300 Women In Paremata For W.I. Annual Meeting

Chronicle (Levin), 27 May 1949, Page 4

300 Women In Paremata For W.I. Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Soutb Wellington Federation of Wom&n't Ihstitutes was held at Paremata, the town being en fe'-.e for the infiux of over 300 women. Transport of all- kin'ds, trains, numerous cars, and ' three large motqr buses carried this large band of enthusiastic women; every institute-'from Koputaroa to Tawa Flat being represented. Mrs. Gestro, president of the Paremata WX. in a charming speeeh, welcomed all present tc Paremata, and Mrs. Powefi. thcfederation president, extended a welcome to all 'deiegates especiaFy to: the two new institutes at Tasman Beach and Raumati South. both of which have been formed during the last few months. The beautiful floral tributes presented to the president made the .stage look like a flower show. During the year the federation secretary had, owing- to ill hea th, been compelled to resign and Mrs Jenson, of Waikanae Beach. had been elected to fill the vacancy. Executive's Busy Year. The very comprehensive report indicated how active the executive had been during the year and that progress in the federation had been more than maintained, but was ■going steadily and surely forward. The balanee sheet showed the financial position to be in a very satisfactory condition. Mrs. Eggers gave a very full and comprehensive report on the meeting of ihe Dominion Council he d at Massey College, Palmerston North, in February: As this council is formed by one 'delegate from each Federation, a good over-all aspect of the movement is obtaine'd. Brama Festival. The most successful drama festival staged in the federation both from the production point of view and the financial aspect, was he'd during the year, Otaki gaining first in drama and Plimmerton first in comg'dy. Several remits came up for discussion, one being relative \.o the restoration of capital punishifient being fully endorsed. Every institute was still sending food parcels to its link in Ensfand, this effort. being greatly appreciated by the recipients. A feature of the meeting was the presence of all the past presidents of the federation' as well as Mrs. Heathcote, a past president of the Hutt Valley Federation. The afternoon orogramme comprised a delightful bracket of three numbers by the Titahi Bay singing circle. They inc'uded a parody on "The Camptown Races" in eostume with words to suit the occasion and written by a_Jocal member. • . Mrs. Bessie Anderson also entertained with two humorous elocutionary items. A very charming and instructive demonstration on the arrangement of flowers was given by Miss O'Brien, of Massey College. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all members. After vot'es of thanks had been passed to the visiting artists and to the Paremata members for their wonderful hospitality and perfect organisation, the singing of the National Anthem concluded a day to be remembered by everyone present. The electi'on of ofiicers, for the forthcoming year was as' follows : — President : Mrs. Powell ; secretary: Mrs. Jenson; committee: Mesdames Clark, Donoghue, Eggers, Hume, Philiips, Ross and Thompson.