HOME & COUNTRY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3276, 16 June 1943, Page 7

HOME & COUNTRY

MERCURY BAY INSTITUTE INTERESTING AFTERNOON TALKS GIVEN ON AUSTRALIA About twenty members of the Mercury Bay Women’s Division joined together in the Whitianga Public Hall on Thursday afternoon, an' .part from the inclement weather, r n enjoyable time was spent by all. Mrs Russell, vice-president, conducted the meeting in the absence of the president, Mrs Ralph. The roll-call proved particularly responsive when all ladies present answered the question, “What did I do in my spare time?” with much humour and emphasis.

Miss E. Lee gave a gardening talk, her subject being “Carnations” and members’ knowledge was greatly increased by the many hints which were given on successful cultivation.

Prior to the serving of afternoon tea, two Australian-born members of the institute, gave separate talks on their native land and these proved very illuminating and interesting. Mrs Armstrong, who was born in Camden, N.S.W., introduced her talk with the showing of the aboriginal’s shield and boomerang, and further chatted on the beauty of the Blue Mountains, their tracks leading to floodlit waterfalls, and . the lovely views of blue ranges. Mrs Armstrong mentioned that the journey over the •Coromandel ranges to Mercury Bay, in places, reminded her of scenes similar to those obtained of. the Blue Mountains in Australia. Mrs Armstrong. concluded her talk with the showing of pictures and then introduced Mrs Russell to give ner chat on their native country.

Mrs Russell, explained in giving her town of birth in Australia, that actually there was tremendous rivalry ■between the State where she was born and that of Mrs Armstrong. Mrs Russell was born in Ballarat, Victoria, and claimed Melbourne as the leading city, in contrast to Mrs Armstrong’s claim for Sydney. Mrs Russell suggested amidst much laughter that it was said in Australia that Sydney was three “hours” ahead of Melbourne in that Sydney dwellers continually spoke of “our bridge, “our ’arbour” and “our Bradman.” Both speakers were acclaimed enthusiastically. A delicious afternoon tea was served, the hostesses being Mrs Heald, Mrs Wells and Mrs L. White.

Goods from the bring-and-buy were auctioned by Mrs Heald and the artiount of £1 Ils lid was raised, a portion of which was to be used for the delegate’s expenses.

It was proposed by Mrs McKenzie and seconded by Mrs Armstrong, that an extra spinning wheel be purchased for the institute, owing to the fact that the Spinning Circle members had increased so rapidly. The motion was unanimously carried.

The vice-president then called for an expression of thanks to the hostesses and this was proposed by Mrs .Sharpies and seconded by Miss J. Smith.

The singing of the National Anthem concluded the institute meetting.