W.D.F.U.

Otago Witness, Issue 4029, 2 June 1931, Page 16

W.D.F.U.

OUR NOTICE BOARD.

Dominion Secretary: Mks P. N. Smith, P.O. Box 1601, Wellington. Press Correspondent: Mrs O. Benton, Auroa, Taranaki. Members are asked to do all they can to help in the knitting display to be held at Conference in June. •¥ ¥ ¥ On May 13 Mrs Tripp presided over a large attendance of members of the Kaiwera Women’s Institute. Mrs Craigie gave a very instructive and interesting demonstration on basket making. After routine business, afternoon tea was served by Mesdames Robertson and Goodwin. ¥ ¥ V BRANCH REPORTS. The annual meeting of the Balfour branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union w’as held on May 13, Mrs William Orr presiding over an attendance of. 30 members. Mrs Ward, president of the Invercargill branch was also present. An apology was received from Mrs Nicderer, president of the

Southland Executive. Mrs Orr welcomed Mrs Ward, who said she was pleased to be at the annual meeting of the Balfour branch, which branch ranked as one of the best in the Dominion. The secretary’s report was as follows:— “During the year we held 11 meetings, and these were exceedingly well attended, members showing a keen interest in the affairs of the division. We regret having lost several of our valued members through removal from the district. We have, however, gained a number of new members, these we welcome to our midst. During the year, thanks to the Carnegie Trust Fund, received by the Otago University, we have been able to participate in Home Science boxes and lectures. These have proved most interesting and helpful, ami we look forward to their continuance during the coming year, when it is proposed to study a box at each meeting held. During October, we had a demonstration by Misses Bacon and Hull, of Gore, on barbola work and rug making respectively, and we also had an address by Mr D. L. Poppelwcll, of Gore, on native flora, and an address by Mrs Harper, of Gore, on the work of the Stocking League. Miss Liddell also gave a helpful account of a fruit-bottling demonstration, by Mrs Randle at Invercargill. These meetings were all well attended and proved very interesting, and our grateful thanks are due to these friends for their help. At one meeting we held a competition, ‘The best article made from material costing Is 6d or less,’ and at another, members contributed useful hints, both of these meetings proving very enjoyable. We commenced the year with a balance of £1 9s Id, and we have 45 financial members. In June, we held a ball, an<T despite the fact that there was a deep coating of snow on the ground, after all expenses were paid, we had a profit of £2 16s lOd. We also conducted luncheon booths at the Cattle Flat races and the Balfour sports, and thanks to an energetic committee and generous contributions from members, our efforts were rewarded ■with a sum of over £l3. We contributed the sum of £2 2s to the community chest, and we also forwarded £5 to the earthquake fund, which amount we were advised, was used for providing food for babies in the early stages of the earthquake. Wo also collected clothing for earthquake sufferers, and we wish to thank the following ladies who kindly provided the articles:—Mesdames Jos. Brown, D. M'Taggart, Humphries, Davis, Hood, W. Orr, A. L. Kay, C. Hailes, and W. Poppelwell; and Miss Grant. Our sincere thanks are due to members for the keen interest shown by them in the division’s affairs, to all who provided afternoon tea, also wood and coal for the meetings, and all who helped at the luncheon booths, and the ball, and to the press for the generous space accorded division matters.”

