WOMEN’S INSTITUTE.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 315, 21 November 1929, Page 2

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE.

FIRST MATAMATA MEETING. On Tuesday afternoon in St. Andrew’s Hall, the first meeting of the Matamata branch of the Women’s Institute was held. Mrs. L. Ryan presided over an attendance of about forty ladies.

In opening the meeting the president congratulated the ladies, and hoped that the institute in Matamata would be most successful. Mrs. Ryan then outlined the aims and objects, remarking that a Women’s Institute was a voluntary institution of country women formed to improve conditions of rural life and to provide opportunity for mutual help and intercourse. After supplying a few general statistics which were of great interest, the president mentioned the aims of the institute as “ Home-making, Co-op-eration and Citizenship.” Mrs. Ryan concluded an enlightening and instructive address with the following words: “We stand for peace, union and mutual service, and that spirit of fellowship which is the basis of true citizenship.” The next item, in accordance with the rules of every Institute, was n short period of community singing, when two or three popular and cheery choruses were sung. Mrs. Schoiield, the secretary, was the accompanist. During the business part of the meeting, which followed, Mesdames Stevens and Barry were elected vice-presidents, and Mrs. C. E. Barry was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks by acclamation for her work in arranging the inaugural meeting. The speaker for the afternoon, Mr. R. W. Stevens, gave a very interesting address on “ The Procedure of Meetings and the Art of Chairmanship,” afterwards illustrating his remarks by bringing forward a motion to which several members spoke. Mr. Stevens’ address was greatly enjoyed and appreciated. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames Barry, Story, Madill, Hay, Taylor and Hawes, who served a very dainty afternoon tea. Dr. Mary Wilson, who had been visiting the Primary School, was then invited to speak. Her short talk on “ The Importance of Diet in Health ” was most helpful and many useful menu suggestions were given. Mrs. L. Ryan proposed a vote of thanks to the speaker. The musical programme following was mainly of gramophone records. The afternoon was brought to a close with the singing of The National Anthem. '