1928 - Annual Convention

              A L B E R T A W O M E N ' S I N S T I T U T ES
meeting to the outline of work submitted by the provincial convener of.
agriculture, and stressed the importance of shelter belts on p r a i r i e farms.
Wetaskiwin Constituency.— In this constituency a l i v e l y interest is taken
i n the growing of flowers, and a flower show was planned for the conference
last year, but owing to late date had to be cancelled. Talks were given
on the saskatoon as a shrub and on house plants. Slips of plants and shrubs '•
are exchanged. Flocks of poultry are being culled and pure blood p o u l t r y i s .
more popular all the time. At Wetaskiwin the March meeting was given
over to agriculture. An address on horticulture told how to have blooms
f r om early spring t i l l frost. Angus Ridge W. I. is keenly alive to the
value of shelter belts, which protect its flowers and small fruits. Tomatoes
and cucumbers thrive here. One member planted 1,500 and another 600
trees respectively. Poultry flocks were culled, and one member belongs to
the Bronze Turkey Association, while others are contemplating becoming
members this f a l l . This branch benefitted by the agricultural lectures which
were broadcast from the University. A flower show is planned for the
constituency conference this f a l l . ..
Camrose Constituency is kept busy growing splendid flowers and
vegetables and i n g i v i n g every possible assistance to the school fair. Many
W. I. members have captured prizes at the horticultural show f o r both flowers
and vegetables. Growing of small f r u i t is a profitable industry. Some raise
strawberries as a means of making money. Bees do well here. Prizes for
gopher tails were given to the school children. Daysland W. I. is t a k i ng
up the study of noxious weeds, also the care and cultivation of bulbs and
flowers. Poultry- raising received much attention. Children are encouraged
to keep the school yards neat and clean. Fifty cents is given to each school
f o r flowers or seeds. A prize is also given f o r the best kept school y a r d and
this was closely contested. A flower show is planned for this f a l l.
V e r m i l i o n and Alexandra Constituencies are making a study of t u r n i ng
houses into homes, making gardens and planting trees, beautifying the small
towns and cemeteries. Such tender vegetables as cucumbers, tomatoes,
melons, celery and corn do well here. A flower show was planned for the
conference, but the lateness of the date made it impossible.
Edson Constituency is doing good work. From Jasper comes a report
that it had the best fair last f a l l that has ever been held there. On ac­count
of no natural soil the women are working under difficulties, as a l l the
soil has to be hauled from considerable distance. In spite of this handicap
these enthusiastic workers have wonderful gardens of both flowers and veg­etables.
A large sum of money was spent i n improving the school grounds.
A competition i n window boxes w i l l be held this f a l l . The members here
think that snapshots are a good medium of advertising what can be grown
i n your own locality.
Stony P l a i n Constituency is not making any outstanding effort i n this
department, but the members are proving themselves real home- makers and
are taking an active interest i n gardens and grounds made attractive w i th
flowers and shrubs. The care of baby chicks is also an item of interest to
them.
Lacombe Constituency.— The convener here is urging a tree- planting
campaign throughout the district and hopes to awaken an interest among
W. I. members in community improvement and the beautifying of homes.
Iola W. I. sent a petition to the municipal council asking that trees along
the roadside that do not interfere with road- making be saved.
Calgary and Okotoks Constituency.— Trees, flowers and shrubs are being
grown more and more every year. Small f r u i t s and berries, also crab- apples
and plums are being started. One member took f i r s t prize for roses at the
Calgary flower show. Other prizes were also captured by W . I. enthusiasts.
P o u l t r y - r a i s i n g is on the increase. Cemetery work is done, and " C l e a n U p "
and " P a i n t U p " campaigns have been held.
Medicine Hat Constituency.— Bow Island is very much interested in
shelter belts, flower and vegetable gardens. A splendid display of garden
products was shown at the constituency conference. Medicine H a t members
are growing roses and a great variety of other flowers. A first prize for
dahlias was won by this branch at the conference. Walsh devoted one meet­i
n g to agriculture, when tractors vs. horses on the farm was discussed..
The fence around the cemetery has been rebuilt. Manyberries W . I . mem-