Mrs D. M'Donald (librarian) reported that interest in the library was well

sustained. It had 487 books as against 382 at the same period last year. Mrs P. W. M’Donald (exchange secretary) reported that the exchange table was at the disposal of every member of the division during the year, and was well patronised. The president 1 formally moved the adoption of the report and balance sheet, at the same time expressing pleasure at the sound condition of the branch, and thanking officebearers and members for their help and interest during the year. She also intimated that she would not accept reelection. On Mrs Orr vacating the chair she was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and autumn leaves by Mrs W. R. M'Taggart. The election of officebearers then took place, resulting as follows: President, Mrs W. R. M'Taggart; vice-presidents, Mesdames Ras-_ mussen, M'Math, and R. Grant; secretary: Mrs Poppelwell declined re-elec-tion, but finally agreed to remain as secretary for one month, pending an appointment at next meeting; librarian, Mrs D. M'Donald; committee —Mesdames Cromie, C. Hailes, J. R. Keown, R. J. Stewart, R. T. Wilson, Tregonning, Gluyas, Nossiter, Hooa, and Church, and Misses Liddell and Grant; exchange secretary, Mrs P. W. M'Donald; delegates to Provincial Executive—The President, Mesdames W. Orr, and W. Poppelwell, and Miss Liddell; delegate to Dominion Conference held over. The usual compliment to the chair termin-' ated the meeting. Members then adjourned to the supper room, where members of the men’s branch and a number of friends were the guests of the ladies, the occasion being the third anniversary of the division’s establishment in Balfour. Mrs Orr, past president, extended a hearty welcome to all, and expressed the hope that the evening would prove an enjoyable one. Mrs D. M'Donald then took the opportunity on behalf of the division of presenting Mrs Orr with a brass floating bowl and crystal vase as a slight token of appreciation of her services and the esteem in which she was held. They all knew that Mrs Orr had given a great deal of time to division matters, and all regretted very much that she had decided to relinquish the leadership of the branch. The gifts carried with them very best wishes for Mrs Orr’s future. “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow” was then heartily sung. Mrs On- said she was taken completely by surprise. Her term as president during the three years of the branch’s existence had been a very happy one, and she would ever take a very keen interest in its movements. She thanked the members for their generous and beautiful gifts, which she would always prize very much. Supper was then partaken of and a beau-tifully-iced birthday cake, decorated witn three candles, baked and presented by Miss Liddell, was cut and handed round. Mrs Ward then addressed the gathering on division matters, and paid a tribute to the Balfour Branch and Mrs Orr, her address being attentively listened to and very much enjoyed. Mr Cowie, on behalf of the men’s branch, thanked the ladies for their invitation to be present. Mrs Ward had given them some idea of the work of the divi-. sion, and lie felt sure that the Women’s Division could be of great help to them in obtaining new* members for the Farmers’ Union. A social hour was then enjoyed, and a pleasant gathering concluded about midnight.

The Eltham branch held a birthday celebration, where there was an attendance of about 60, presided over by Mrs Cocker. After an overture, played by Mrs E. J. Betts, the Mayoress, Mrs Bridger, extended a cordial' welcome to all present, congratulated the Eltham branch on its third birthday, and trusted that the coming year would prove just as successful. Mrs Cocker had much pleasure in welcoming the oldest and youngest financial members of the Women’s Division, viz., Mrs Henderson and Baby Valarie Hodge. A beautiful birthday cake, made by Mrs Simpson, of Ngacre, adorned the table, and was cut by Mrs Henderson. All the other dainties were made from recipes contained in the new Women’s Division Cookery Book, which proved an outstanding advertisement for the usefulness and efficiency of this new guide. Mrs Carter told how the women in the backbloeks appreciate the hand of sympathy and the ready help that is extended to them through the W.D.F.U. Mrs Carter spoke also on the “ Use More Wool ” campaign which is being organised throughout the Dominion to help the sheep farmers, and demonstrated a knitted quilt. Last year Mrs Polson expounded this scheme for using New Zealand wool and for- assisting the sheep farmers in their time of slump. Mrs Polson also showed beautiful samples of New* Zealand wool and a very large range of colours to choose from. Mrs Polson expressed the appreciation and the respect held by all for the work of Mrs Cocker in the cause of the W.D.F.U., for Mrs Cocker stands for all that is “ straightforward and unafraid,” and is a valued member of the advisory board. Mrs Henderson is also a highly esteemed member, who now ranks with Mother Eve. Re the wool campaign, Mrs Polson said that if each of our 5000 members made only one w-oollen garment, a great psychological effect would result. The W.D. organisation is trying to draw town and country people together in a closer bond of mutual sympathy and understanding. If even during the next three months each and every member made one woolly article, great help

would be given to the woollen mills. Each separate branch should have a woollen competition, and then forward the best articles to the conference in July for competition. Prizes will be awarded to the best-knitted or crocheted or embroidered work, and woollen toys or any novelty, which is open to all children, etc., to compete for, as this is a national affair.

