Development of Women's Institutes

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 46, 30 May 1930, Page 13

Development of Women's Institutes

A World-Wide Institution Established: in N.Z.

-_- HE Women’s Institute move- | ment is much in the air at present, and to those interested in it-and their number is legion-the talk on the subject, given'by Miss Mabel Christmas over the air at 2YA on Thursday of last week, was of extreme interest. In a well modulated voice, and in ' entertaining fashion, the lecturer told "of the work of these institutes all over the world, but more particularly in New Zealand, where the movement was started some years back by Miss Jerome, Spencer, of Rissington, who met at first with the innumerable: re buffs and difficulties which seem in separable from all pioneering work Soon, however, Miss Spencer’s inde fatigable efforts were crowned with success, and the lecturer went on to tell those who had not so far heard of the movement that these women’s institutes were gatherings of country women of any race, nationality or creed, who meet together to discuss the ’ betterment of home and_ country. Monthly meetings were held in 4ifferen* districts, where lectures were given and varied demonstrations of handi-

craft, interspersed with the indispensable tea that cheers, community singing, folk dancing, play readings, and other pleasant’. and intellectua) pastimes. ISS CHRISTMAS eulogised the work of the voluntary organiser in New Zealand, Miss Agnes Stops, generous donations of £50 and £100 in successive years from the "Dairy WHxporter Annual" having enabled Miss Spencer to secure the services for a

time of this well-known English organiser. Miss Stops will spend at least a year in New Zealand, visiting backblocks districts, and starting new institutes in every place where they were desired. At present in the South Island, Miss Stops is carefully planning her tour to fit in as many places as possible with regard to economy of time and travelling. Heart and soul in the movement, this organiser is a bright, living example of the W.I. atmosphere, cultured, sympathetic, comradely, a real womanly woman, with wide vision that realises how we of this generatiou will help by good citizenship to make a fine race for the future, with ,improved scope and opportunity for the best in life. , Wonderful gatherings were held in Otago this month, when at the Home Science building of the University there was a meeting of the National Council of Women, in co-operation with Home Science extension service, to discuss with Miss Stops the possi bility of co-operation with these bodies. their motto and ideals being the sam, "Wor Home and Country." Many representative people were present, affording proof of wide-spreading interest in the movement, and loyal co operation was offered by those willing to help in any work likely to be for up lift of the burdens of country women FROM the 20 institutes three year: ago in New Zealand the total has jumped to over a hundred, their numbers made up, not only of farmers’

wives, but all country women of the Dominion. A popular motto amongst them is, "If you know a. good thing, pass it on," and this is acted upon with many a pet economy, special way of cooking some delicacy, or it may be "making something out of nothing," this last-named pastime being one at which women are particularly adept. In districts where women’s institutes flourish, loneliness is wilikely, for when people become members they realise what a wonderful sense of fellowship is created, and do not willingly have any solitary sisters in their neighbourhood. At the moment of entering a room where a W.I. meeting is being held, an atmosphere of friendliness and wideawake interest is felt; some institutes stationing a welcomi:g memher near the door so that no one will feel strange or shy. when coming in without a friend to greet her. HIE} subscription is a modest one, 2/a year, and all institutes are selfsupporting. Each member has a say in the choice of speakers and demonstrators, and the committee carries out as far as possible the wishes of members. One way of persuading members too shy to say much is to take round a suggestion box, into which anyone can put suggestions, and it is the duty of the committee to see that as far as possible they are earried out. Members soon feel they are getting full measure for their annual 2/-, and wonder how they can help in their turn. It is amazing how in those friendly surroundings people develop unexpected talent. When they speak they feel the sympathy of their audience, who are not there to criticise, but to receive and give any ideas to further their ideals. WOMEN’S institutes are able to do much good in their immediate neighbourhood and the country round about. Where these women band together with a particular object, it is as good as done, for nothing’ can withstand the force of co-operative power harmoniously in operation. So that one hears of halls being built, waste pieces of land made into gardens of beauty, war memorials cared for, rest rooms provided. One institute has a lending bag with a whole set of everything .needed for the first few weeks of a baby’s life, always at hand to lend at any moment when needed. Another in- stitute planned and carried out a day

in the country for Wellington’s blind citizens, who were conveyed to their destination in cars, with cheery folk who were out to add all, they could for the happiness of those who dwell among the shadows. Miss Christmas voiced a very eloquent tribute of gratitude to the "N.Z. Dairy Produce Exporter" for its generous donation toward furthering the work of the Women’s Institute movement. "Members of the women’s institute," said Miss Christmas, "will join me in a heartfelt vote of thanks to this paper for its wonderful gift toward the work of the movement in New Zealand, more especially for finance required while Miss Stops is here on her tour through the islands." Miss Christmas thanked the Lyceum Club for much courtesy and kindness, and concluded by saying that she hoped listeners interested, who feel they would like an institute where they live, would write to the lecturer, care of 2YA, when she will be happy to give any further information.