JUNE 1s. 194s

Annual‘ Reports Women’: Institute

The following reports were v"- “ntod yesterday at sessions of the ‘Ham; convention of the Prince Edward Island Women's mstitutes:

SOCIAL WELFARE REPORT

M“, win. A. Bruce in he: rewrt said:

.. m; my report as qogonz-“of first Welfare I will ldmit that I was very reluctant to accept this office just a. year l8’!- Howgygr, despite the longhwinter “m; m depth of snow, e is‘! h“ gugpod around quickly- - g 4o want to acknowledge the Im- “w, mpport so willfully I1"! by bu. supgmgor, and members of m, Executive. putting into om- m, m, co-operatlva spirit of our m-‘pnlldtlfll. I appreciate the to‘.- mnca of more eXPmw-wl 011*?" m toward a new member. Our mum." together to talk over the many and varied matters of inter- ¢<t to our rural People have been Qisasant and most helpful. Iwould like also to lxpresl my apprecia- m. of literature and sussestivm "cap/ed from our Director of Pub- uc Beam. Nursing, Miss Wilson. which greatly assisted in the mak- mz up or or: two questifnnaires

c are.

”.’.._:";,§'§“§.g our topic‘ was ‘Health’. with the emphasis on ‘Youth’. The meme of our questionnaire to be mwd at our February mectlnl!» W38 Child Care’. Much information is ciallable to Homemakers today for m, health protection of their “mm”, 1nd. mothers have an out- mmghg opportunity to care for m, physical, intellectual and spir- itual health of their children. Ac- mrglhg to answers to this 111-195- tionnsirs many W!" 31m l” r“ esive the list of free literature. which Miss Wilson kindly supplied. mg many took advantage of secur- mg the same from our DQDBYV" ment of Public Health and Wel- mo, copies of the ‘Child Train- mg’ pamphlets, also Cancer Sui!- olament are now available for any who might wish for them-

"They-g are many commendablc wmqmes 1n our Province all work- 1115101‘ the promotion of health; ~11. Red Crou. ran. Clinics. Can- m- organisation. and many 0th!"- Fgyhypg one we should stress as m» u youth is concerned is i-h! dental clinics now available. 118?"!- duy when there is such a short- age of dentists in rural areas. We m the Maritime: are handicapllfid h; m; i”: of present available facilities for the University train-y mg of medical and dental students.

“n; 1g geogpized that our Wo-

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man's Institute; have elven leader- siaip in rural health problems, and were instrumental in. having a Health Committee organized under cur Provincial Federation cf Aeri- culture. Thlagvas reported last year by our Social Welfare Con- vener. who this y“? l! W!’ NP‘ abls president. Mrs. Stewart. . I hope we all read the monthly bul- letin sent out to our Institutes from the Health Study Bureau. Toronto. If you have missed. the report for April, particularly. I 1'9- commend that you have it read at your meetings, as it is the report oi our Prince Edward Island I-lcalth Committee, and should be. read by all. 1f you wish to secure a copy you may do so from the Ohainman of that Committee. Mrs. Julian Herring. One paragraph of that report states ‘our report show- ed a great lack in our Province for the care and treatment of the subnormal child’. and one of the proposals forwarded throueh the Federation of Agriculture. to the Provincial Legislature, asks ‘that provision ba made for psychiatric and educational treatment of sub- normal children’. ‘The question- naire used at our May Instituie meetings considered particularly rub-normal children - children whose minds grow very slowly. We were fortunate to ‘have Dr. Mur- chison speak to us on this subject last night. and I'm sure that what he said gave us all a new interest ill and sympathy with handicapped children. Illfa is perplexing enough for normal children. It is more difficult for the sub-normal. Yet.

OUT OUR WAY

many sub-normal children have special abilities. and if properly taught these can bs developed. We must deal gently and Patiently with them. as our hearts go out to them in their helplessness. For those who are interested there is helpful information to be found in our Prince Edward Island Librar- isa here, also at our Department of Health and Welfare.

Sub-Normal Children

“The Psychology of sub-normal children’. by Rsiliuwordi. elves the illustration of- the flock of birds going South in Autumn. There is generally one ahead. s few more follow near. but the majority are massed in the cen- tre. Some are slower than the majority, a. few are still slower. and one or two are far back. They are distributed sccordingto their speed and endurance. Our sym- pathy responds to those who can- not keep up to the average. Those we might call sub-normal. It is a fact that children vary greatly physically. No two are exactly alike. The difference is even great- er in mental traits than in physic- al. They are not different in kind but in degree. sub-normal chil- dren laarn the same way that nor- mal children do, by habit and practice. but in a slower degree.

