ROSS NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1939, Page 6

ROSS NEWS

ROSS WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

(From Our Own Correspondent)

For mouths past tlie members UT/the Ross Women’s Institute have been' extremely busy preparing for the #leb'ration of their sixth birthday itiidFombining with it an effort to raise a-portion of the necessary funds for building’the Centennial Women’s Rest ROovii" in Ross. * Last Friday evening, the IStli.'-'.S.ng/ list they were greeted with a capacity/' house, the entertainment proving' ‘fat t unqualified success taking the foihn, of a concert'and dance. "'*• , Punctually at eight o’clock the Ross' orchestra opened with a, brilliant’-hum-!>or, and was appreciated very mu eh indeed. The orchestra -also gave valuabHvirid throughout the programme. The next item was nicely presented by Miss E. Pethig and V./'Paid, “The Wedding of tlie Painted Doll,’ Miss McKoy singing the song and the party of sixteen singing the chorus. Two little girls, Misses Hayward and Butler, from Ruatapu, gave two dance items, a Bailor’s Hornpipe and High land Fling, accompanied by piper Barrowman, Duncan Pethig rendered ’.his song “Little Sir Echo,” in a very finished style and was well received. A fashion parade depicting the changes in fashion Irom 1840—-1940 by 30 members of the Women’s Institute was well carried out, Mrs Peebles com-, men fating on each individual frock. One of the oldest exhibits was a genuine Paisley shawl, made in Scotland Over 200 years ago and brouglit' td” Hdlcitika by one of the early .pioneer' anil is now treasured by a relative hi Ross. All the frocks worn wore genuine old models and were in a wonderful state of preservation, the materials and trim, m'iugs and the workmanship proving a'.very interesting and educative study to this generation. .

The only copy Was an old period crinoline in pale pink taffetta and over/ dress of pink georgette being caught/up at intervals with pink rosebuds and black ribbon.

A delightful vocal duet by Miss Milly McKoy and Miss 1). Heveldt in character “The Old Rustic Bridge by the Mill,” was nicely given. An outstanding item was a farce entitled “Everyday Happenings at School,” bv Ross Women’s Institute Each character portrayed her part ex celleritly and the item caused much merriment-, doing great credit to the producer, Mrs Buchanan. A humorous recitation by Miss Margaret Hargreaves was given in.a finished style. Misses V. Paid and E. Pethig played very artistically a pianoforte duet. Mr Los Denia sang “My Little Grey Home in the, )Yest,” and had to respond to an encore. ;

A mime Clementine was,gi veil t .by tin Women’s Ipsjt-itptip ,menihers an,d,, yt&f. loudly applauded'.

The closing item “A Camp Fin Band” was well staged, over 3(J| taking part, rendering camp lire, songs, while Mr Fletcher accompanied with:.the piano-accordion; Mr Ken.McKey, j/the violin; Mr Murcott, banjo; Mr Robert; Parker,; swanee whistle; Mr Ableson. and Robert Thompson, cornets; H* Smith and Jack Dougall, month-organs.. After the concert a sumptuous .sup : per supplied by Institute members, was partaken of. The birthday., cake, beautifully iced by Mrs . J/lemlerson, Waitaha, was cut- by Mrs P.rystqn, President of the Hokitika,;,'; Women’s Institute, who wished the:' lnstituti many happy returns and thanked them for the pleasant evening. Institute members were present from Hokitika, Woodstock and R-imu, Kokatalii, Harihari and several visitors from the surrounding districts, Mrs Peebles (President), thanked all who had assisted in any way towards the success of the evening and tlie public for their attendance and patient hearing. Tlie evening concluded. with a very enjoyable dance, the music being supplied by the Ross orchestra.