HOME AND COUNTRY RURAL GIRLS ATTEND WINTER SHORT COURSES Some 1,267 girls were enrolled at 30 one-month and 5 three-months schools in Home Economics during December, January, February and March of the past winter. These schools were conducted in 33 counties and districts by the Women’s Insti- tute Branch in co-operation with the Agricultural Representatives Branch. According to re 'stration reports the average age of t o girls was 20 years; 42.7 ercent had not attended high school? 34 percent had attended two years or less, and 5.7 percent had at- tended more than two years. Ap- proximately EJJ; percent had had the advantage of special training in nursing, commercial and normal schools and universities. Many girls travelled from 6 to 10 miles daily to school. The average distance was three miles. The course of study for three- months schools included Foods and Nutrition, Household Management and Laundering, House Furnishing, Health Education and Home Care of the Sick, and Clothing. For one- month schools it included Foods and Nutrition, Household Management and Laundering, with optional courses in Health Education and Home Care of the Sick, or Clothing. Special onerweek and twmweeks courses were organized in nine cen- tres to meet particular needs in com- munitii‘s concerned. These schools in- cluded courses on four Indian Re- serves. Some 258 girls and women were registered at these special schools. Statisticsâ€"One Measure of Accomplishment Statistics relating to change of practice reported during the course may be used as one measuring stick of short course accomplishments. The following ï¬gurcs are the immediate indication of progress and will be gi'catly increased as the pupils have an opportunity to apply their now know >dge in their daily work at home. Fuuil l'ruclicca »~ As a result of work in Foods and Nutrition, 157 cl members adopted recommenda- tions for such corrcctive feeding as increasing or reducing weight, over- coming constipation, etc. Over 200 homes introduced better methods for care oi milk which included pasteuri- zation, better storage and general cure of uton Is. and 5‘70 practices were established to increase consump- tion of milk, fruits, vc etables and whole cereals. Approximately 450 homes improved their standards of cookery iind 360 their standards of serving food. "lullll Habitsâ€"At least 188 girls improved posture habits, while prac- tically all become more posture con~ scious. At least 50 girls visited their doctor for medical examination and 125 girls were immunized in respect to typhoid, diphtheria or smallpox. Over 80 homes adopted better nursing procedures and 400 homes had their drinking water analyzed. Clothing l’r'obli'nisâ€"The girls made 719 gni‘nicnts which included 361 dresses, 1'7 blouses, 55 slips, 201 aprons and 85 other articles. Special consideration was given to the selec- tion of clothing in named: to colour, design, duiubility and appropriate- ness, to personal grooming and to care and repair of clothing. Tangible and Intangible Results Records indicatin tangible and in- tangible results, suci as improvement of standards, development of dis- criminating judgments, stimulation of ideals, change of attitude and devel- opment of leadership give further evi- dence oi‘ the value of the courses. Conscriviih‘on of Ti‘mr, Energy and Moich became a highly desirable goal as equipment was arranged and checked for convenience and members became more and more aware of the importance of good working habits and intelligent planning in eï¬icient home management, Possibilities of increasing family purchasing power (Continued on Col. 4, this D3118). News Flashes From the Institutes South Brant DistrictiHad an at- tractive method of studynig Agri- culture and Industries. Bosses were chartered to carry the members to Niagara Via Dunnville, where a stop was made to visit the Monarch Knit Company plant and enjoy an appetiz- ing lunch. 0n the way to the Falls a peach orchard at St. Catharines inrn< ished one phase of agriculture and a tour through the Shredded Wheat Plant at the Falls gave opportunity to combine the interests of agriculture and industry. Standing Committee work became more interesting when featured at the local fair. The plan followed called for four articles on the work of each of the Standing Committees selected. An amateur night with each Insti- tute contributing to the programme has proved an excellent method of promoting friendliness and sociability throughout the district and demon- strating a co-operative spirit. Oxford South Districtâ€"Dealt \iith education under the heading of Parent Education. With only two or three exceptions this was studied in the same month by all Institutes, and was conï¬ned to two lines of thought. This especially aroused the interest of young mothers. The district included in the same period a study of Rural Life in Denmark. Glengarry and Stormont Districts. â€"Co-operated in staging an edu- cational exhibit in connection with the Health Institute held in Corn- wall. The Institutes stressed Nu» trition and Child Welfare as studied in short courses, training schools and through convenerships. This proved a very satisfactory venture and strengthened district interests. Greenbusli, Wellington Co.