.Mentally handicapped children are

not psychotics, therefore they should not be placed in a psycho- tic institution. The general opin- ion is that we should have a spec- ial Institution, for their care and training. However. difficulties arise here in that all research work costs money. and institutions or clinics cannot function successfully without specialists. The May issue of themonthly ‘Health and Wel- fare’ contains items on this sub- ject. Also in the June 5th Mont- real ‘Standard’ we find an article in spastic paralysis. which states that sometimes a child is injured before, at. or after birth. This in- jury may be the damaging of some brain céll that cannot be iestored. Yet. the article goes out to show that children thus handicapped can be taught. The booklet ‘Teach Ms’ is s very helpful guide to par- ents or others “who have the care of sub-normal children. An Ot- tawa child psychologist states that children are grouped largely ac- cording to mental age. Thus a sub-normal child who may be sixteen years of age by the calen- dar is actually several years younger mentally. Recognizing the advance of our Health Program. and inasmuch as our Government gives Child Allowance, old age pensions, etc.. would it.not be reas- onable that there should also be financial provision for sub-normal children. who may be over the age for child allowance. but not over that are mentally. and not able w cars for themselves to the extent of making theirown living.

"In the May ‘Institute News‘ you have likely read the item on the visual education provided by our Department of Education and the National Film Board. |There are fins films available on Public Health. Child Psychology and In- fant Cm. If you have not already taken advantage of these I would urge you to get in tou-ch with Mr. John Martin, or any member of the Film Board Staff. and arrange for a program.

"As Social Welfare convener. I would fall in my duty to you if I neglected to make reference to the coming Plebisclte, which is a. mat- ter of vital interest st the moment. We have the freedom and privil- ele to vole. and should seriously and irdeliigently study the options bafore us. We face a most difficult Problem of how best to control the existing destructive habit of exces- s!" dflflkllll- As Institute mem- bers whcss motto is ‘For Home and Country’ we should carefully and prayorfully consider this im- portant issue.

“In concluding my report I want to sincerely thank those of you who have used the questionnaires at your meetings. and especially those of you who filled them in. and returned them so promptly. May we all press on for continued

tal and spiritual health M our rural communities." a

CITIZEN 8H1! IIIOIII

Mira. Malcolm Maclnod; Lorne Valley, reported: < ‘ ‘“As your Convener of Citizen- ship sppointed at the last Annual Convention was unable to accept. I fell heir to the position and herewith submit my report com- piled from answers to the ques- tionnaires received. ‘ "In. reply to Question 1 which asked what steps had been taken towards providing educational and recreational ‘activities. too molly reported nothing was being done; some because of no available hall and others on account of impass- able rcads. Quite frankly with a winter like last that was a legiti- mate answer. However. u one rec'- ietary stated-tho young Nubia were still ‘this to gather at the corner grocery store where she feared the foundation" of many bad habits is laid. “Another Institute reported that Brownie, Girl Guide and Boy Scout units have been organized. Wlhere this is practical it is a wonderful ‘idea, for true citizenship is the basis of their training. “We shall not always have a win- ter as unfavorable as the put one and I would urge all Institutes f0 make s. special effort to provide healthful entertainment so that our young people will be more con- tent to stay and build up our Isl- and. I would suggest that lf pos- sible at all handicraft classes should" be arranged. - "Several Institutes have provided Books of Knowledge to the schools but few have provided Character Books depending rather on the boxes supplied by the P. E. I. Lib- rary. A few good books. especially those showing how younlrmen and women with a rural background have made good in their chosen professions should be in every school. "Many Institutes have sponsored programs for the unveiling of hon- or rolls. Victoria. Day, etc. and for those who have not already done so. now is a. good time to begin. The National Film Board would be only too pleased to set a daite and other speakers can be procured to round out an interesting. educat- ional program. “Because we have no Commun- ists (at any rate openly) in our midst. we are apt tc think of Cit- izenship training as being for some other section of Canada and not for us. "I think that Citizenddp is just as essential here as anywhere for it means moulding our lives so that we help to build a better Can- ada. 'l‘r\.le. we are Just individuals but if everyone of us has that aim our Dominion prestige will be rais- edhsccordlngly.

