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But there were no funds, so the question of financing the convention was a problem. There was no time to collect a "tax levy" from the districts, and there was no prospect of a grant from the Provincial Federation. Finally, it was decided to have the programme printed in "booklet form" with several pages of paid advertisements. Volunteer canvassers spent many a weary hour, trudging from place to place, soliciting advertisements from business men. Over fifty advertisements were secured in Hamilton, Dundas, St. Catharines, Grimsby and Beamsville. These netted the sum of $214.00. The cost of printing the programme (advertisements included) was $124.80 leaving a balance of $89.20 with which to meet the expenses of the convention. After paying all legitimate convention expenses, there was a balance on hand of $4.20. The Convention held in Pythian Hall was most successful, a good attendance and a splendid programme. The address of welcome was given by Mrs. Bostwick, Mrs. Hoodless' daughter. The theme of the convention was "Nutrition" -- Proper feeding of the Family. A girls' session was held, when several young girls gave a five minute talk on their work. They also staged an old time fashion parade, the prizes for which were donated by the Haldimand District. Gold and Silver medallists (1927 C.N.E.) provided music. Five minute reports were given by the Convenors with five minutes for discussion. The speakers included the Superintendent, Provincial President, Dr. Annie Backus, Dr. Holbrook of the Hamilton Sanatorium, the Hon. John S. Martin, Minister of Agriculture and Miss Charlotte Whit-ton, C.B.E., M.A., L.L.D. As mentioned before, the Convention area at first consisted of the districts of Lincoln, Haldimand, Welland, North and South Wentworth -- Sub-division No. 9, but the next year the districts of North and South Brant, North and South Norfolk, South Wellington and South Waterloo were added and the name of the Convention area was changed to the Hamilton Convention Area. Later, with the revision of the sub-divisions by the Provincial Board, the two districts of South Wellington and South Waterloo were withdrawn leaving the area composed of districts of sub-divisions Nos. 9 and 10. These districts still comprise the Hamilton area. But when Haldimand was divided into two districts, the sub-divisions were again changed, consequently the Hamilton area has three sub-divisions, Nos. 14, 15, and 16; 10 districts and 172 branches. To finance the Convention the second year, 1928, each district was asked to contribute $10.00, minus the transportation expenses of one member, to the general committee meeting. A grant of $100.00 was received from the City of Hamilton and *35.00 from the F.W.I.O. The $10.00 levy continued until 1931 when in its stead a levy of 75 cents per branch was imposed. In 1933 when finances were in better shape, this was reduced to 50 cents. In 1934 it was raised to 75 cents, in 1936 to 80 cents, in 1942 to $1.00 and in 1944 to $2.00 per branch which amount is still in force. In 1928 the Provincial Board decided to assist financially all conventions to the extent of $20.00 for a one day convention; $30.00 for a two day convention and $35.00 for a three day convention. Eventually the F.W.I.O. Board stipulated, that in order to receive this grant, the areas must apply and prove need of assistance. For several years the Hamilton area has not received this grant. Recently this grant has been increased to $35.00, $45.00 and $50.00 for a one, two and three day convention, respectively. After the first year, the two day convention was changed to a three day convention. This continued in force until 1940, when it reverted to two days. No change has since been made except in 1945 when all conventions were cancelled as a war measure and a one day meeting substituted in its stead. The first three conventions were held in Pythian Hall when a change was made to the Royal Connaught Hotel. This proved too expensive, so in 1931 the Pythian Hall was again used. In 1932 the Royal Connaught Hotel offered such attractive terms, the offer was accepted, and since then, all conventions have been held there. The social events of the area have been much appreciated. In 1927 the official delegates were entertained by Mrs. Bostwick to afternoon tea in her home. In 1928 the delegates visited the Hamilton Sanatorium and after a conducted tour through the building, tea was served. The cost of transportation by four busses ($28.00) was paid by the area. In 1930 Mrs. Bostwick entertained the District presidents and Convention officers at luncheon at the Treasure Chest in honour of Mrs. Walker, recently elected Provincial President. In 1931 the delegates visited McMaster University and tea was served. The Chamber of Commerce contributed $25.00 towards transportation. Beginning in 1929 and continuing for several years, a complimentary banquet was given the official delegates annually by Mr. R. L. Smith, on behalf of the G. W. Robinson Company. Since then, with few exceptions, the firm has sent each year a beautiful bouquet of flowers. From 1937 to the present, almost every year except during war time, there has been a luncheon or dinner available to all members. Three anniversaries have been fittingly observed by the area. In 1929, the presentation of a silver platter to Mr. Putnam, and a silver mesh bag to Mrs. Putnam in recognition of Mr. Putnam's twenty-five years of faithful service as Superintendent of Women's Institutes. The year 1937 marked the tenth anniversary of the organization of the Hamilton Area. A walnut gavel was given by Mrs. Walker to the Chairman Mrs. Gibson, for the use of the Hamilton Area. At the banquet attended by 350, the table was centred with a huge birthday cake, which was cut by Mrs. Adam