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January, 1935 FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS IMPORTANT Miss F‘. Durnin, Dungannon, 1934 Convener. Home Economics. The months will soon pass and we will again be drafting the year‘s pro- gramme. Home Economics the first ideal of the W. 1. organization is dear to the heart. of every woman. It can be introduced into the programme in roll calls, demonstrations, papers, ad- dresses, discussions and exhibits. The 1934 reports indicated that the W. I. has been facing and solving a few of the present day problems; using wild fruits on the dearth of cultivated fruits, continuing the educational camâ€" paign on canning vegetables and cann- ing more of them, remodelling cloth- ing for children, using leftovers or discarded materials in making quilts and rugs. The above are but a few samples. In planning your new programme, I would refer you to the divisional headings in the September issue of “Home and Country,” although I can- not claim to be the author. Could we spend more time on dis» cussions on Family Relationships? Fate may turn things topsy turvey but it is more serious if there is something wrong between the people. Olga Knofi' Says, “The whole spirit of the family depends on the spirit of the wife and mother. Without any question the family is the central unit, the nucleus from which all the abilities and capacities of human eings develop.” Women‘s great work '5 to make the actual time that other \embers of the family pass in the ome as agreeable and fruitful as ossible. We, as women, have a unique nle to play. We do not arrive at our ullcst competence when imitating ion, but when doing team work with iim. We need to educate ourselves or this vital task. PTIMISTIC AGRICULTURAL OUTLOOK Mrs. J. A. Deviney. Vernonville, 1934 Convener, Agriculture. I hope that 1935 will he the most rosperous yet along agricultural incs. Reports from 1934 year’s work how that the members have not let iscouragements keep them from car- ying on most efl‘ectively. Gardens vere made and cared for, home sur- oundings beautified, co-operation with oral horticultural societies, interest akcn in school grounds and fairs, the aising of poultry and a study touchâ€" ng on most every line of agriculture m‘ried on the average farm to today. he members have learned much by uch demonstrations as the canning nd serving of fowl, how to plant and raft a roscbush, wool and how to use , grading and marketing eggs, killâ€" : and plucking a fowl in less than va minutes, etc. Our Ontario women have not only oked to necessities of life in agri- ulture, they have not forgotten that cautification plays an important part life. Nearly every woman is striv- g for a perennial border, flowering rubs, beautiful and well-kept lawns n the farm property. Nearly every ranch in Ontario plans an agricul- ral meeting for every year’s pro- ramme. The outlook for the New Year is ost cheerful. Reports of experts tell s that grain and livestock prices in eneral are on the upward trend, the ilk situation has improved, returns 0m poultry are better than a_ year 0. hog prices are decidedly higher, d other prices have improved. Keep- g these things in mind, let us not discouraged. I really believe that st winter’s damages were the crisis. d new the silver lining of that black and in going to show. Let us, as ral women, plan for a great year the farm. There is no better place earth. flith the ooâ€"operation of our new mister, The Honourable Duncan arshall, we hope to accomplish a eat deal. HOME AND COUNTRY PUBLICIZE CANADIAN PRODUCTS Mrs. J. M. Percival, Addison, 1934 Convener, Canadian Industries. The Institutes have encouraged the study of 'our industries, and stressed. the buying of “Canadian Made" goods and products. Splendid reports came from all the convention areas stating that many meetings have been held devoted sole- ly to Canadian Industries. Exhibits from raw to finished product were displayed and tested. Never before has so much study and publicity been given this branch of our Women‘s Institute work. Let us have as our objective a better Canada. Let us get away from the idea that the word “imported” adds glamour; and realize that “Canadian Made” is better. Buy that brand and make Canada prosper- ous and progressive. _ Let us study, learn and stress our industries by demonstrations, papers, contests, exhibits, posters, roll calla, films, pictures, talks on visits or imaginary trips to factories, indus- tries teas and monthly meetings so that when 1935 ends we may under» stand our wonderful industries as never before. We hope that each Institute will spend time reviewing some of the springs of our industrial life, and report many new ideas that will be of service to our sister Institute mem- bers. Excellent results will flow from increased knowledge and understand- ing of Canadian Industries and pro- ducts. Let us in 1935 with renewed faith and love to do our part, small though it may seem, add to the ever-increasâ€" ing store of Canadian wealth, Cana- dian prosperity, and international concord and goodwill. COMMENDS COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE Mrs. Win. Grattan, 1934 Convener, Community Activities. “The hnrizon ever widens for for- ward-looking folks” is surely true and our Women’s Institutes are making a real contribution to rural culture and leading its members into a wider un- derstanding of life. The Women’s Institutes have been exerting 2i wholesome social influence throughout the communities in which they are established. They are co- operating with the ncighborhood in supplying valuable equipment for community undertakings and as well have been making use of all available talent and service. Series of community concerts, music clubs. debating societies. have been organized by many Institutes. Guidance in recreation has been given. Schools have been assisted by In- stitutes liclping to finance special teachers in music and health and sup- plying play equipment. School grounds and public squares have been beauti- fied by desirable landscaping and planting. One branch has introduced growing beech trees in the community. Regular "clean up" days have been introduced in some communities. “Dump grounds" have been removed from conspicuous places. Many of the branches have cared for the cemeteries of their localities and arranged for memorial serVices. Every Women’s Institute Branch is responsible for some act of kindnessâ€" assistance to the unemployed, atten- tion to the sick, clothing for new babies, supplies for fire sufl’erers and maternity cases, Christmas cheer for needy children, etc. This is a dim picture of them!)- terial side of community notiVities. Who can estimate the development of mutual goodwill, the abiding fellow- ship and love that begins when neigh- bor meets neighbor and spreads through the branch, district and prov- ince reaching from coast to coast _and steadily building up a more glorious Canada. 