WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Franklin Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 22, 28 February 1945, Page 2

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

THE PUKEKOHE BRANCH FEBRUARY MEETING AFFAIRS The president, Mrs W. G. Patterson. welcomed .a very fair gathering of members at the first meeting this year of the Pukekohe Women’s Institute. Several apologies for absence were received. The National Anthem and Institute Ode were sung and ordinary business dealt with. The suggestion that instead of competition tables entered by individual Institutes, group courts should he substituted at the bi-annual meeting of the Federation to be held in Auckland later in the year, was favourably received. Suggestions for the display are to be brought forward at* the next meeting.

Mrs Grice reported on the visit lo St. Stephen’s Infirmary in January, when members distributed magazines, flowers, cakes and scones to the patients. The problem session was a popular interlude when queries were answered, recipes given and useful hints exchanged. How + Deal With Flies One useful hint in view of the My nuisance was. “To keep flies from the table, spread the cloth and spray lightly with fly tox before pulling Hie food on.”

Several members received birthday posies with the good wishes of fellow members. Notification was given that Ihe annual meeting would he held in March and nominations for Hie of/ice of president and committee were called for. The treasurer’s report disclosed a very satisfactory financial position.

A very interesting programme followed the 'conclusion of business. Mrs MeWatt’s elocutionary items. “A Lame Man’s Tale” and “Ilis Mother’s Cooking.” were very popular. and songs by Mrs Partridge, rendered in her usual charming manner, were very much enjoyed by all. This versatile lady was also the speaker for Ihe evening, choosing as her subject, the month “February.” Delving hack into antiquity for the origin of the name. Mrs Partridge had discovered many legends and customs connected with’ Ihe month which have been handed down through the ages and many of which still persist in different forms in our own day. 11 was intensely interesting lo find Dial these customs wo accept so casualty, had I heir origin in those very distant days. The president thanked Mrs Partridge warmly for tier address. Each artist was presented witti a bouquet. Dispaly By Gardening Circle The gardening circle had staged a lovely display of (lowers which were later given to members. This month the members of this circle, which is very popular, met at Mrs Gascoine’s home and enjoyed a walk round tier garden. A visit lo some Auckland gardens is lining planned for the near future.

The monthly* competitions which wore judged by Mrs Partridge and Mrs Paleliell resulted :'Plum jam. Mrs Treiiwilh and Mrs Grotty equal) I. Mrs Page and Mrs Tronwilli equal'' >. Mrs Glows and Mrs Revolt (equal : besTHtloom. Mrs Oldham and Mrs Lawrie -equal I. Mrs Page 2, Mrs Buckland and Mrs Russell (equal) 8; cluster bloom, Mrs .1. Patterson I. Mrs Buckland 2. Mrs .1. Patterson 8: vase for effect. Mrs Grice !. Mrs Trenwitli 2 and 8. Slipper was served by the hostesses and a very enjoyable meeting brought to a close.