WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 October 1940, Page 8

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

BUSH FEDERATION. HALF-YEARLY MEETING. (“Times-Age” Special.) The half-yearly council meeting of the Bush Federation of Women’s Institutes was held in the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Eketahuna, yesterday. The president, Mrs N. M. Burnett (Woodville) presided over delegates representing--18 institutes. The hall had been tastefully decorated with flowers by members of the Eketahuna Institute and the display was the subject of special reference by Mrs Burnett during her opening address. Apologies for absence were received from Miss Jerome Spencer (founder of the movement in New Zealand), the Manawatu and Wairarapa Federations, and the Rakanui, Horoeka and Pongaroa institutes. After the delegates had been welcomed by Mrs N. Terry, president of the chief hostess institute, Nireaha, proceedings opened with the "Ode to Friendship,” aspirations and the prayer for peace. The president then welcomed Miss Amy Kane, Mesdames C. Jennings and R. C. Austin, past-president and the hon. secretary, respectively, and new and junior members. The half-yearly report was presented by the hon. secretary, Mrs F. Schormann. Arising out of the report concerning soldiers' parcels, it was explained by Miss Kane that these could be left with the nearest representative of the local Patriotic Committees, usually the mayors of each town. In her presidential address, Mrs Burnett appealed to delegates to keep the work of the institutes going, for if the work were, allowed to lapse, it would prove difficult to regain the lost ground. Although the war work was all important certain things must be kept going, especially the Maori development work. The council must prove worthy of the trust the Government had placed in it to further the welfare of the Maori people. The keyword of the movement at the present time was unity—unity of effort and hard work. She appealed to her hearers “not to be onlookers only but to get into the game, for it was only by so doing that the institutes would grow strong.” The financial statement was presented by Mrs W. H. Nixon, who said that the individual members of institutes must not neglect their responsibilities while doing war work. The competition for Miss Sargent’s trophy, resulted in a high standard of speaking, and the judges, Miss Kane and Mrs Austin, placed Hastwells and Makomako (equal), 1; Mangatainoka, 2; Eketahuna and Hukanui (equal), 3. A remit was received from the Mangamutu Institute: “That the Government be asked to allow children up to fourteen years of age, to travel by rail at half fare.” This was keenly discussed, but finally rejected. Miss Kane pointed out if such a concession was granted the loss would have to be met out of revenue which in turn would mean greater taxation.* A recommendation by the executive concerning delegates' expenses to Dominion conferences, was considered and finally referred back to the various institutes for favourable consideration.

The luncheon adjournment was then taken. The conference resumed with the singing of “Comrades and Friends.” A report on the meeting of the Dominion Council w”.s given by Mrs Caulter, for which she was heartily thanked. Mrs Caulter was again elected the Federation’s representative on the Dominion Council. The results of the potato growing competition was announced as follows: —Makuri, 18.8, 1; Konini, 10.3, 2; Rongokokako, 3. The Eketahuna Drama Circle performed a play entitled "Glass Houses,’ which was much enjoyed. Those taking part were Mesdames Horton, A. Hansen. W. N. Richardson, Misses Mitchell and Hooper. Afternoon tea was served by members of the hostess institutes, Nireaha (chief), Kaiparoro, Hastwells, Alfrcdton and Eketahuna'. In closing the proceedings, Mrs Burnett thanked the Eketahuna Institute | for providing flowers, the hostess institutes, Mrs Twentyman (the accom-j panist), Mr Bouzaid and the Methodist i Church for seating accommodation and | the Press. The singing of “God Defend New Zealand” and the National Anthem brought the meeting to a close.