WOMEN'S INSTITUTES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 95, 23 April 1931, Page 13

WOMEN'S INSTITUTES.

MATAMATA. A pleasant afternoon was spent on Thursday in St .Andrew's Hall at the April meeting of the Matamata Women's Institute, which took the form of a social afternoon given to women pioneers of the Matamata district. Mrs. Ryan, president, presided over about 120 members and pioneers. The president welcomed the pioneers, and extended hearty birthday greetings to Miss Monkton, a visitor, who was celebrating the eightieth anniversary of her birthday on that day. The president then called on Mrs. Graveson, as the oldest member of the institute, and a pioneer of the district, to relate some of her experiences. In an interesting and humorous speech Mrs. Graveson described Matamata as it was in about 190S, when there were few shops and the social hall was the old wool shed—now the F.A.C. building. The speaker paid credit to the Beautifying Society for transforming into the attractive street Broadway what was once a veritable bog, in which many shoes had been left, including one of_ the speakers. Others who gave reminiscences of the early days were Mrs. Geo. Johnston, who remembered Matamata when there were large paddocks and few shops; and Mrs. J. Cranswick, who recalled Firth's estate, as Matamata then was, being used for wheat-growing. In those days there were no trains and no schools, children having to be educated at Morrinsville. Mrs. Cranswick mentioned that her parents owned the first shop in Morrinsville, while Mr. Pohlen's was the first car. At the conclusion of these interesting memoirs afternoon tea was served by the hostesses, who were Mesdanies Magill, C'rowther, Mac Donald, Mateor, Living- j stone. Hawes and McCready. All present then joined in community singing, Mrs. Schofield accompanying tlleni at the piano. The following items were given: Song, Mrs. J. Stevenson, contralto; song, Airs. Brown (president Waitoa W. 1.), contralto; humorous recitations, Mrs. J. Buchanan; song. Mrs. Whelan, soprano; pianoforte solo, Mrs. A. H. Turtle; song, Airs. Clinch (Auckland), contralto; song, Miss Pedersen, soprano. The singing of "Auld Lang Syne"\ and the National Anthem brought to a close what had been to both members and friends a delightful afternoon.; Among the pioneers present were Mesdames W. Ring, of Hinuera, who has been a resident of the district for nearly fifty years; Simpson and Cranswick (4i» years), G. Johnston (27). E. C. Banks (27), S. Gunn (26), Ware, Graveson, Grayling (Te Poi). S. Bead (Te Poi), Casley, Vosper and Maisey. WAIUKU. The Waiuku Women's Institute held its first birthday celebrations on Wednesday evening. There was a large gathering of members and friends, including '.representatives from the Tuakau and Pukekohe branches. Mrs. Teape, the president, occupied the chair and welcomed the visitors. Miss Ziman, of Auckland, gave an address on a trip to Palestine. The speaker dealt with her subject in a very capable manner, and was followed with much interest. A playctte, "The Dear Departed," givyi b\ a number of high school pupils, was much enjoyed. Songs were rendered by Mrs. Cutfield, Miss Johnson and Mr. Mayhead, and elocutionary items by Mrs. McDonald and Miss Shepherd. After supper a birthday cake was cut by Mrs. Teape.