Primary Duty

"Our primary duty is to be in- formed. Communism (I think) is the result, of ignorance and op- pression. Ws should take every opportunity to study Democracy.

"Ws must become acquainted with our parliamentary leaders and their policies. Especially we must listen to both s ea of every question. If we do n approve of measures it is our duty as demo cratic citizens to criticize. We must endeavour to understand each issue that comes up and let our intelligence be our guide when it comes to election day. No matter how your father or grandfather voted. you vote in. the way which appeals to you as being best for Canada.

“Don't imagine for one minute that because you are women you should not be interested inpolltics.‘ Governments are responsible for the conditions under which we and our children live. When we see the uncertain, perilous stats of the world today after hundreds of years with men at the helm. couldnt we do at least as wcll. Take your politics so seriously that if opportunity arises you will sc- cept a nomination.

"Shortly we are to have a ‘plab- iscite on the liquor question. Do not. say. ‘Oh. I'll not bother to go out and vote’. Instead say. ‘It's my duty as a. democratic citizen to decide what I consider best for my children and Prince Ediward Island as~a whole’. Then go and vote. In this w we shall have the true voice o the people _in-

improvement in the physical. man-

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following year.

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ulatioru. and ,a letter urging all

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“Another subject to which we would bs well advised to pay at- tention is the Federation of Agri- culture. We are all vitally inter- ested in the well-being of farmers individually and thagchlef indus- try of our Province. .

“We take an active part in the actual work and planning so why not accept the challenge and take an active part in formulating pro- vincial farm policies? Our men are not as used to working to- gether as are our Institute women and we can render real service by bolstering their enthusiasm for the Perforation.

“With radios in almost every home and daily newspapers there is no excuse for us not being reas- onably, well informed on. current events and we, as mothers, should encourage conversation on these topics thereby broadening the hor- izons of our families in a day and age when so many discoveries and changes are coming about that un- less we keep abreast of the times we shall soon bs ‘back numbers’.

"In brief we may not be able to afford the ‘New Look’ but we can all have a New Outlook."

aerona- on aoarcunruan

Ila-a. (Michael) Loretta Doyle in her report said:

"As your Convener of Agricult- ure 1 hereby submit the following report. 1n presenting this report I would pay tribute to the excellent comments and suggestions I re- ceived from a goodly number of Institutes which were of great help to ms as a. Director of the Fede- ration of Agriculture. I was par- ticularly pleased with the inter- est shown in the questions relative to rural study groups and Junior Club work. That considerable in- terest was aroused is shown by the report of Mr. S. C. Wright 0d the Provincial Department of Agricult- ure. Mr. Wright states that 11 Calf Clubs. five Poultry Clubs and five Swine Clubs were organized as well as renewed interest in Girls’ Clubs. The promoting of the Jun- ior Farmers Federation by the De- partment of Agriculture is an ex- cellent step. This branch should prove of great support to the Pied- eration and help arouse interest 81110118 our young people. and ss- sist in developing rural leaders. "As your representative to the Iibderatioh of Agriculture I attend- ed all the meetings with the ex- ception of one. In nuv report at the annual mcetinz I stressed the need of additional Directors. one a woman to further women's inter- ests snd also that young members be encouraged to active member- ship. The need of emphasizing the attractiveness of farm life was sl- so stressed. My suggestions were an essay prize competition and press publicity. _"I would like to call your atten- tion to the drive of the Federation of Agriculture to secure new mem- bers. Every Institute worker should co-opvrats with her husband and share in ~hc enthusiasm of the work of a Federation. Without co-opsrstlvs effort we cannot ex- pect to get our Just dempnds and the 12.000 farmers ‘of P.E.I.. back- ed by our rural women. who will fake a direct and personal interest in the work will enable the Fede- ration to extend its program mg make it more valuable to agricult- ure and the Province as a whole. I trust that you have had s, m; measure of success at your May meeting of setting your husbands andnsigihbolua to take out mem. blrshio fees with the Federation i; wesested by ‘the Provincial of-

e.

"AI you know our theme this year is health. The word health comes from an Anglo Saxon word 3195111118 whole or sound. A sound mind in a ‘sound body. But it also means more than that. It means ambition. purpose. high standards of conduct. character service for others, and all ‘the qualities that make men and women. Let us all strive to attain these ideals. and pass on to our children a heritage they will be proud of. I

"I have been pleased to repre- sent you on the Rural Beautificat- ion Society. This Society is doing a great deal to awaken interest in beauty in the rural areas. and in all time counties farm men and women are taking a. lively interest in making their home surround- ings attractive and pleasing to the cye. This move. I feel is the key note for more pride by our young people in farm life. and I com- mend Colonel Johnstone for being the leader in this great project. I also commend the Government of P.E.I. for its support to this splen- did Society.

