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Agriculture and Canadian lndustries “Women are very much concerned about the problems of today,“ said Convener Mrs. F. Watty reviewing Branch reports. Changes in the agricultural picture in the last decade due to advanced technology, pol- lution, relationship of agriculture to industry, maple syrup making, etc, were topics disâ€" cussed. Films showing the comparison between farming in Canada and in other countries, the story of salt mining, making artificial dia- monds from graphite were sh0wn. Papers pro- vided information on com, the origin and cul- tivation of soy beans, the use of imported insects in the eradication of the Canadian Thistle. Members supported and exhibited at Fall Fairs, had beach cleanâ€"ups, petitioned council to cut dead trees, etc. Citizenship and Education Convener Mrs. John Hermansen emphaâ€" sized the need for new Roll Calls requiring thought. She said that interest could be added by having more than one member discussing the motto which should complement the meetâ€" ing program. Meeting program topics included an ad- dress, “Key to the Future of Canada", Can Farm Data System, Estates and Women’s Rights, Defensive Driving â€" could you re- pass your driver’s test?, Consumer Credit, Law and Women in Ontario, International pro- grams, studying European countries. A study of the new Handbook, use of panel discussions were stressed and prompt. careful reporting was urged. Mrs. Hermansen reviewed the F.W.I.C. Seminar for Conveners held in Ottawa, saying that the Seminar revealed a gap between Pro- vincial and National Conveners, that many problems common to Ontario exist in other provinces too and emphasized the need for stronger ties and better communication beâ€" tween the Provincial and National organiza- tions. The Ontario Convener reported that the National Convener Mrs. Carmen Inglis had initiated a program to study women’s contriâ€" bution to the Canada Pension Plan, Day Care Centres, abortion and family planning, envi- ronmental management including environment of the mind influenced by today’s news media. The question of legalization of marijuana was chosen for this year and provincial con- veners Were to find out the members’ opinions. Figures for Ontario, Mrs. Hermansen said. showed that 95% of the members were strong- 1y against legalization and a cross Canada sur- vey of eight of the provinces showed that 92% were opposed to legalization. WINIER 1972 The Banquet The Honourable William A. Stewart adâ€" dressed the Board of Directors and guests at the banquet. Congratulating Mrs. Zocller for the tremendous leadership which she had given during her three year term in office, Mr, Stewart said, “In a. world of so much con- fusion, distress and trouble, it is refreshing to find the Women’s Institute making the best of what they have and not grousing about the sit- uations but taking hold and trying to improve conditions. It is easy to knock down tradition but much harder to build constructiver as you are doing. I know of no other organizaâ€" tion that has done so much to generate en- thusiasm for the betterment of the standard of living.” Mr. Stewart praised the organization for the lEadership provided for the 4-H Homeâ€" makers’ Clubs. Mrs. Zoeller presented Pierre Berton’s book “The Last Spike” to Mr, Stewart in honour of his tenth anniversary as Minister of Agricul- ture and Food and in appreciation for his as- sistance to the Ontario Women‘s Institute durâ€" ing those years. Mrs. Harvey L. Noblitt newly elected presi- dent of the Federated Women‘s Institutes of Ontario and Mrs. Harvey Houston newly elected Public Relations Officer were introâ€" duced. In her acceptance speech Mrs. Noblitt said. “I am sincerely humble and keenly aware of the responsibility. and I hope I shall have the wisdom. good judgment and dignity worthy of this organization." The Presentation to the Retiring President Mrs. Everett Small, Resolutions Convener presented a special resolution to the Directors reviewing records achieved by the retiring president, Mrs. Zoeller. Mrs. Small recalled that Mrs. Zoeller elected in 1968 had set a new record since she was the first president of F.W.IO, to take that office by acclamation. Mrs. Small praised Mrs, Zoeller for her many accomplishments, her enthusiasm, time, energy and talents which she gave willingly and unstintingly to the Ontario Women’s Insti- tutes. On behalf of the organization Mrs. Small presented a large oil painting to Mrs. Zoeller. Accepting the gift Mrs. Zoeller said, “It was kind of you to say accomplishments but they are not possible without the efforts of all. Thank you very much. It has been my great pleasure and I have appreciated the very, very great opportunity to serve as President of the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario." 15