and Mills (St. Andrews), H. K. Wilkinson, A. P. Bruce, and H. J. Wilson (Chettsey), Kennedy and Talbot (Rangitira Valley), R. Reid (Rangitata), Mrs Sewcll and Miss Moore (Waitohi), Mesdames P. W. Sharpo and J. MacPonald (Woodbury), E. Hannah and A. H. Rickard (Hinds), E. P. Chapman and Evans (Otipua), Marshall (Ashburton), Pithie and Ambler (Arundel), Mitchelmore and McLeod (Greondale). The president Weleomed the delegates, saying that she was glad to see so many present at their first big gathering. She explained the object of the Federation, and said that it was necessary for them to meet to discuss the interests of the various Institutes twice a year, when ideas could be exchanged, exhibitions arranged, and the organisation and welfare of the Institutes attended to. , The secretary (Miss Lysaght) read the half-yearly report, which showed that a thrift exhibition had been organised and had been very successful, the federation benefiting to the extent of £23 10b. Lectures and demonstrations had been ararnged for, and badges and literature had been received from England and distributed amongst the various Institutes. They had been fortunate in having Mrs Chisnall as their delegate at the first annual conference held in Wellington, when it had been decided to endeavour to form a National Federation. The balance-sheet was read by Mrs Chisnall, and disclosed a credit balance of £ll 2s 2d. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. A number of remits were considered. Delegates exchanged views on many subjects, and a hearty v6te of thanks to Mrß Williams for presiding, was passed. Social Afternoon. A social was held in the afternoon, when members of the various Women's Institutes who had attorided the halfyearly meeting of the Federation, were present. Mrs L. E. Williams (president of the Federation) presided over a. very large attendance. She said that the"meeting of the Federation had been a most successful one. She welcomed all the delegates and all others who were present. Mrs Chisnall, who had represented the Federation at the annual conference in Wellington, gave a very interesting account of the work done. Mrs Chisnall was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks. During the afternoon Mrs Kennedy (Rangitata valley), gave an -interesting demonstration of passe-partout work; Mrs Brenton (Orari) gave a demonstration in making articles out of papier mache; Mrs Tate (Woodbury) showed what could be made from sealing-wax, and Mrs Roberts (Beautiful Valley) demonstrated the art of rug-making. A musical programme was given by Mrs R. Hall, Mrß Alex. McKenzie, Mrs Masefield, and Mrs C. G. Hibbs. A delightful country dance was given by little Miss McKenzsic. Afternoon U-a was provided by Mrs W. Hughes, Mrs Warner, Mrs Buxton, Misses Roberts and Smith, and Messrs McCullough and Grant. j