“In conclusion I thank you all for your trust in me and sincerely hope I have proved a worthy re- presentative. To our Supervisor and the executive with nfhom l work. and from whom I glean many worthwhile inspirations. I give my thanks."

All‘! AN“ IJTERAI-Ullil REPORT

Mrs. Harold Laird in her report said: “It is my privilege to present my first annual report as Convener of Arts and Literature. Under this convencrship I have had charge of the Provincial Drama Festival organized by the Prince Edward Island Women's Institute.

“At s. meeting held in August in the Women's Institute roounChar- iotictown, s committee composed of several members of the Provin- cial Executive. our secretary-treas- urer. Mrs. Ray Maoheod. and one member representing Women's 1n- stitutes frcm each of the three counties revised the Drama. rules and regulations. and appointed s Drama Ibstivsl Executive for the “Copies of these Rules and Reg- Institutsa to support the Festival were pent out with the Inatltuu fail programs. I have hui mam- bera report that these rules asweli

as other Questionnaires were not masonic! M

THE GUARDIAN.

CHARLOTTETOWN

meetings. This is regrettable since more lnstituica. otherwise might have participated in the Festival o: have given leadership to groups of young people who wished to do

so.

“Durim the‘ fall months Mr. Chandler and his stai! compiled and issued a catalogue of non-roy- alty and royalty (85.00) i-sct plays. free on request. These plays were available through the Library facil- ities to Institutes or groups for reading. Many requests were rs- ceived for these catalogues as well as for a great many plays. Mr. Chandler hopes to enlarge this cat-- slogue and the library of plays.

"From January 12th to the 10th. a short Course in Dramstics spon- sored by the Adult Education Council was held at Charlottetown under the capable leadership of Mr. Donald Watmore. Director of dramatics for the Nova. Scotis. De- pmrtrnent of Education. This was really one of the highlights of the Drama Festival year. and if such s. course can be again arranged next year, I do urge interested Institutes and groups to send one of their members to it. Those who attended last year were delighted.

"Radio Station C.I".C.Y. gener- ously‘ donated time for Drama Publicity broadcasts during the winter.

“The Drama Rules and Regulat- ions were published from time to time in the Charlottetown news- papers. “The Patriot," and “The Guardian". and once in the Sum- mersida “Pioneer”. Miss Duffy of “The Patriot" did excellent work for us in publicity by writing a series of interesting items on our progress in Drama Festival work during the year. and an outline of the plays and casts entered in the Festival.

“Fourteen Drama entrias were received by our Secretary-Treas-

date for entries. March 1st. All counties were represented. Queen's County topping the list in num- bar of entries. When play-offs be- gan in May, however, six of these fourteen had withdrawn.

"Kings County had one entry. the Kiimuir Community Players. who were awarded a diploma for their play "All Cans to the Res- cue" and prizes for their best act- or and actress.

"There were two entries in Prince County, Kelvin Grove WI. and Cape ‘In-averse Y. P. U., the latter placing first in the semi- finals with ‘All Carr's to the Res- cue.’ .

"Queens County with live entries had two play-offs. the Graham's Road performance. "Mushrooms Coming Up". winning over Gran- ville W. I.. and York W. I. with “Prom Five to Five-thirty", win- ning from a. second York group and Cornwall W. I.

“At the finals held in the Em- pire Theatre, Charlottetown. June 1st. with Mr. Wetmore as Adjudic- atcr. York Players won the two Provincial trophies donated by Smallmanh. Summerside. and the Provincial Women's Institute. re- spectively.

“For prizes to the best actor and actress in the finals. we are in- debted to the following: Simmons and MacFarlane, Freetown. and Murdock MacGowsmLtd, Kilmuir. These prizes were won by Miss Anne Crockett and Mr. Raymond Morrison.

"Prizes donated by the Drama Festival Committee to the best actor and actress in send-finals were won by Miss Anne Crockett. Miss Kathryn: Pickering. Miss Georgie Yeo, w. Raymond Mor- rison. Miss Anne MacDonald and Mr. George MacPherson.