ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF WOMEN'S INSTITUTES

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 87, 29 April 1937, Page 11

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF WOMEN'S INSTITUTES

Delegates and members representing the 29 Women 's Institutes of the Northern Federation in Hawke's Bay, met at the Foresters' Hall, Napcer, yesterday for their fifth annual general council meeting. The president of the federation, Mrs D. Eiggir (Maraetotara), was in the chair, and associated on the platform with her were Mrs Osborne, J.P. (Tangoio), hon. secretary; Mrs G. Dasent (Mangatahi), hon. treasurer; Mesdames G. J. Baker, B. Otene, A. McHardy (executive) ^ also Miss Amy Kane, J.P. (Wellington), vice-chairman of the Dominion executive, aud Mrs L. Horn, the Dominion secretary. At 10.30 a.m. the Women 's Instituto Song, ' ' Comrades and Friends, ' ' was sung, and the Aspiration repeated. The president said it was the first time that the federation had the Mayor prescnt, atid she heartily welcomed all present, including Mr Morse, whom she called upon to epeak. Mr C. O. Morse, on behalf of tho citizens' of Napier, extended a hearty welcome to all present. He commented on the excellent way in which the meetijLg was nneued, and said the Women *s Institutes set an example to inen in that respect, and he believed if men's orgauisation and authorities would open their meetings in the same way, it would lead to better understanding, functioning and harmony. He invited all to visit the borough reserve nurseries. the art gallery and museum and the» Parker fountain. Mr Morse concluded by congratulating the federation on its business procedure and its progress, and he wished members the greatest joy, pleasure and prolit from their delibcrations. Apologies, the roll call, and reading of minutes preceded the appointment of Mrs Gordon Madigan and Miss Faulknor, of the Napier Townswomen's Guild, as tellers. The annual report (publiehed elsewhere) and financial statement were adopted unanimously. The result of the election of officers was as follows: — Mrs D. J. Itiggir (Maratotara), re-elected president, also rc-elected were executive members. Mesdames C. J. Baker, G. Dasent, W. Bridgman, Otene, D. J. Kiggdr, and McHardy. Mesdames McRobbie (Te Pohue) and Johnston (Taradale) were the two new members elected. The way members spoke to their remits was splendid, and the following were carried: (1) That the Government take steps to control noxious weeds; (2) that reports from the various Women 's Institutes be briefer — a twomiuute timo limit was agreed on, and a timekeeper will be appointed; (3) tliat a letter be sent to, and a deputation interview, tho Borough Councils of Napier and Hastings regarding the necessity of more up-to-date publie convendences for women and children. Many spoke on this subject, stressing the point of their being open on Sundays for residents and the travelling public. Mrs Riggir presented Mrs L. Horn with the service badge issued by the Dominion executive, and said that Miss Spencer was the ' first holder and Mrs Horn, who is now general secretary at Wellington, fully deserved the honoux. "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow ' ' was heartily suhg, and Mrs Horn briefly replied. The president referred to the passing of Mrs Bibby (Waipawa), eulogising her good qualifcies and mentioning that the words of the Women 's Institute Federation song had been written by her. Mrs Osborne, who is rotiring from the eecrclaryship, was congratulated on the drawing-up of a splendid report; her successor will be appointed later. Mrs Riggir 'spoke of the pleasure all received on Miss Jerome Spencer being awarded the O.B.E. and said the reflected glory came to the Women 's Institute and all were happy to share in it. Very much business of interest to members was dealt with, and a long series of questions answered, the morning session concluding with an original ©ntertainment by Clive Women 's Institute, a splendid item intended for a concert and. composed to show outeiders what handicrafts they do. Set to

words and musie 12 members sand the story_, at the same time displaying at appropriate words a vast collection of craft work. They received tremendous applause for the unlque offering. On behalf of members Mrs Johnston (Taradale) spoke . briefly on efficiency, and etressed their admiration of Mrs Riggir 's quality in'that respect, saying that in appreciation of her willing service she was to be placed on the foundation roll, an honour which Mrs Riggir feelingly thanked them for. Musical honours were given. Prior to Miss Kane's address shh wae the recipient of a handsome bouquot from members, presented by tho Havelock North Institute. After Miss Kane's . address choral einging by the Greenmeadows and Taradale W onien 's Institutes, Pakowhai and Te Awapuni (the latter unaccompanied) was featured. Mr P. W. Tombs was present to give friendly criticism, and he said that considering everything there was an aavance on last year's work. By request be condueted a combined choral item and received a hearty vote of thanks. Mies Kane presented prizes to competifcors in kitting as follows: — Singlet, Miss Blair (Eskdale) I, Miss Langdou (Haumoana) 2; any other garment, Mrs J. Palmer (Te Pohue) 1, Mrs A. McHardy (Bay View) 2. A special vote of thanks was passed to tlie Napier Thirty Thousand Club for their most valued help in arranging for Mrs Alfred Watts' reception ,and for kindly sending tea and sugar neeossary for thc teas at the hall. Mrs C. J. Baker was appointed federation delegate to tlie next Dominion conference, and Mrs D. Riggir will also attendTea and a short social time concluded a ptofitable and happy day.