Ruapehu CWI turns 60

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 535, 10 May 1994, Page 9

Ruapehu CWI turns 60

Raetihi Country Womens Institute celebrated their 60th Anniversary on Thursday 5 May at a function held at the Raetihi Gospel Hall, Queen Street Raetihi, starting with a three-course luncheon for past and present members and invited guest. This was followed by a special meeting which started with a thanksgiving presented by Mrs M Sommerville, for the Country Womens Institute that was started in Stoney Creek, Canada in 1897. The meeting heard that in 1934 Grace Proude arranged the meeting in Raetihi and the ideals and fellowship had been continued through the years by the members of the CWI. The aspirations, prayers and song were given in the formal part of the meeting. The President of the Raetihi CWI welcomed the Ruapehu District Council's deputy mayor Graham Cosford to the meeting. Mr Cosford spoke about the council' s Annual Plan and District Plan Mr Cosford said the Country Womens Institute protrayed a strong community spirit of fellowship and goodwill. He said the path from 1934 to now probably was not always smooth and many members have made a lasting

impression. Like many other organisations the membership of the institute has goiie down with the changes in role of women in the community. Mrs Allerby thanked Mr Cosford for his speech and invited him to stay for the rest of the meeting. Mrs Eva Grossart read the Roll of Honour of past presidents and those present were presented with floral sprays by Mrs Allerby. Many of the Presidents held office more than once. The Roll of Honour of past secretaries was also read out. A citation was presented to Val Timmo with her Good Service Badge, thanks were extended for her invitation to use her home for committee meetings. Miss Timmo has also been treasurer and vice president . The CWI in Raetihi has had as members the family of the founder. Dorothy McNie is a daughter and Judy Tod a grand daughter of Grace Proude, the first president. Both were present at the meeting. A history of the CWI in this area was read out and the members past and present shared memories The meeting closed with the cutting of the cake by the past and present presidents followed by an afternoon tea.