WOMEN’S INSTITUTES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5270, 4 May 1928, Page 2

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES.

ADDRESS BY MISS STOPS. BRANCH FORMED IN PAEROA. At a meeting hela at the Centenary Hall on Tiiesday afternoon to meet M’ss’Stops, voluntary organiser ,of Women’g Institutes, sixteen women were present, Mrs W. J. Towers presiding. Miss Stops, addressed the meeting, and explained the origin and aims cf the movement. Women’s institutes originated in Canada, in a and scattered country district, where the women seldom had a chance of seeing each other, except 'when they accompanied their menfolk to buiiness meetings', it was at such gathr erings, said the speaker,, whan a handful of women wore chatting over a cup of tea discussing the problems of housekeeping in their isolated homes, that the idea of women’s.institutes was born. In the broadest and simplest terms, women?® Institutes are gatherings of country women who meet together at leatsjt on,co a month to discuss mattiers of interest to them all. It is a unique movement since by its means for the first time in history courttry women as distinct from those living in the towns are united without distinction of specialised interest, social rank, r.e--I’gious, denomination or political party, in the common purpose of the betterment of country life for themselves and thoir communities. Briefly, the aims of women,’s liiisti* tutes are 'home-making, co4operation, and citizenship. Their .motto is, “ For Home and Country,” and their Slogan “ If ycu know a good thing pasjs it on.” After hearing Miss Stows’ address tlie meeting unanimously decided that a Women’s Institute should be formed in Paeroa. Those present became, members, of the institute, and the following officers were eflected: — President, Mrs W. J. Towers ; vicepresident, Mrs J- W. Silcoek ; secreary, Miqaj J. A. Thorp.

It wals dtecided to defer tlie election of a committee till the first meeting of the Institute, to be held on 'Wednesday, May 16.