WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21176, 27 July 1940, Page 16 (Supplement)

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

DOMINION COUNCIL OPENED BY LADY GALWAY 40 FEDERATIONS REPRESENTED Instead of a large Dominion meeting of representatives from Women’s Institutes throughout New Zealand, it was decided this year, as a war economy, to hold a further representative Dominion Council meeting to confer on the ensuing year’s work and to elect new officers. The 40 different federations were all represented at the conference which was officially opened last Wednesday by her Excellency, Viscountess Galway, at the Terrace Congregational Church Hall. Lady Galway was welcomed by the Dominion president, Miss Amy Kane, and presented with a bouquet from the executive. Mrs W. Deans, Darfield, Canterbury (a Dominion vicepresident), Mrs G. A. M. Macdonald, Orari, South Canterbury, and Sister May Gardiner, Nuhaka, Hawke’s Bay, were also on the stage- “ All Doing Their Part” Miss Kane briefly explained the purpose of the conference. The delegates would discuss, she said, the Institute’s activities during the last two years and make plans for the ensuing year’s work, stressing in particular, efforts for furthering war work. In the last two years much had been accomplished. Miss Kane stated. Activities had included representation at the Centennial Exhibition, and the carrying on of Centennial work in districts all over the country in spite of the advent of war. The Institutes were established mostly in rural areas and members were largely concerned with increased production, all doing their part to meet the Government’s needs. Branches were co-operating wher€*ver possible with patriotic committees and were working for the Red Cross and the Lady Galway Patriotic Guild, as well as other organisations. Since the Institute movement foundation in Hawke's Bay six-

teen years ago it had grown from one small branch till it embraced 900 separate districts and a membership of 30,000, which included women from the North Cape to the Bluff and Chatham Islands. Members were all prepared to do their part in bringing about the successful conclusion of the war. Her Excellency’s Speech U* “There can be only one end to this war,” Lady Galway said in opening the conference, “and it is the certainty of what the end will be that keeps us all going.” This was the first occasion on which she had opened a Dominion conference of the Federation of Women’s Institutes, and she was glad that she had had the opportunity before her not far-distant departure from New Zealand. “This is a time above all others to show the meaning of the aims and objects of organisations such as this,” her Excellency stated, “and gives us all an opportunity for showing our best work in such a crisis. I know that this organisation will disappoint neither itself nor those who are interested in its work in this respect.” The combined Institutes had already done much to help the Lady Galway Patriotic Guild, of which Miss Kane was a valuable committee member and doing splendid work. She was glad, Lady Galway said, to have this opportunity of thanking the members themselves and of stating her personal appreciation of their splendid contributions. The need for the guild’s work, she felt, was not likely to dipiinish; in fact, in time it might be increased in order to help those people other than the refugees in England, who were under the subjugation of Germany. In thanking Lady Galway, an executive member stated that each member of the Institute in New Zealand had contributed at least one garment each to the Lady Galway Guild, making a total of not less than 30,000 garments. The Institute was deeply honoured by her Excellency’s interest in its work and by her graciousness in opening the conference. NOTICE TO MEMBERS Members are notified that the Centennial tree-planting ceremony will take place in the Hamilton Domain at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 13. They are also reminded that, on the same day, they are in charge of the Red Cross Shop in Garden Place, and donations of saleable goods of every description will be gratefully received.

HORSHAM DOWNS EIGHTH BIRTHDAY PARTY The Horsham Downs Institute held its eighth birthday party on July 25 in the Horsham Downs Hall, which had been beautifully decorated with golden wattle and yellow jonquils. Visitors from Horotiu and Whitiora Institutes and members were given a warm welcome by the president, ! Mrs N. Fulton. The following pro- ! gramme was presented and much api oreciated by those present:—Songs, Mrs Wade; recitations, Mrs White; I Swedish Klapp folk dance, Institute | members; tap dances, Dorothy Coker; i pianoforte duet, Mrs Fulton and Mrs : Osborne; sketch, Mrs White, Mrs Henderson and Joan Henderson. Two j competitions were much enjoyed and i won by Mrs Hunter and Mrs War- | ren. j The eight candles on the birthday ! cake, which was made by a member ! and iced by Mrs L. Lister, were lit by Mrs Wade. Mrs Hunter extinguished them and Mrs Pattie cut the cake. GROUP MEETING NORTH WAIKATO FEDERATION The Group meeting of the Northern Waikato Institutes was held in Huntly on July 3, when there was a good attendance. Mrs McGaughran, I president of the Federation, presided in the absence of the president, Mrs Brocklebank, owing to ill health. Mrs McGaughran welcomed the members and Mrs Tait, vice-president of Huntly Women’s Institute, welcomed members to Huntly. Members stood as a mark of sympathy for Mrs Barr and Mrs Donaldson, who have suffered bereavement. Items were rendered by Mesdames Dingle (Wairengi), Newton (Waiterimu), and McCutcheon (Rangiriri), Mrs Chisholm spoke on the packing of soldiers’ parcels. After the luncheon adjournment, Mrs Sainsbury, Gordonton, gave a talk on her travels in England, which was much appreciated.

