WOMEN’S INSTITUTE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 204, 12 August 1927, Page 3

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE.

HAVELOCK NORTH BRANCH, MONTHLY MEETING. If variety be the spice of life, then the Women’s Institute certainly does its level best to provide a fair portion of that desirable ingredient. The programme at the Havelock North monthly meeting on the 10th included a biographical paper, musical items both instrumental and vocal, and such mundane matters as the choice and preparation of poultry and game. Mrs. Blair, the branch’s popular musical leader, gave a short but very graphic account of the life and work of Ludwig von Beethoven. His early years of struggle, his lessons under Haydn, andthis ultimate recognition as a genius were briefly described. I'he speaker, however, dwelt more particularly on the character and inherent qualities of the musician, describing him as “of formidable appearance, but a fine friend, sincere and loyal.” Emphasis was laid on the tragedy of his deafness, which became so great as to make him unable to hear one note of his own music. His indomitable courage sustained him, and through him the world is the richer by some of the noblest musical works ever written. By way of illustration, the Fifth Sonata for violin and piano was played by Miss Frances Fox and MrsBlair ; a feast of music it was, technically correct and full of brilliancy, playfulness and tenderness in turn. Mrs. Christie then sang the hauntingly beautiful ‘‘Mutual Love,” and Mrs. Barley gave a spirited rendering of “Knowest Thou the Land.” AH four artists were enthusiastically applauded and Mrs. Blair was warmly thanked for the pleasure she had given. After tea an address on “The Selection and Dressing of Poultry and Game” was given by Mr. W. Turtle. Many valuable hints were forthcoming by which housewives may detect the veterans of the farmyard and field. The talk concluded with the preparation and trussing of a fowl, every stage being watched with closest attention by the large audience. Mrs. Reeve presided, and the hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames Denton, Harvey, Marven and Phillips and Misses Crombie and Nairn.