â€"Used nomination committee method for elections and realized a saving of time. Less confusion resulted and more thought was given to the selec- tion of leaders. New Dundee, Waterloo Co.â€"Plans the monthly programme so that each meeting presents one cultural topic (art or music), one practical subject on the work of a standing: committee, and a recreational period. Wood carving, pottery making and soap carving have been included in the study of art. New Hamburg. Waterloo Co.â€"â€"-En« joyed a study of musical appreciation. This included the story of the develA opment of instruments, piano con- struction and the history of well- known compositions. Rockley, Temiskaming Districtâ€"‘ Studied the pamphlet on Weed Control for three consecutiVe meetings, fol- lowing the convention report. A brief reading and study of sections of the Hand Book is also a part of the pro- L'ramme. Bloomfield. Prince Edward Co.- Studied Buvmanship in Clothing un- der the local leader. The subject was discussed under three headings, (1) Women as consumers, (2) The source, manufacture and characteristics of fabrics, tests for identiï¬cation and adulteration, (3) General buying. The pupils of the public school entrance class attended when the second topic was discussed. The local leader pre- sented the work to the Home and School Club of Picton last month. South Glenelg. Grey Co.â€"Featured legislation in a particularly interest- ing manner. An address on Municipal Government prepared the way for an address by the township clerkhm which he discussed the responsibility of different oflices. He exhibited the minute book of the council in 1860 and the ballot box used by the coun- cil the same date. The difference in the method of voting then and now was explained by the clerk. Victoria Harbour, Simcoe (Joâ€"Had practical application of the study of Meat Cookery for the school under the local leader. First taking the better cuts of meat. she reviewed her work, after which these meats were used as the main part of a dinner for which members supplied the accom- panying foods. This proved so suc- cessful that a second dinner was put on making use of the cheaper cuts of meat for the main course. Interest was created by having,r the reeve and members of the public school staff as guests. This second event was even more satisfactory than the ï¬rst les- 50". Mooreï¬eld. Wellington Co.â€"Cele- brated its thirty-ï¬fth anniversary on February 19. The occasion was marked by a banquet by the women’s association of a local church. and served by the Canadian Girls In Training, which evidenced ï¬ne co-oper» ation and community spirit. The guest speaker was the local member of Provincial Legislature. Two charter members spoke of accomplishments of the Institute and how the ï¬rst Institute was formed. Seventeen presidents had directed the Institute activities during that period. Navan, Russell Co.~Listened to an enlightening address on child psych- ology given by a specialist in this subject. Russell, Russell Co,â€"Had a special speaker present an illustrated address on the British Isles. This Institute extended hospitality to three visiting Institutes for this meeting. This lec- ture created a better understanding of the life in the British Isles and the educational value of travel. Goodwood, Ontario Co.â€"Started a public library, utilizing the town hall for housing. Books and funds have been donated and library is open one evening each week. Shillington, Cochrane Districtâ€" Concentrates on the welfare of school children and has supplied ï¬rst aid kits; also nourishing food for lunch during the winter months. The In- stitute furnishes dish towels to the school and members of the Institute keep these freshly laundered. A flag has also been given the school. Harstone, Thunder Bay District-â€" Linked agriculture with industry in a practical way throueh an address on poultry. The study included a demonâ€" stration on killing and preparing chickens for market. This was given by the local school teacher. Upsala. Thunder Bay Districtâ€"Is doing active work in helping to eradi- cate noxious weeds. A general dis- cussion on the subject of weed de- struction was supported by the mem~ hers and a portion of each meeting will be devoted to the