ON DISPLAY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3273, 9 June 1943, Page 7

ON DISPLAY

CUP WON BY COROMANDEL

MEETING OF INSTITUTE

CLOTHES FOR GREEK WOMEN

The monthly meeting of the Coromandel Women’s Institute was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Coromandel, on Wednesday, June 2. The president presided over a very good attendance of members.

The meeting opened with the Institute Prayer.

The silver cup which Coromandel w'. i by gining top marks at the recent May competitions held, in Auckland, was on view together with the articles that were entered. These were: A dressed doll, child’s pixie hood, papier-mache tray, man’s knitted pullover, three hand-made and worked handkerchiefs, a cushion and a brooch made from breadcrumbs. The entries were of a very high standard, gaining 98 points out of 100.

It was resolved after a lengthy discussion that, a monster patnotic effort in the nature of a Nigger Minstrel fair would be held in October. Members were asked to commence preparing for this event, and to bring forth suggestions with a view to making it one of 'the most outstanding events of the year. It was hoped that a record donation would be made to the Patriotic Fund as a result of the efforts put forth on this occasion.

Mrs Anderson, who attended' the May Council in Auckland as a delegate from Coromandel, gave a most interesting report. Among her remarks she stated that in spite of the difficulties of transport there was a larger attendance than ever. It was revealed that the efforts of the Women’s Institute had materially helped the Victoria League in • establishing two hostels in London, where •before the blitz there had only been one.

Mrs Sawyer, president of the Auckland Federation, gave a very interesting address on “Flowers.” The good 7 work of the band of women known as “Grey Ladies” was commended at the council. These ladies do shopping for patients in hospital and change library books, etc., as well as various other activities of this nature.

One of the main speakers at the council expressed the following remark about Institute' organisation and other organisations: “We have too many cranks and not enough selfstarters.—We mustn’t wait till the thing gets going, but start it ourselves.”

Among the activities of the Women’s Institute Federation for the past twelve months are the following: Bought an ambulance costing £1500; given in money £656 10s 6d; sent 1369 small parcels overseas and 31 large parcels; sent £ll6 16s lOd for prisoners of war; sent 4119 knitted garments to the Red Cross; sent to Merchant Navy £l3 14s 6d and a number of woollen garments; to the lepers at Makogai £2O 2s 6d besides cases of toys, books, etc.; to the Lady Galway Guild 1248 garments and 462 garments to the Red Cross (pyjamas, etc., also small articles such as tooth brushes, etc.); St. John’s £6 11s 2d; papier-mache bowls and splints 862; £lso* to the Plunket Society; . books, fruit and vegetables, etc., to the mental hospitals, Knox Home and Wilson Home; 15 dozen eggs to the Carrie Hostel, where our women also worked in canteens • and assisted with medical treatment for the boys at the Carrie Hostel; a number of Institute members were also looking after small children of servicemen for the holidays.

*- It was emphasised by Mrs Anderson that all Institutes are asked to make and send in as many warm garments as possible for the women of Greece. These women had cared for our boys, hidden them and fed them and even died for them, when they refused to say where they were hidden and they were shot. So these garments will be packed and held in readiness to be shipped to Greece immediately the time is opportune. Members are asked to specially contribute to this most worthy cause. The motto for this month was read by Miss J. Deeble: “Count not the weeds in your garden, but rather the flowers.”

Two new members were proposed and accepted for membership. It was reported that the Manaia Institute had gained second place in the Maori section at the Auckland Council competitions. A hearty clap was accorded the Manaia Institute. A dainty supper was served by the hostesses. The results of the evening’s competitions were as follows:— Scones. —Mrs Andeiton 1, Mrs

Davies 2, Mrs King 3. Mustard Pickles. —Mrs Battson 1, Miss Russell 2. Nightgown (to go to hospital).— Mrs Anderson 1, Mrs Strongman 2. Pumpkin.—Mrs Jones 1 and 2, Mrs Strongman 3. Violets.—Mrs Inglis 1, Mrs Jones 2, The meeting closed with the National Anthem.