Mrs Carter sang a much-appreciated solo.

Mrs Phillips, of the Stratford branch, after- relating a humorous story, spoke of the opportunities the W.D.F.U. gives of having great ability brought out and developed in very many' New Zealand farmers’ wives and daughters, talent which would otherwise remain dormant or unknown. The beautiful ideas and ideals contained in the W.D.F.U. creed were also emphasised by Mrs Phillips, as was also the need for world-wide co-operation and remedies in combating the present general depression.

Mrs Maunsell, of Toko, considered that some campaign was necessary to improve the cheese market and so help the dairy farmers. She spoke also on the unemployment problem, and then proposed a toast to “ The Cows,” which evoked much enthusiasm.

Mrs Thomson, Mayoress of Stratford, on behalf of town members, stated how the W.D.F.U. was fostering a deeper friendliness between town and country women, and how after all there was much drudgery in town life, while the aims and objects in view ■were the same in both walks of life. Town and country women had the same to face in the education of their families. The W.D. organisation created also better citizenship. Mrs Chambers, of Opunake, spoke of the benefits and the growth of the Book Club activities, which make evenings in the backbloeks so much more interesting and cheerful. Mesdames Benton, Sutherland, and Cameron also spoke, dealing with the work of the W.D.F.U. and the present world-wide difficulties. Each president and Mesdames Thomson and Bridger congratulated the Eltham branch on their fine work ,and wished them every success in the future.

An interesting time was spent on the afternoon of May 22 by the ladies of the North Otago branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union and members of the North Otago Women’s Club, when addresses were given by Professor Strong, of the Home Science Department of the Otago University, Miss Finlayson, organising secretary for the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, and Miss Reid. The meeting was held in the North Otago Women’s beautiful clubroom, which was generously lent for the occasion. Mrs R. 8. Meek presided over an attendance of over 60 ladies, and extended a hearty welcome to the visitors. Miss Finlayson outlined what the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union meant to country women, and asked for the co-opera-tion of all. To give an idea of how their scheme flourished in South Otago the speaker stated that the membership increased from 180 a year ago to 900 at the presets time. The division would prove a common meeting ground for the interchange of ideals. Professor Strong . gave a practical talk on dietetics and hygiene as undertaken by the Home Science Department. The laws for cooking food, she said, were few and simple. Malnutrition in children was often due, not to lack of food, but to the wrong choice, and also to bad cooking. The Home Economics Association began in Dunedin with six members, but it had now grown to several hundreds, and branches were springing up throughout the country. The association worked in close co-operation with the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, and thought that kindred bodies, such as these were, should as it. provided that strength attributed to unity. Last year there were 14 groups of the Home Economics Association, but now there were 86 groups, reaching a total membership of approximately 2000 women. Miss Reid, addressing those present, said she would like the people to realise the magnanimous gesture of the Carnegie Institute of America in making a grant which entitled the work in which they were interested to be extended so as to benefit the women of New Zealand. The speaker stated that she had learned a great deal about foods while in America. She then went on to explain the Box system adopted by the Home Science Department. In thanking the visiting ladies for their very interesting and instructive lectures, the Mayoress (Mrs Forrester) expressed the appreciation of the Women’s Chib as well as that of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. The speakers had come to help the housekeepers of North Otago. If home science spread throughout New Zealand it would make life more agreeable and raise it to a higher plane. Mrs Meek said that it was hoped to form a branch of the Home Science Department in North Otago. Votes of thanks were passed to the lecturers. to the members of the Women’s Club for the use of their rooms, and to Mrs Marshall, who extended hospitality to the visitors while in the district. A most dainty afternoon tea was then served, served.