3 % IMPRESSIONS OF THE ' 1934 CONVENTIONS Miss M. V. Powell, lnstltutes Branch Owing to distances and dates of conventions, it was not possible for me to attend every convention gath- ering, so that, in part, I am dependent upon information received through other sources, but which brings us a definite message of interest in the work. At Swastika was gathered an eager, friendly and expectant group. Long distances, sparse settlements, do not dampen the ardour of these home- makers, who are most anxious to bene- fit by the information and suggestions for home and community betterment. Exchange of experiences, better home practices and wholesome social life play a large part in these more remote areas. From our northern branches we gather some of their spirit of courage, service and co-oper- ation which is essential to our success for family and community well being. Enthusiastic members of the Al- goma and St. Joseph Island area met at East Korah. Continued action in health education was reported, an attractive exhibit of homecraft work provided a means of thrift education for many. Helpful discussions on Institute lines gave evidence of splendid inter- pretation of the objective of the or- ganization and an intelligent grasp of the needs and possibilities of ser- vice. Health and nutrition nceds re- ceivcd careful consideration. The Manitoulin branches are con- tinuing their activities in dental clinics and studying nutrition and clothing. Junior work was reported by one of the girls showing keen apprecia- tion of this branch of instruction. Branches as a whole are concerned with community life and the preser- vation of law and order and morale of the people. Cordial hospitality widened the spirit of good fellowship and neighbourliness. Powassan provided attractive, prac- tical thrift exhibits, and time for gen- erous discussions on such subjects as programmes, finances, school fairs. care of neglected and underprivileged children, oflicers’ problems, reports, business procedure and possible edu- cational work. The need and value of health measures and habits Wm stressed. Good fellowship, alert, progressive spirit pervades the Rainy River gathering. Pois‘e and dignified assur- ance in the work being carried on gave a feeling of solidity and understanding of purpose which cannot fail to be productive of good. Papers of excel- lent type diSclosed the wholesome trend of the homemaking, health build- ing effort being put forth. Social atmosphere was most help- ful, and interest in thought-provoking subjects was well sustained through- out all sessions. Opening of a County Museum, Northern relief work and legislation were important features of the Barrie Convention. Successful musical fes- tivals, health clinics and good branch meetings were reported, while educa» tional addresses, junior work and ex- hibits made an acceptable programme. Libraries, rest rooms, cemetery care were among the community in- terests receiving support. Social life and recreation, neighborliness and good cheer were included in branch interests. The whole convention was carried through expeditiously, reveal- ing good work done throughout the area. The women of Bellevillc area are co-operating to help home-makers in rural districts to become happy and efiicient with better understanding of Canadian Citizenship. The value of punctuality, a well- planned programme, and cordiality, were some features of success elicited from the discussions on branch meet- ings. More "health conscious" may be said of this area. Enthusiasm, optimism and eager- ness to progress was the feeling per» vading the Stratford Convention. Procedure, mothercraft, education for peace, health programmes, beautifica< tion, were among the topics receiving consideration. “Well-informed, efliâ€" consideration. Enthusiasm, keen interest and ap» preciation of Institute work characterâ€" ized the Eastern Ontario Convention held in Ottawa. The predominant thoughts recurring through the well- planned, instructive programme may be expressed in the realization of inâ€" dividual responsibility and opportuniâ€" ties for service, especially the import- ance of a high standard of health for individuals and in organization for efficient citizenship, and a clear value of the Institutes to Ontario and to the nation. The dominant thought of the King» ston area ccntrcd in good literature and good movies. In discussing com« munity interests stress was given the need of wholesome, attractive recrea- tion; the possibility of securing good clean films by educating public opinion to object to indecent pictures so strenuously that they would cease. Prominence was given the subject of readingfithe importance of keep» ing abreast of the times through newspapers, magazines, farm journals, where general information of the de- sider type may be secured: the value of good literature and the need of providing light and interesting read» ing which children might enjoy and from which they would acquire the reading habit, leading to more educa- tive work of literature later. Western Ontario Convention held in London. celebrated its twenticth biithday with a record attendance and an atmosphere of optimism and courage. Adult education was a dominant theme. More study and research were recommended. Each and every sesâ€" sion emphasized the feeling that this organization which has girdled the earth has brought a wealth of purpose and a degree of efiiciency to home and community life. Progressmlficiency, and service were keynotes of the convention of Hamil- ton area. The objective of [his cner» getic area is for a better understand» ing of the science of homemnking; promotion of good health, realization of the elements of beauty and through progressive attitude to attain cultural satisfaction. Adult education was recognized as essential to more abundant community life. The final convention gathering of the Central Area combined the pracâ€" tical, cultural and social atmosphere of the entire organization. The spirit of progress, a. desire for information, a thirst. for knowledge, and o readiâ€" ness for service was noted everywhere. Adult education, health progress, co-operntivc effort in world peace all received the attention of tho gather» ings. Three of the Conventions had the privilege of hearing the Honourable Duncan Marshall, Minister of Agri- culture for Ontario, who expressed keen interest in more and better agri- cultural cducntion for rural boys and girls, and the fostering of a greater appreciation of agricultural life. Miss B. McDermand, Superintendent of Ontario Women's Institutes, also made acceptable contributions to several of the conventions. Summing up the series of Convenâ€" tion gatherings, there is reason for optimism when we note the spirit of service which prevailed, the definite desire for help in homemaking prob» lems and the eagerneSs for progress and development within the scope of the Institutes. The approximate at- tendance at these thirteen area con- ventions totalled 3,700 difierent women. / /