1931 - Annual Convention

              A L B E R T A W O M E N ' S I N S T I T U T ES
A c h a r m i n g interlude was presented at this time by M r . W i l l i a m Townend.
baritone soloist, accompanied by M r s . F r e d Smith. Mr. Townend's selections
included " The F l o r a l Dance" by Katie Moss, " Sea Fever" by J o h n Ireland,
" The B l i n d P l o w m a n " by ' Coningsby Clark, " Tommy L a d " b y E . J . Margetson.
Mrs. Smith gave two organ selections which were greatly enjoyed by the
audience.
The evening concluded with an inspirational address, " A P l e a for Higher
Education." given by Rev. Brother Rogation, S. S. C.. Rector of St. Joseph's
College, Edmonton. This address may be found in full on page 70.
Wednesday Morning, May 20th
Promptly at nine o'clock the meeting was called to order with assembly
singing, Mrs. Montgomery and Mrs. Rogers presiding. Throughout the
convention the intervals of assembly singing were most enjoyable features,
and due appreciation was expressed to our leader, Mrs. J . E . Bowstead, and
accompanist, Mrs. H . E . K e l l y.
M r s . J. A . Campbell, of M i l k River, was appointed on the resolutions
committee to serve with the Executive and Convener of L e g i s l a t i o n.
By request of M r s . N e l l i e McClung, the President called attention to the
M c K i n n e y portrait fund, which is still considerably short of the estimated
cost. Contributions from individuals or organizations will be gratefully
received and response at an early date is urged so work may - be started.
The customary letter of greetings from Miss Isobel Noble, Past President
of A l b e r t a Women's Institutes, was read and received with the demonstration
of hearty approval and pleasure always accorded Miss Noble's messages.
Telegrams bringing greetings and best wishes from Mrs. D. R. M c l v o r , of
Stettler, past vice- president A W . I . , and from Miss Margaret Hudson. Drum-heller,
President A W . I . G . ' C , were received and read at this time.
The report of the Recording Secretary, M r s . J . N . Beaubier, Champion,
was read, and may be found on page 17.
Mrs. J. Regan, Rusiness Secretary- Treasurer, presented an interesting
report of official activities and the present status of the A l b e r t a Women's
Institutes. There are 280 branches on the official register; 16 new branches
were organized during the year, and four others re- organized after several
years of i n a c t i v i t y ; yearly report forms were returned by 226 branches,
showing a membership of 4657; the total sum of money raised and distributed
during the year amounted to $ 54,997.23. The records show 54 branches not
reporting. Report in full on page 20.
The President, Mrs. H . J . Montgomery, followed with her report, which
opened with the business- like statement,—" This morning we don our working
clothes, roll up cur sleeves, as it were, and proceed to the real work of the
convention." She pointed out the need for budgeting and greater attention
to financing in the future, with drastic changes in policies, in order to live
w i t h i n our means. In her official capacity the President visited seventeen
Constituency Conferences and two District Conferences. - See page 25 for full
report.
Our faithful Publicity Secretary, M r s . J . F. Price, was pleased with the
continued p u b l i c i t y activities. She outlined her work which consists in putting
i n t o news f o rm 253 m o n t h l y branch reports for publication i n three newspapers
i n the province, besides special articles for several magazines. Full report on
page 27.