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Inch, the first Chairman. Several outstanding speakers addressed the delegates, and excerpts from their speeches well worth recording, are, as follows: Judge Mott, Toronto, of the Family Relations Court, pleaded for parents to give social security to the family and community, by building on traditions that are stable, sound and true, such as honesty, mercy, and love, for these are the things, worthwhile and eternal. Mr. Kenneth Greer, Provincial Inspector of Public Schools, speaking on the new programme of study, had this to say -- "Place less emphasis on scholarship or the acquiring of knowledge, and more stress on character building and citizenship". Mr. Patterson, Agricultural Representative, Welland, left this message -- "Since the happiness and prosperity of the country, and also the health of the people, are dependent on soil fertility, the challenge to farm men and women of today is -- "Improve the Soil". In 1947, the fiftieth anniversary of the inception of the W.I. was observed by the presentation of a playlet -- "The Portrayal in Pantomime" of the organization meeting of the first W.I., written and directed by Mrs. K. Emberley, with Mrs. J. H. Carscallen as narrator. The cast was composed of W.I. members of Stoney Creek and vicinity, relatives and friends of the early W.I. members. Some of the old style costumes belonged to the Charter Members of Stoney Creek W.I. Few7 changes have been made in the Constitution and by-laws. In 1933 a first vice-chairman was named to the Executive, and in 1939, the term of office for chairman was set at 3 years, but this was changed to 2 years in 1950. Ten years later, the term of office of convenors of standing committees was limited to 3 years. In 1941, it was decided that hotel bills and transportation expenses of chairmen and secretaries to executive meetings, be paid out of convention funds. Until 1942 the secretary received no salary, but in that year it was decided to give her $15.00 each year for her services. The offices of secretary and treasurer were combined in 1944, and the retiring chairman was to be made an active member of the convention executive for the elections. In 1945 it was decided that the transportation of conveners to the Area Convention be paid out of convention funds. When the Hamilton Convention Area was organized, there were 11 standing committees, but with the passing of time, these committees were changed by the F.W.I.O. Board, combined, renamed, etc., so that at the present time, they are 7 in number. The area has been fortunate in its selection of convenors. At first the reports were quite meagre due to lack of material received, but with the increase of district reports, and a better knowledge of compilation, excellent reports are presented annually. At every Hamilton Convention since the Area was organized, a sufficient amount of time has been allotted the Juniors, to explain, demonstrate and display their work. 8 Their objectives are lofty -- "To develope satisfaction and pride in rural living". Because of the importance of their work, they receive generous support from the Seniors, financially and in leadership. At the conventions the girls have given talks, demonstrations, etc., on the following projects: "The Milky Way", "Cottons May be Smart", "Salads the Year Round", "The Clothes Closet up to date", etc. Through their clubs they are learning the difference between house-keeping and home-making; the nation will be a reflex of the horn- she makes, the community she helps and the schools she helps to improve. Through her club work she learns "co-operation, tolerance, industry, thrift, how to employ profitably leisure lime, and how to speak in public". May the Women's Institutes in the Area continue to encourage and assist the Juniors, for they are the future members of the W.I. To quote Miss Eadie -- "Do not be too ambitious for your girls; rather endeavour to arouse in them, ambition for themselves'. With the outbreak of World War II, the W.I.'s of Hamilton Area stood ready for action. They worked in the fields to help increase food production; they practised thrift in their homes; they made jam for overseas; knitted socks, made quilts and bought Victory Bonds. They made large sums of money which they contributed to various causes -- the Red Cross, Navy League, Chinese Relief Fund, Jam Fund and the "Central Fund" set up by the F.W.I.O. Board etc. Large numbers attended classes (organized in their own localities) in First Aid and Home Nursing and "Air Raid and Precaution Work", after which, some took the advanced course of the St. John's Ambulance Association. Many helped distribute ration cards and collect salvage; some worked with the Consumers' Branch of the W.P.T.B. and the Red Cross. To familiarize themselves with the various "War Aids" qualified speakers were invited to the conventions to explain their own special line of work -- Red Cross, Victory Bonds, W.P.T.B., St. Johns Ambulance Association. Special mention is due Mrs. T. B. Barrett, Norfolk County. In September 1939, Mrs. ,Barrett conceived the idea of "Norfolk Jam for British Children". In the first year the women of Norfolk County, made and sent to Britain 10,000 pounds of jam. They worked in co-operation with the Red Cross later, the Red Cross supplying the cans and paying cost of transportation, but they still continued to use their original label -- "Nor-folk Jam for British Children". In addition to their jam and honey, they also sent $100.00 worth of canned baby foods.