WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 April 1939, Page 6

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

COUNCIL’S FIRST ANNUAL MEETING

GATHERING IN MASTERTON.

THIS MORNING’S BUSINESS.

The hirst annual council meeting of the Wairarapa Federation of Women’s Institutes today. The president, Mrs Jcblin, presided over a large attendance of delegates from all parts of the district.

After the ode to friendship, and prayers for peace. Mrs M. McKay, of Gladstone, president of the hostess institute, extended a welcome to all present and expressed thanks to the Kai-tuna-Fernridge and the Solway-Man-aia Institutes for their assistance.

Mrs Joblin welcomed the delegates to the meeting, and also the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs T. Jordan, who were presented with shoulder sprays. Mr jordan said he was very pleased to be present at the first Federation meeting, and congratulated members on the fine gathering. He emphasised the significance of the words “Comrades and Friends,” which provided the title of the institute’s song. On behalf - of the Federation, Mrs Kier expressed, thanks to Mr and Mrs Jordan for their attendance.

add women’s Institutes 6nsfpray-fn.H The annual report, which was adopted, made reference to the school of officers held during the year by Mrs Kelso, and also to the Institute display at trie Masterton Show. Mrs Joblin extended a welcome to two new institutes, Matarawa-Dale-field and Te Ore Ore. She went on to explain the ’opportunities for new members to learn the business carried out by the federation. She thanked the committee for its work and especially, Mrs N. McKay, secretary.

The roll call of institutes with a full attendance of delegates was answered by the following: Carterton, Dyerville, Gladstone, Kaituna-Fernridge, Kopuranga, Kahutara, Martinborough, Mt Bruce, Mauric'eyille, Opaki, Pirinoa, Parkvale, Sclway-Manaia, Tinui, Upper Plain, Matarawa-Dalefield and Te Ore Ore. Mesdames Joblin (Gladstone) and Jolly (Martinborough) and Miss Walters (Carterton) were appointed voluntary organisers for the year.

A remit from the Opaki Institute, “That an effort be made to get women of acknowledged social standing to accept positions as domestic workers, to remove the sense of inferiority which is the real reason for the unpopularity of domestic work,” was fully discussed, it was felt that the matter rested more with the individual than with any particular organisation, though institutes could help in any way with the desired end in view.