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Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3132, 17 June 1942, Page 7

HOME & COUNTRY

TOWEL MADE FROM FLAX

MERCURY BAY INSTITUTE

INTERESTING COMPETITION

Owing to the prolonged indisposition of the president, Mrs Ralph, Mrs Brophy, vice-president, again occupied the chair at the meeting of the Mercury Bay Women’s Institute held at Whitianga on Thursday, June 11. There was a fair attendance of members.

A -letter from the president was read, in which she expressed regret at her enforced absence from the meeting, and wished the members a very happy afternoon. The secretary was asked to write thanking her and wishing her a speedy recovery.

A report of the Auckland District Federation Council meeting held: in May and a circular from the Dominion Federation were then read. Remits for the conference were read and discussed. In response to appeals for waste paper, old files and rasps and rubber articles for re-processing, arrangements were made for the use of the old butcher’s shop opposite, the garage as a depot. The secretary was asked to forward a letter of thanks to Mr Turley for his kindness in paying the insurance on the institute property in the E.P.S. rooms.

Mrs Harrison was welcomed and enrolled as a new member, proposed by Mrs Walker and seconded by Miss Lee.

The roll-call, “My ipost embarrassing moment,” was apparently not a very popular one, lid being collected in fines, for failing to answer.

Two short “Pioneer Tales” were read by Mrs Russell. “The Silent Prayer” used by many people in England on the chiming of “Big Ben” at 9 a.m. each day, was read and Mrs Russell kindly offered to type copies for distribution among the members desiring them. The “treasures” competition suggested: by Mrs Armstrong, proved very successful, many beautiful things being displayed. The voting was close and resulted in the prize being awarded to Mrs Watts for a teatowel made from flax, grown, spun and woven by herself more than 60 years ago. Exquisite hand-made lace shown by Mrs Russell was placed second.

The| vase of flowers competition, was won by Mrs Bronlund with Miss Lee second. The flowers were afterwards send to Mrs Ralph. Mrs Wells Jnr., kindly offered, to arrange the entertainment for the next meeting.

The white elephant sale realised 7'&. Mrs Heald proposed the usual vote of thanks to the hostesses, Mrs Bronlund seconding. The members then sang the National Anthem and the meeting closed. COROMANDEL MEETING COMMUNITY SING POPULAR The monthly meeting of the Coromandel Women’s Institute was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Wednesday, June 10. The president, Mrs D. Strongman, presided over a smaller number of members- than usual, chiefly owing to the cold, night. The president’s monthly letter was read by the secretary. Notice was received that the Dominion annual conference in Wellington was postponed for the duration of the war.

The secretary reported that the community sing held last month proved l very successful and enquiries had already been made by the public as to when another sing would be held.

Satisfactory results were obtained for the competitions sent in by this institute to the Auckland half-yearly conference. In view of the fact that the institute was very isolated and demonstrations could not be taken advantage of as in other districts and towns, the points gained were considered. very good. •Mrs Anderson, who attended the conference gave an interesting resume of the proceedings, among which was a most interesting talk by Miss Elsie K. Morton, her subject being’, “My Trip Through Holy Lands.” A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Anderson for her report as delegate.

It was resolved that a letter of thanks be sent to Mrs Atfield for her assistance in connection with, the entries for the competitions sent from the institute.

The roll call which was “My First Impressions of Coromandel/’ brought forth varied replies, some of which

were anything but complimentary. It was pleasing to note however, that the givers' of these last have since changed their minds. . The motto for the month was “May we never be hasty in. judgment, but always generous.” Mrs McKee sang “Smiling Thru’,” which was very much appreciated.