The competitions for the best balaclava, mittens, socks, scones gingerbread and shortbread resulted in Ohinewai Women’s Institute winning the most points.

COMING FUNCTIONS Lyceum Club, contract and auction bridge, Wednesday, July 31, at 7.30. Hostesses, Mrs H. J. McMullin and Mrs T. G. Reynolds. TE KOWHAI The president, Mrs Gibbeson, presided over a good attendance at the July meeting of the Women’s Institute. A silence was observed in respect of the late Mrs Taylor, who was a very valuable member of the Institute and secretary for many years. A report was given on a happy afternoon’s entertainment, given by the Institute for inmates of the Old People’s Home. Mrs Maunsell gave a most interesting talk on her trip to Fiji. The roll call, “First impressions of Te Kowhai,” brought, from some of the members, pioneering experiences of early days. Competition results were as follows:—Scones, Mrs R. Gifford I, Mrs McLachlan, Mrs Cox and Mrs J. Kane (equal) 2; best flower, Mrs Limmer 1, Mrs Gifford 2, Mrs Keane 3 The hostesses were Mrs Cox and Mrs Coston. EUREKA The monthly meeting of the Eureka Women’s Institute was held in the hall recently, Mrs Harris presiding over a fair attendance. It was decided that each member contribute a shilling to the New Zealand Women’s Institute Ambulance Fund. It was arranged that the district be canvassed for clothes for the refugees. Members were reminded that the Group meeting will be held at Motumaoho on August 22. The remainder of the afternoon was spent ;n members knitting and sewing.

The flower competition, “Best bloom in my garden,” was won by Mrs R. Hinton, with Mrs L. Masters second. The sugar bag apron was won by Miss N. Harris, with Mrs Inglis second. The hall competition was won by Mrs L. Masters. The serving of afternoon tea closed a very enjoyable afternoon. TAUWHARE Mrs Mclnnes, vice-president, presided over the meeting of the Tauvvharp Women’s Institute held in the hall on July 11, when there was an average attendance of members. It was with regret we received Mrs Mickell’s, Mrs Clarry’s and Miss Clarry’s resignations. Mrs Clarry, who is one of the foundation members, was given a vote of thanks for the work she has done for the Institute, and Miss J. Clarry, one of the younger members, will be greatly missed. Best of luck was wished them in their 'new home. It was reported that four soldiers’ parcels were sent forward, the members also making 21 hussifs. Members contributed many garments for the Lady Galway Guild, Mrs Fleming being appointed in. charge of this effort. The Institute made a donation towards Mrs Kelso’s presentation. Members who could possibly do so were asked to attend the Group meeting at Motumaoho on August 22. An amusing game was won by Miss E. Lovelock. Mrs Clarry donated a cake knife towards the Institute box, and a writing set, which was won by Miss B. Cathro. Luncheon ended the meeting. FAIRFIELD The Fairfield Women’s Institute held its monthly meeting recently, Mrs W. King presiding over a gpod attendance. A large parcel of useful and well-made garments of all sizes has been sent to Institute headquarters at Wellington for refugees. A “white elephant” sale was held and the proceeds from this, with the money which in normal times would have been spent on a birthday cake, are to be used for patriotic work. Invitations to three birthday parties were received by the secretary, Mrs Badeley. Mrs Snell, who is leaving the district, was presented with a small gift, and Mrs King, speaking on behalf of the members, commented on the interest taken by her in all things pertaining to the Institute. An appeal was made to members to supply cakes, etc., for soldiers who

are at present in the Waikato Hospital, and members were also reminded that August 13 is the Institute day at the Red Cross shop in Garden Place, The roll call, “A time saver in the kitchen,” brought forward many handy hints. Miss Davies wo*n the cake competition in which there was a better number of entries than has been seen for some time. Afternoon tea was served by Mesdames Chapman, Curling, and Misses Davis and Pederson, and after the conclusion of sales at the sales table, supervised by Mrs Paterson and Mrs Knipe, the meeting was ciosed. WAITOA There was a large attendance of members at the monthly meeting of the Waitoa Women’s Institute held in the local hall recently. The president, JVlrs H. Kerr, occupied the chaif. An appeal for clothes of any kind was generously 'responded to and the large parcel collected was forwarded to the Lady Galway Guild.

A lecture was given by Miss R. Stephenson, Government Recreation Officer at Hamilton. A competition for the best shortbread was won by Miss A. Luxton, and Miss O. Luxton was placed first in the competition for the neatest balaclava. A pleasant meetiug closed with afternoon tea served by the hostesses, Mesdames R. Reeve, W. A. Fleming, J. H. Marsden and R. Walker. SPRINGDALE The Springdale Women’s Institute held its annual visitors’ afternoon recently, when the president, Mrs E. Palliser, occupied the chair and extended a welcome to all. The following items were enjoyed:—Vocal solo, Miss J. Johnston; duet, Mesdames A. Qualtrough and R. Horn; play, Mesdames H. Rowbotham, R. Eastwood and L. Hare. Competitions were won by Mrs W. A. Fleming, Waitoa, and Miss K. Rae. Mrs H. Kerr, Waitoa, expressed thanks, on behalf of the visitors, for a very pleasant afternoon.