39 



NOTES FROM THE INSTITUTES. 



During the year demonstrations have been given at many Institutes on 

 various subjects. Among these are: stencilling, cookery of meats and 

 vegetables, pickling and preserving, biscuit-making, first aid and emerg- 

 encies, dyeing and cleaning, use of vacuum cleaner, laundry work, bread- 

 making, cooling drinks, salads, dress-making, cutting-out, Swiss rolls, 

 shirt-waists, darning and mending, and cake-making. 



At the Cranbrook W. I. meetings there is often read aloud a paper by an 

 Ontario W. I. member which usually leads to a full discussion on the sub- 

 ject. Two good objects are achieved. The local member gets used to read- 

 ing aloud and a freer discussion ensues than if the paper were written by 

 some one present. This is an excellent plan for those beginning to take 

 part in meetings, but it will not long be needed. 



The achievement of the Kaslo W. I. in holding a Pair after the local 

 Agricultural Association had given it up and in clearing over $400 by it 

 is noteworthy. Judging from newspaper accounts the fair was also an 

 educational and social success. The Colwood and Metchosin W. I. held a 

 similar fair year before last and also cleared over $400. The figures seem 

 catching. Any of the Institutes could stand an epidemic of this sort. 



The Comox W. I. have supplemented the articles sent then: by the Ad- 

 visory Board in a very practical way. It was arranged to have the articles 

 form subject of the next regular meeting and each member was asked to 

 bring other clippings to the meeting. "And then," the secretary adds, "we 

 will be able to send you some." The Board appreciates this thoughtful 

 offer very much and will read and then pass the good words along. 



The Chilliwack W. I. has a programme committee which gets out the 

 yearly printed programme, provides demonstrations and refreshments at 

 meetings, and once a month arranges a social afternoon at the home of one 

 of the members. Members bring their sewing, new members are intro- 

 duced, refreshments are served and a collection is taken up. Who wouldn't 

 be glad to drop something in the money-box after such a delightful 

 afternoon? 



The establishment and maintenance of a Rest Room in the city by the 

 Nelson W. I. reflects great credit. The merchants came nobly to the aid of 

 the ladies in furnishing. The Chiliwack W. I. has for years carried on a 

 similar work. The rooms must be a great boon to country members in 

 especial. 



In both the Royal Oak and the Metchosin W. I. 's members have made 

 fireless cookers for their own use; the one designed and made by Mrs. 

 Neild of Happy Valley is being demonstrated before her Institute at the 

 March meeting. Both cookers are reported as proving satisfactory and as 

 being easy to make and -handle. 



The Langley W. I. hold a flower show each year and use part of their 

 funds this way. They have also secured the services of a dressmaker to 

 give lessons in cutting out. It was from a member of this Institute that 

 the idea of a W. I. pin for the Dominion originated. The idea of a Do- 

 minion motto came from the Board. 



The annual report of the Kaslo W. I. together with their programme 

 for the next six months has been printed on the back of their note-paper, 



