WOMEN’S INSTITUTE.

Otago Witness, Issue 4033, 30 June 1931, Page 19

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE.

REPORTS OF BRANCHES. .. HAWKE’S BAY FEDERATION. The annual council meeting of the Federation of Women’ Institutes of Hawke's Bay was held in the Municipal Theatre, Waipawa, on June 17, when, despite the inclement weather conditions prevailing, delegates from 21 institutes and visiting members to the number of 200 assembled. Proceedings opened with the institute song, after which greetings from other federations w’ere read and a cordial .welcome was given by Miss Bibby (president of the Waipawa Women’s Institute. Miss Spencer (president of the .federation) expressed her pleasure at seeing so large an assembly, and outlined the business of the day. The report and balance sheet were submitted by the secretary (Mrs Campbell.)

In moving the adoption of the report, Miss Spencer referred to the splendid work of sister institutes throughout the Dominion in aid of earthquake sufferers. Generous contributions of clothing, crockery, and money had been sent for the assistance of members, and • the Women’s Institute Relief Fund stood now at over £5OO. The speaker strongly urged members to give their hearty Support to the “ Use More Wool ” campaign. A scheme for linking up with the Red Cross Society was outlined, and Miss Spencer suggested that all institutes should keep a log book or diary in which could be recorded every month’s events of interest, and thus form a nucleus of a history of their particular district. Reference was also made to the excellent work which was being done by Home and Country, the institute journal, in keeping members in touch with the movement throughout the Dominion. A scheme is on foot for the issue of supplements for each federation. A ballot for the new committee wap then taken, resulting in the election of the following!—Mesdames Absolom (Rissington), Bibby (Waipawa), Campbell (Pukehou), Gilbertson (Havelock North), Horn (Taradale). Neilsen (Norsewood), Rigger (Maraetotara), Todd (Otane). and Misses Spencer (Rissington) and Wilson (Waipukurau).

Miss Spencer was re-elected president, this announcement being received with an ovation.

Proposals to hold a handicraft exhibition in Dannevirke towards the end of this year, and a festival of folk dancing and drama early in the new year, were warmly supported. Dele gatea'then gave interesting reports on the outstanding doings of their different institutes. An adjournment was then made for lunch, which was taken picnic fashion in the supper room, and afforded opportunity for much friendly intercourse. On resuming, a parade took place of dresses entered for the competition, “ Best dress made from British woollen material,” the prize winners being Mrs Ross (Twyford). and Mrs Neave (Pukehou). Prizes were also presented to the following winners in the “ Best article from old stockings” competition:—Mesdames Gulliford (Norsewood), Kelly (Taradale), and Neilsen (Norsewood). The speaker for the afternoon being unable to attend, Miss Spencer filled the breach with an interesting talk on “The Peace-time Activities of the Red Cross Society.” A charming old-fash-ioned dress parade was then given by members of the Waipawa Women’s Institute, who sang two delightful old-time songs. A hearty vote of thanks was carried to the Waipawa Institute for its bounteous hospitality. and the singing of the National Anthem closed an interesting meeting.

AWAMANGU.

The Awamangu Women’s Institute held its meeting on June 13 at 2.30 p;m. in the Awamangu School, a very large number of members being present. The president, Mrs J. Cochrane, occupied the chair and the meeting was opened with the singing of the institute song. Mrs A. Begg, of Pukeawa, gave a demonstration in tin art of making mocassins. The competition, “Smelling Parcels,” proved very amusing, Mrs W. Craig and Mrs R. M'Credie being the prize-winners. During the social half-hour which followed, Mrs J. Ramsay and Mrs J. Cochrane entertained those present with a dialogue entitled “Miss Honey’s Treasure.” Mesdanies Buchanan and C. A. Taylor were the hostesses for the afternoon.

WAIKAKA.

Under the auspices of the Waikaka Women’s Institute an address was given by Miss M'Millan on “ Home Management and the Budget,” when much useful information and advice based on practical experience was offered. It was shown that housework and home-making necessitated all our faculties being used intelligently. The president (Mrs MacKenzie) welcomed and introduced Miss Reid {tutor organiser) and Miss M'Millan (lecturer) in a few appropriate words. Supper was provided by Women Institute members, Mrs Black kindly' lending her room, which was very cosy. Mrs Gutschlag proposed a vote of thanks, which was carried by acclamation.

a: * * TAIERI DISTRICT.

A special meeting of the Taieri, Brighton, and Janefiold Institutes was held in the Kinmont Hall on June 23, the president of the Taieri Women’s Institute (Mrs Blackie) introducing Miss

Stops, the Dominion organiser. After a display of beautiful work had been inspected, Miss Stops spoke on many aspects of institute work, and gave helpful suggestions. After a Swedish dance and a game had been indulged in. the meeting closed with a very hearty vote of thanks to Miss Stops, whose keenness and enthusiasm had proved an inspiration to all who had heard her. The members of the committee were the hostesses for the afternoon. ¥ ¥ ¥ ROXBURGH.

Special meetings of the Roxburgh branch of the'Women’s Institute were held on June 19 and 20 to meet Miss Stopes (organiser) and celebrate the branch’s first birthday. The proceedings commenced on Friday evening, when Miss Stopes was welcomed on her arrival and introduced to those present. During the evening she gave an interesting talk on various phases of women’s handicraft. On the following afternoon there was a failattendance of ladies, when Miss Stopes continued her demonstrations, and in the evening the institute celebrated its birthday with a social gathering. In the unavoidable absence of the president, Mrs Scolon presided. There was a very large attendance of members, including several new ones, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. A discourse by Miss Stopes on the activities of the institute in other parts and some musical items comprised the programme, during which the birthday cake was cut and distributed.