On Monday evening of last week the monthly meeting of the Alexandra branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held, when Misses Johnson and M'Millan, of the Home Science Extension Bureau, gave a demonstration on “Construction of the Dress Form.” Under expert guidance, some members of the audience assisted the demonstrators. A pleasant social hour concluded the evening. & 9 & The monthly meeting of the Oamaru branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held on Friday afternoon. It was decided that on account of the financial depression no delegates be sent to the conference at Wellington this year. Several reports with regard to the using more wool campaign, the Pan-Pacific

League, and incorporation were received. It was decided that a Home Science Circle be formed, to be commenced at the next monthly memeting.

lhe members of the Upper Waitaki branch of the Women’s Division of the .Farmers’ Union spent a very enjoyable afternoon on Monday last at the Hakataramea Hall, where addresses were delivered by Professor Strong (organiser’ of the Home Science Department of the Otago University), Miss Finlavson (organiser for the W.D.F.U.), and Miss Reid. There was an attendance of over 40 members. Before introducing the speakers,, the National Anthem was sung. Miss Finlayson outlined what the Women’s Division meant to the country women, and the many advantages gained, from the organisation. Professor Strong gave a practical talk on child nutrition, dietetics, and hygienics as undertaken by the Home Science Department. Miss Reid, as a dietitian, spoke In a very instructive and interesting manner on her work, and also explained the box system, adopted by . the Home Science Department. A dainty afternoon tea was served and enjoyed by all present, after which Mrs A. Chapman, jun. (vice-president.) proposed a vote of thanks to the visiting lecturers, which was carried with acclamation.

Arrangements have been made for dele, gates and members of the Women’s Division of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union who will be in Dunedin for the provincial annual general meeting and conference during the Winter Show to visit Messrs Ross and Glendining's woollen mills and Messrs Ellis and Co.’s mattress factory on Thursday morning, June 4. The party will gather at the Public Trust Building, Moray place, at 9.30 a.m., and proceed to the factories by bus. Morning tea will be provided at the woollen mills, and the visit should prove both interesting and enjoyable to delegates.

On Thursday last a meeting of the Hawea branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held in the Public Hall, Pembroke, when 22 members were present. Mesdames Morris, Halliday, Ballantyne, and Anderson were hostesses for the afternoon. It was decided that the division would send exhibits to the wool campaign, which is to be held in Wellington on June 22. Miss M'Millan, of the Home Science Extension branch, gave an instructive lecture on “ Food for the Growing Child.” A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting.

