1939 - Convention Report

              3 4 A L B E R T A WOMEN'S INSTITUTES
Branches contribute much to the social life of their districts. Their reports
show a wonderful spirit. Their Conferences are outstanding for the spirit of
gaiety and neighborliness.
4. Josper- Edson— Convener, Mrs. H. Finley, Jasper. Three Branches:
Jasper, Edson, Mahaska. Three Girls' Clubs at Jasper. This Constituency is
small in numbers but mighty in accomplishment. Jasper has its W. I. Fair,
raising the entire prize list. Edson has its clinics and educational work.
Mahaska, with its small membership, its dental clinics. The scenery makes
the Conference a never- to- be- forgotten pleasure.
5. Leduc— Convener, Mrs. W. Pevley, Calmar. Four Branches: Wiesen-ford,
Genesee, Rainier, Conjuring Creek. This district is small but doing grand
work, filling a real need in their communities in spite of drought, hail and
frost. They have done much relief work, held baby clinics. Handicrafts have
been very fine.
6. Mid- Pembtno— Convener, Mrs. H . Smith, Busby. Six Branches: Pic-ardville,
Echo Hill, Busby, Independence, Westlock, Pibroch. A very active
Constituency doing much for the schools and social life of their districts. Two
Branches are helping to build community halls. Independence players made
a noteworthy contribution to the Dramatic Festival.
7. St. Paul— Convener, Mrs. M. Hutter, Elk Point. Four Branches:
Uneeda, Flat Lake, Beaver River, Glendon. This is our most isolated Con­stituency,
far from highways and with long distances between the Branches.
They are doing fine work by helping in every way to provide for a social life
of the young people. They carry on with all Institute activities and in spite
of hard times are in good standing.
8. Stony Plain— Convener, Mrs. C. M. Longman, Onoway, succeeding Mrs.
Hayes of Stony Plain. Eight Branches: Winterburn, Stony Plain, Duffield,
Wabamun, Onoway, Bilby, Tomahawk, Holborn. Bilby and Holborn were or­ganized
since 1937; the latter is not reporting. This Constituency is doing
splendid work especially along the lines of Child Welfare. They have made
generous contributions to the Radium Fund.
9. Vermilion E.- Vegreville— Convener, Mrs. H . R. Evans, Innisfree. This
is an offshoot of the older Alexandra- Vermilion Constituency. Eight Branches:
Alida, Vegreville, Primrose, Innisfree, Atkinson, Minburn, Birch Creek, Happy
Centre. Innisfree and Atkinson are new Branches since 1937. This Constit­uency
has been very active, doing much relief and community work. They have
supported the Radium Fund and in many districts have been the social centre
of their community.
10. Wainwright— Convener, Mrs. H. Rollans, Viking, succeeding Mrs. R.
McFarland, Irma. Seven Branches: Bruce, Kinsella, Irma, Albert, Viking,
Rosewillow, Wainwright. The Branches are all very active in the work of
the Standing Committees especially that of Public Health. In spite of adverse
crop conditions they have never faltered in their activities.
In closing I would like to impress on District No. 2 that in the present
world emergency they must be careful not to lose their identity in other or­ganizations.
The W. I. is the greatest women's organization in Canada.
Through its Branches it has a large number of women working in harmony.
Our work is necessary and must go on. We cannot let our communities down;
but we must take our place through our Organization in all patriotic activi­ties.
No task is too great for us and in our zeal to be of use, we must guard
not only against waste of man power but against waste of woman power.
I thank you all for this opportunity of meeting you and learning of your
good works. The Community Garden of Women of which Mrs. Stewart spoke
to us so eloquently at our Conferences has blossomed into color and beauty in
spite of drought and depression. May its fragrance and beauty feed our souls
during the difficult days before us.