study of one noxious weed and how to eradicate it. Big Lake. Manitoulin Islandâ€"Had a talk on different grades of wool and then-uses. As a result of this, a goodly number of persons have made wool batts for comforters. PAMPHLETS PREPARED 0N COMMON PROBLEMS Word has been received that the Department of Agriculture of the Dominion Government has had printed for distribution the two pamphlets,â€" "The Control of Some Common Spe- cies of Household Insects" and "Household Storage of Fruits and Vegetables". Each Institute in Can- ada will receive copies of these pamphlets which have been prepared at the request of the Federated Wo~ men’s Institutes of Canada in the in- terest of improved rural sanitation. TH E SCOTTIS H INSTITUTE MEMBERS About 60 members are expected to book passage for the trip to Can- ada. Miss Wrench, who is plan- ning the tour. has suggested the fol- Iowmiz books to the party for prepara- tory readingâ€""Canada To-day: a Study of Her ationnl Interests and National Policy" by F. R. Scott' "The Shadow on the Rock," by ’Willa Gather; “The Seats of the Mighty.†Iï¬yh a?" (gilhï¬rt Parker; Kenneth D e s oo 5 a Roche’s books. nd Mam de la Spring, 1939 NEWS ITEMS FROM BOARD MEETING Mrs. T. J. McDowell was by the Provincial Board, at thing-inf,“ meeting, when she was re-elect a1 President of the Federated Wamenerd Institutes of Ontario for a foam: year. The precedent was crest 4 when the members voted unanimousi to waive the ruling of a three-ye; term, considering it to be inadvisable for a president and a superintendem to be new to oflice at the same time The good wishes of the Ontario. Women’s Institutes were extended I, the Board to Mrs. Skinner, formerll: Miss Bess McDermand, on the Dem, sion of her marriage following he, resignation from the post of Superin. tendent of Women’s Institutes in On. tario. Mrs. Skinner was presented with a. silver coffee service. A motion was recorded and a letter was sent assuring her of the Institutes’ pride' in the outstanding work accomplished through her ï¬ne qualities of person. ality, education and experience, and in the high ‘ standard of Home Economics training established for the Ontario Institutes. A welcome was bespoken for the new Superintendent, Miss Mary A, Clarke, and assurance given of the loyal support which the Federation is ready and willing to give the Depart. ment at all times in advancing the Coâ€"operative Programme for r il’al homemakers throughout Ontario. Institute Colours Attention was drawn to the Insti- tute Coloursâ€"Blue and Goldâ€"~5ymbol of loyalty and royalty, respectih v which had been used from the . tute's early inception. The dark due of the corn flower is considered the nearest shade in blue. Mary Stewart's Collect, often ca led the Institute Creed, was deï¬ned at ihe Board and its use commended to In- stitutes in opening exercises. Home Beautiï¬cation (inside .znd out) and Weed Control were remin- mended to Institutes as projects ior province-wide activities The Dep .rtâ€" ment was commended for bulletins issued on Weed Control of ï¬ve no nus weeds in Ontario. These are 8 .il- able for use and study on npplicaL‘on. The members enjoyed a trip to The Royal Winter Fair through the load» ness of the Department and the cr ur- tesy of The Royal Agricultural \i in- ter Fair Association. They v-re greatly impressed by the high giade of exhibits and the many educational and entertaining features, which ire making such a valuable contribution toward creating a deeper sense of appreciation for Agriculture and i‘JlS- ing its standards. (Contributed by Mrs. W. B. La“. erdale. Goldwater, Provincial Se (Continued from Col. 1). through careful planning, wise use of consumer education and economical practices in buying, were consideud. Discussions led to appraisal of the authenticity, value and helpfulneh of some radio and corrent magazme 3d- vertisements. ' Rural Sociology Was popular at LEW three-months schools. Every girl Md boy was interested in hearing opinion of someone else on every personal problems, and commun were awakened to a new interest I . and outlook on, rural life. Such sub' jects as the advantage and disadvan- ta of rural and city life, everyday re atioriships with others, understand- ing ourselves and others. were dls' cussed under the guidance of a SP9“. instructor. These subjects were dis- cussed again at supper tables, coni- munity gatherin s and any Place where two or ree class '1‘15 or boys, their parents or frien s. were gathered. ' Spontaneous discussion, keenness of interest throu hout gave evidence of an earnest dam)! on the part of these young people to achieve successful IiVing and enrichment of home ï¬nd community life. (Contributed by Miss Florence P: Eadie, Women’s Institute Branch)-