On the evening of Maj* 20 a representative gathering of members and friends of the local branch of the Women's Division of the Farmers’ Union met in the Council Chambers. Cromwell, where a demonstration by Misses MacMillan and . Johnson, of the Home Science Ex- [ tension Bureau, was given. Mrs J. F. Smith presided. The subject chosen was “ The School Child and His Lunch,” and the able manner in which Miss MacMillan spoke made the lecture an intensely interesting and an instructive one. At the conclusion, a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded by one of the visitors present, and reference was made of the educational value of the lectures to the country people generally. An adjournment was then made to Mrs Roberts’s Tea Rooms, where an attractive and dainty supper was served. Misses MacMillan and Johnson were afterwards the guests of Mrs Webb, sen. * -f ¥ The monthly meeting of the Palmerston branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held on May 22, when there was a good attendance, over which Mrs W. R. Wedge presided. Correspondence in connection with the Women’s Division stall at the forthcoming Otago Winter Show, which is to be held on June 2,3, 4,5, and 6, was fully discussed, and it was evident that an attractive stall would result from the varied donations of the members. The Palmerston Athenaeum is to be the ocal receiving depot, where goods may be left at any tune on Monday. June 1, and Tuesday morning until 10.30. In connection with tlie lectures which are given by members of the Home Science Department of the Otago University after the usual business is concluded, ladies who are not members of the Women’s Division are always welcome to attend, a very small charge in this ease being made. Instead of having a lecture at this meeting a box on “ Quilting ” was opened, and proved most interesting. At the conclusion of the business the members of the local branch of the Farmers* Union were entertained at supper by the ladies, the president (Mr J. Ballingall) returning thanks for the hospitality extended to visitors from Waikouaiti and Dunback after their annual meeting. At the second annual meeting the following were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mrs W. R. Wedge (reelected) ; vice-presidents, Mrs J. Ballingall and Mrs P. Walker; hon. secretary, Mrs A. T. Field (re-elected); Advisory Committee, Mrs M'Kenney (re-elected) and Mrs Wedge; General Committee—Mesdames Craig, Service, Sheat, Scott, D. Ross, and Philip, Misses M'Ritchie and Bennett. There was no delegate appointed. to attend the annual conference which is to be held at Wellington. The balance sheet disclosed a satisfactory financial and membership position, the membership having increased from 58 to 70 for the year. The following remit was sent forward from this branch for consideration at the annual conference:— “ That the Government be urged to pass legislation so that the franchise for residents in the hospital board, harbour board, and electric power board districts be made uniform, thus enabling all residents possessing the necessary residential qualification and being 21 years of age to exercise the same voting privileges as electors in the boroughs.”

The Winter Show stall of the Women's Division of the New Zealand Farmers' Union promises to be an unqualified success. Some 25 branches of the division are sending in gifts of goods, and country produce, including dressed poultry, butter, eggs, cream, cakes, and fruit, will be for sale at the stall in aid of the Community Chest Fund. This fund provides the means for carrying on the visiting housekeeper scheme of the division, and is deserving of the support of all city and country women. The stall will be in

the Victoria Hall, where the exhibits of the Home Science Extension Service and boys’ and girls’ agricultural clubs will also be held. The conveners of the various committees who are in charge of the stall arrangements include Mrs Crawford Anderson (Stirling), Mrs J. F. Drake (Berwick), Miss M'Ritchie (Palmetston). and Miss F. V. Finlayson.

The Taieri Women’s Institute held its annual meeting, when the following office-bearers were elected: Mrs Blackie (re-elected) president; Mrs Kirkland (re-elected) secretary; Miss Kirk, treasurer; committee —Mesdames Allan, Bedford, Hamilton, Mason, Murray, Paterson, and Smellie, and Misses Douglas and M'Pherson. A further sum of £2 was sent to the Earthquake Fund. The president gave her annual report and thanked all for their loyal and kindly support. At the following meeting ft good demonstration on marqueterie was given by Miss Prentice, who had for exhibition specimens of her work in barbola and beaten copper. The rollcall was household tasks. Mrs Bedford and Mrs Johnson were chosen as Women’s Division delegates for the June federation meeting, to be held in Dunedin, while Mrs Kirkland was chosen for the Executive Committee. Miss Kirk recited and Mrs Sproat sang during the social half-hour when afternoon tea was served.

At Clydevale Mrs Cooksley presided over a good attendance despite the bad weather, when two new members were enrolled. The roll-call was household hints. Mrs A. J. Miller was chosen as delegate for the Otago and Southland Federation Conference, to be held in Dunedin in June. Mrs Cooksley gave a most interesting demonstration on rugmaking, showing what pretty and useful rugs could be made from inexpensive used material. During the social halfhour a musical parcel game was played, Mrs Kee winning the parcel. The competition for the best soft toy resulted: Mrs Kee first, and Mrs J. Weir second. Hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames Paisley and Marshall and Misses Benny and Quaife.

