WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4499, 2 September 1930, Page 3

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

ITS AIMS AND OBJECTS. A meeting of local ladies convened by the Mayoress (Mrs. M. E. Perreau), was held in the Presbyterian Schoolroom recently for the purpose of discussing a proposal to form a Women’s Institute in Foxton. There was a good attendance. Mrs. Perreau occupied the chair and extended a welcome to Miss Crawford, of Palmerston N., voluntary organiser for the Wellington Provincial Federation, who gave a most interesting outline of the aims and 'Objects of the Institute. She explained that- the main purpose of the Institute is to improve and develop conditions of rural life. Generally speaking, Institutes are formed only in towns or villages with a population of under 4,000. In New Zealand the movement emanated from Rissington, Hawke’s Bay, where it was established by Miss Jerome Spencer, on lines similar to that existing in Canada and England. Its badge is emblematic of both countries embodying the maple and the rose and it is hoped to include an emblem of N.Z. later on. The Institute aims:—(1) To provide a centre for educational and social intercourse and activities. (2) To stimulate interest in agricultural pursuits. (3) To foster the study of domestic science, hygiene and social welfare.. (4) To give instruction and training in, and econrage home crafts. (5) Develop co-operative enterprise ete.

The movement, is non sectarian, non party, and thoroughly democratic and is open to women and girls over school age. The subscription is 2/- per annum.

At the conclusion of the address it was unanimously decided to form an Institute in Foxfcon, which will be affiliated to the Wellington Provincial Federation.

Officers were elected as follows: —President, Mrs. M. E. Perreau; secretary, Mrs. C. H. Symons; committee (with power to add), Mesdam'es W. Trueman, W. H. Smith, A. P. Easton, W. H. Walton, and Miss Poole. It was decided that the date for meeting he, the third Tuesday in each month at 2 p.m.

A programme for the first meeting was drawn up and the meeting concluded Avith votes of thanks to Miss CraAvford, the chair and the Presbyterian people for the use of room.

In connection ivitli the above the secretary avj’ll he pleased to receive the names of those 'Avishing to become members, either directly, or through members of the committee before Tuesday, 9th September.