W.I. FEDERATION MEETS

Chronicle (Levin), 7 May 1947, Page 4

W.I. FEDERATION MEETS

GATHERING AT MANAKAU A perfeet autumn day and a very large attendance of members who filled the newly-enlarged Manakau Hall did much to make the annual meeting of the Southern Wellington Federation -oi Women's Institutes a successfuli ,and memorable one. ' Miss Cotter, president of the hostess institute, extended a welcome to all present and wished them a happy and successful day. . Tne president, Mrs. H. S, Powelli, who is retiring after seven years cn the executive, three years as .secretary and four as president, was presented with a handbag. In her address, Mrs. Powell said that during the last four to five years membership had increased from 500; to nearly 7.00;. Another new institute had been formed at Titahi Bay, making three new institutes in the federation -during the last 18 months. The secretary, Mrs. cTabor, who is retiring on account of ill health, and Mrs. Spencer, who has completed her four years, were each presented with a gift. The

secretary presented a eomprenensivc- report of the year's activities. The treasurer's report showed the finances to be in a sound position. The new executive is as follows: — President: Mrs. ' Kelso (Paraparaumu) ; secretary: Mrs. Eggers (Paraparaumu.) ;' treasurer: Mrs, Gardiner (Ihakara) ; committee: Mesdames Clark (Otaki-Te Horoj, Cumberworth (Plimmerton), Grant (Te Horo), Pupich (Tawa Flat), Taylor (Otaki) and Thompson (Porirua)1. A display of handcraft aroused much interest. It was an unusual treat to listen to the combined choirs under the conductorship of Mrs. Powell. The choirs sang three - items. Other items were given hy Miss Lois Lind (elocution) and Mesdames Thompson, Wright and Jolly (part songs) . The guest speaker, Mrs. MeDonald, of the Dominion Publicity Counai, spoke of the urgent needs, of CORSO. The relief of China cfiis year and the next was most urgent. The Chinese people had no idea ©f helping o-thers outside their own families, and it was a new thing for them to know that others were interested 'in helping them. Mrs. McDonald also mtntioned the work of Rewi Alley, 'from whose school leaders were trained to use modern 'machinery. These leaders took back their knowledge and helped to arrafige kindred industries in their own villages. An. offer by Mrs. MeDo'uald to', attend* institute meetings* nnd discusf fheip for CORsO was accepted by several branc^ies. The Manakau members were warmly thanked for their gener-o-us hospitality.