The monthly meeting of the Paretai V omen’s Institute opened with the singing of the Women’s Institute song, Mrs Aitkenhead presiding. Two new members were enrolled. After the business was dealt with a demonstration of rugmaking was given by Mrs D. Marshall, all the members being greatly interested in the work. The roll-call, “What I Like Doing Least,” was very humorous. Short readings were given by members. Hostesses for the afternoon were Mrs Dippie and Mrs Mealing. The social half-hour was concluded by singing the National Anthem.

The Warepa Women’s Institute meeting was well attended. The president was re-elected for the Federation Executive. Roll-call was answered by nursery rhymes. Mrs S. Peterson gave a demonstration of slipper making. An exhibition of foreign articles was shown. The meeting closed with the National Anthem.

At Pukerau Mrs Nixon presided over a good attendance of members and visitors. The motto was “ A fault-mender is better than a fault-finder.” Mrs Nixon and Miss Cameron were appointed delegates to the conference. Mr Clayton, Gore, gave a most instructive and interesting address on poultry. Many questions were asked and satisfactorily answerd. A hearty vote of thanks was carried by acclamation. On behalf of the Women’s Institute members, Mrs Nixon presented Miss Maslin with a small gift in appreciation of her services as secretary for the past two years. Miss Maslin suitably replied. Afternoon tea was handed round by Mesdames Taylor, Asher, and ’Dripps, and much enjoyed.

Waikaka held its third annual “ birthday ” Afternoon, at which there were a number of visitors and also Women’s Institute members from Riversdale. The usual business was dealt with. Mesdames Rennie and Charlston were elected delegates, and Mesdames Giitschlag and Mackenzie, Federation Executive delegates for the conference to be held in June. Prizes were given for most points in handcraft. In the competitions Mrs Rennie won the first prize, given by Miss Green, and Mrs Swanson second, while Mrs Gutschlag and Mrs Turnbull won the third prizes given by Mrs Rennie. Mrs Gutschlag was presented by the committee with an Irish linen cloth to show appreciation for past services. Mrs Gutschlag returned thanks. A threetier cake, made by Mrs Mackenzie and iced by Miss D. Gutschlag, was cut by the oldest and most-esteemed member, Mrs Henderson. Mrs Gutschlag, past president, then handed the cake around. Mrs Mackenzie, the president, welcomed visitors and friends, and wished all members a happy birthday and successful and happy year. After a dlightful afternoon tea, supplied by Mrs Charlston and Misses Laurenson and Westcombe, the singing of the National Anthem concluded the meeting.

¥ ¥ ¥ A meeting was held at Brighton, when it was decided to form a Women’s Institute. Mrs Kirkland, secretary Taieri Women’s Institute, addressed the meeting, and a committee of nine was formed, the following office-bearers being elected: President, Mrs Hay; secretary, Miss

Runciman; and treasurer, Mrs B. Craigie.

At Papatowai a large and enthusiastic gathering attended the monthly meeting. Mrs Tubman presided. The roll-call was “ Children’s Funny Sayings.” A demonstration of rug-making from sugar bags and wool was given by the president.

The annual meeting of the Mandeville Women’s Institute was held. In the unavoidable absence of the president, Mrs Ross, Mrs J. H. M‘Leod took the chair, presiding over a large attendance of members. The annual report showed a very satisfactory period of work had been accomplished. The appointment of office-bearers for the ensuing year is as follows: President, Mrs G. Sheed; vice-president, Mrs Prentice; secretary, Miss M‘Leod; treasurr, Miss Roache; press reporter, Mrs M. Roche; committee, same as last year. Mr Burrows, assisted by his daughter, gave a demonstration of wreath making, for which a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the visitors.

