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Women’s Institute Story The committee on the writing of the "WI Story" convened by Mrs. Maryn Pardy report- ed progress. Discussions have been held re pic- tures in the new book; two previous publica- tions; the extent or position of material in the new book; and the inclusion of short biograph- ical sketches, special events and projects. etc.. but no definite decisions have been made. Although Mrs. Haggerty asked to be re- lieved of her duties for health reasons. she has been asked to remain as an advisory member of the committee. More frequent meetings will be necessary and the target date for distribution to members and public has been set to coincide with cele- bration for 75th anniversary of founding of the Women's Institutes in Ontario. in 1972. It was reported. Mrs. Small and Mrs, Partly had visited the library at the University of Guelph to examine private papers of Adelaide Hoodless left in custody of Macdonald Insti- tute by her Will. Among the same is the family Bible which establishes definitely that it was the youngest son of Mrs. Hoodless who died at eighteen months of age. * * * LIFE AND NATURE I passed through the gates of the city, The streets were strange and still. Through the doors of the open churches The organs were moaning shrill. Throu h the doors and the great high windows I hang the murmur of prayer. And the sound of their solemn singing Streamed out on the sunlir air; A sound of some great burden That lay on the world's dark breast. Of the old. and the sick, and the lonely. And the weary that cried for rest. I strayed through the midst of the (in Like one distracted or mad. 'Oh. Life! Life!‘ I kept sa ing And the very word seem sad. [passed through the gates of the city. And I heard the small birds sing. I laid me down in the meadows Afar from the bell-ringing. In the depth and bloom of the meadows I lay on the earth's quiet breast. The poplar fanned me with shadows. And the veery sang me to rest. Blue, blue was the heaven above me. And the earth green at my feet: ‘Oh. Life! Oh. Life! I kept saying. And the very word seemed sweet. Archibald Lampman * * * Lopgfellow said, "Give what on have. To some- one it may be better than you are think." * 'k * WINTER 1969 Minister's Banquet The executive. board directors and standing committee conveners were guests on Wednes- day evening at a banquet given by the Hon. W. A. Stewart. Minister of Agriculture and Food. Miss Helen McKcrchcr. Director of the Home Economics Branch of the Ontario De- partment of Agriculture and Food was en- hostesx and chairman. Mr. Stewart expressed appreciation for the admirable work being done by Women's Insti- tutes to improve the quality. the structure and the image of rural life. He commended their efforts to he an over-all cohesive force that seems to be an influence for good. and for the maintenance of home conditions which have made this country great. He congratulated the new board directors on their election, offered warm greetings to Mrs. Austin S. Zocllcr in her new office as prmiuciul pruitlcnl ol the Federated Women's Institutes of Dnlnrio. and expressed appreciation Io Mrs. Small for the wonderful leadership she box provided. Hc dc- scribed her as "u lady completely dedicated to the services of the Women's Inslillltcs." Mr. Stewart thcn outlined gm'ernmcntul services available to rural farm people. Mrs. Small expressed sinccrc gt'ntiludc to the Honourable Mr, Slcwurl and Miss llclcn McKcrcher for the banquet and the close :mn- cinlions over the years. She then inllodiiced the newly clcclcd l‘lfL‘NltlL‘lll and pinned [he president's budge on her. "‘Ihc office of the president can only In: :I't' strong us the provin- cial lmnrd of directors." mid Mn ltK‘llt‘l'. “and the feedback from our experience loeclbcr is perhaps our grcnlcst job. It isn't the torch bearer but the torch we carry that is huntlcd on with a bright and flaming light to make us better homcmnltcrs. stronger ciIi/cns and wiser women." she concluded. Mrs. l . 'I‘riycrs. ptnt president rcllrinn from the Board. was introduced by Miss McKercher and prcscnlcd wilh lhc lublc flowers. Notes of Note The Spring board inccling will be held at the University of (iuclph during the wch. of April 11. 1969 with the plncc of mecling. etc. to be ascertained by prcyidcnl. secretary. and public rclatiom officer. Life membership cards will be ready as soon as mechanim are looked after. Six Hand Hooks and F.W.f.f), Brochures will be sent to the board directors. More are available upon writing to F.W.I.0. office. New address for chcrnlctl Women's Insti- tutes of Ontario is: 1200 [Jay Street. 5th Floor. Toronto 5. Ontario. New address for Home Economics Branch of Onlnrio Department of Agriculture and Food is: Parliament Buildings, Toronto 5. Got. I7