W.I. FEDERATION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20109, 1 December 1939, Page 6

W.I. FEDERATION

POVERTY BAY BODY MEMBERSHIP OF . 911 HALF-YEARLY MEETING The progress of the Women’s Institute movement ih the Gisborne and East Coast districts during the past six months was reviewed at the halfyearly meeting of the Poverty Bay Federation of Women’s Institutes he'd fn the Selvyn Hall to-day, Mrs. R. H. Wicksteed, Ruatoria, presiding over an attendance or more than 50 delegates. The secretary, Mrs. W. A. Wright, reported, that apart from money for special funds, the federation had a credit balance of about £2O. She stated that the Maori institutes had worked very hard in support of the federation, and had contributed liberally towards the funds. Mrs. Wicksteed also reported that the Maori institutes were all working hard in making comforts for the soldiers. 35 Institutes in Federation The half-yearly report, read by the secretary, stated that there were now 35 institutes in the federation with a membership of 911. An organised series of visits had been paid to institutes by the chairman and secretary of the executive. A new Maori Women’s Institute had be£h formed near Ruatoria, the Maori name meaning “Peace Conference.” Mrs. Wicksteed said it was a great pleasure for her and Mrs. Wright to visit the various institutes Referring to the recent publication of Women’s Institute tales, she said it would be for the benefit of the country if people went back more to the simple' way of living as our pioneers did, rather than the selfishness and pleasure' of to-day. The women of all parts of the district made a wonderful effort at the recent Gisborne Show, the success ol the catering being particularly a big surprise to the men, many of whom were sceptics regarding the prospects of success. In conclusion, Mrs. Wicksteed asked members to prepare their nominations for the executive for placing before tile annual meeting. She said that she was retiring, and 1 would not seek reelection to the executive.