BAY INSTITUTE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 54, Issue 32629, 3 October 1945, Page 7

BAY INSTITUTE

HUSBANDS’ EVENING SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION VERY PLEASANT PROGRAMME j At the Whitianga Hall on August 30, the Mercury Bay Women's Instl- - arranged an evening for husbands and also invited the members of the Chamber of Commerce and their wives. Quite a pleasant programme was organised and theie was a good attendance. The president, Mrs Sharpies, jjpoke a few nicely chosen words in welcoming the guests and announced Mrs Ralph’s first item which was a musical story. Mrs Ralph played a number of popular tunes, the titles of which fitted in to a story. One unfinished line was “They Met —answer, “Forty Red-headed .Sailors, was played, etc. The winner of the competition was ladies, lMr& Russell; men, Mr L. Clark. Mrs McKenzie and Mrs Russell sang a bracket of humorous' songs 1 , in costume, and the former was typical of the young maid, while Mrs Russell made a splendid youth. Each acted their parts well and caused laughter and well-earned applause. Mrs C. Hare was- the accompanist. Mrs Sharpies’ “knowledge test” resulted in Mrs ‘Prestage and Mrs Brophy both being even for first place. However, they drew and Mrs Brophy was successful. Mr H. Simpson gained highest points for the men.

The next item caused some amusement. The men had to decide their wives’ or others’ ankles, which were numbered. About 13 ladies entered and the winner was Mr L. Russell who had three correct. The second had two correct. It appeared a difficult job and it caused laughter when it was learned which were correct. Some husbands failed to even discover which were their wives ankles. The ladies were hidden behind a screen and only 13 pairs of ankles to be seen and all in about the same shade of stockings and ankles of many sizes and types, so no wonder it was so hard a task. The next item was the feature of the evening. Those present were indeed’ fortunate to be able to listen to the beautiful singing of Mrs Madill, Who has a really lovely trained voice. She was accompanied by Mrs Sharpies. In her opening number, Mrs M ! adill chose “I’ll Walk Beside You.” Every word could be heard and her voice has a marvellous range.“ Keep On Hopin’ ” was the second number and suited Mrs Madill’s voice admirably. 'Loud and generous applause greeted the singer.

In the second half of the programme Mrs Madill’s voice admirably. Loud ience and all were delighted with her rendering of “In An Old-fashioned House” and “Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms.” A pianforte solo by Mrs Ralph was fully appreciated. A charade arranged by Mrs Roily Smith was quite good. The word was “Catastrophy” and taken and acted in three syllables, and the last act the word. Those taking part were Mrs Harsant, Mrs McKenzie, Mrs Russell, Mrs Tucker and Mrs Smith. A mime was arranged by Mrs Brophy, entitled' “The Salon On A Busy Day.” Those taking parts included 'Mrs H. Simpson, Mrs McKenzie, Mrs Russell, Mrs Prestage, Mrs Harsant, Mrs' Brophy. This was a humorous item and the attendants were kept very busy attending the numerous types of clients. It added to the amusement of the evening and caused much laughter. A nice supper was served'.

IMr H. Simpson thanked the members on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and Mr F. Brophy expressed the appreciation of the husbands.

The evening closed; with the singing of the National Anthem.