Popotunoa Women’s nstitute held a happy and enthusiastic meeting, which opened with the singing of the Women’s Institute ode. Roll-call was answered with “ What I should like best on my return home.” The social half-hour was spent in part singing and practice for a concert. Afternoon tea was served by Mrs J. Melton and Mrs J. Thompson. After singing the National Anthem, a pleasant meeting was brought to a close.

The Janefield Women’s Institute held its first meeting on a wet day, but the attendance was splendid. The president’s opening address was based on the words of the Women’s Institute song, “ A Goodly Thing it is to Meet,” the aims and objects of the Women’s Institute being beautifully expressed in the sentiment of the song. At the next meeting three new members were enrolled. A rug-making demonstra-

tion, given by Mrs Haggart, was much enjoyed, as Mrs Haggart explained methods of working and drafting her own patterns.

The Tuapeka Mouth Women’s Institute held its fourth birthday party last month. Mrs James Smith, of Greenfield, was the winner for the best yeast loaf, with Mrs Lucas second. Mrs A. Brown was first for the best fancy loaf. In a competition, “ Something Old and Treasured,” there were many articles of beauty and value speaking eloquently of days long past. Mrs Lucas was voted the winner with a frail old christening robe made by her great-grandmother. Songs and recitations were given by Mrs Gillespie, Mrs Edwin Smith, Mr George Cross, and Mr M'Gown. Mrs James Smith entertained acceptably on the piano, and Miss Margaret and Mr Jim Craig gave pianoforte and mandolin selections. At the ordinary monthly meeting thanks were given to Mrs Hadfield, who had presented the institute with a much-needed blackboard, and to Mr Gillespie, who had donated a beautifully printed scroll of the institute song. It was agreed to send £5 to the Plunket Society, and after the reading of a letter from Mr Clutha Mackenzie, it was decided to send to the Society of the Blind in Auckland for £5 worth of goods for sale in the district. The sale of poppies realised £2 10s. An imaginative guessing competition was won by Mrs D. M'Corkindale. Mrs Blair was the winner for the best collection of articles for the Dunedin conference.

The Taieri Womens Institute held its first birthday _ party on the evening of May 21 in Kinmont Hall. There were 120 members and friends present, and Mrs William Blackie (president) occupied .the chair. The musical programme which was greatly enjoyed, was supplied principally by pupils of Mr Alfred Walmsley. Those contributing vocal solos were Messrs W. Bathgate and Hamilton (Outram). Miss Barnard. Messrs Watt, Inglis, and C. Williams (Mosgiel). Mrs Walmsley and Miss Downes (Dunedin) played the accompaniments. Miss Lottie Cameron (Mosgiel) contributed two humorous recitations, and Mrs Sproule (Mosgiel) sang two Scotch songs. The accompaniments for these was played by Mrs R. M Pringle. After supper, supplied by members. Mrs Blackie lighted the birthday candle and eut the birthday cake. The cake, which had been made and decorated by two members, was much admired. Some speech-making followed in a humorous vein by Messrs W. Blackie and W. Allan. Other speakers to the toast list were Messrs Arthur Johnson, Alex. Murray. R. T. Kirk, and George Ford. “Auld Lang Syne” closed a most successful and enjoyable evening. ¥ ¥ ¥ The monthly meeting of the Clydevale Women’s Institute was held in the hall on May 21, Mrs Cooksley presiding. There was a good attendance of members considering the bad weather. Two new members were enrolled. The roll call was answered with household hints. Mesdames A. J. Miller and J. Weir were elected delegates for the Otago and Southland Federation Conference to be held in Dunedin on June 4. Mrs Cooksley gave a very interesting demonstration on rug-mak-ing showing how pretty and useful rugs could be made inexpensively and out of used material. A musical parcel game played during the social half-hour was won by Mrs Kee. The competition for the “best soft toy” resulted in Mrs Kee being awarded first prize and Mrs Weir second. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames J. Paisley and A. J. Marshall, and Misses Benny and Quaife.

—The confectionery trade employs 4670 men and 11,390 women in London alone.