COROMANDEL AREA TOURED

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 59, Issue 4249, 1 March 1950, Page 8

COROMANDEL AREA TOURED

NEW GROUP

PENINSULA INSTITUTES 300 WOMEN AT TAPU i ■ STABT OF COROMANDEL TOUR [Contributed] The tour «t the Coromandel Peninsula by members of the executive of - ' the Thames-Hauraki Plains Fl deration «f Women’s Institutes comi MMKSd on Fdbrtriry 21 in perfect f weaker with the sea sparkling in the 'tright sunshine as it lapped the road 'wnlto en the road to Tape. JL MIMB *®d ears were parked beside VBam Tape community centre hall BUMS >OO people bad gathered to nineteenth birthday of Women’s Institute the reforming of Cfft institute chaired entering and after disKSgnft was grilled to use the name MshriesnM for the newly forced group. MnMfen area will now yKweri by tturoe groups, Hauraki, aril thuTnninsula. pit M. I* Lithgow, president, exa wrieOmo to the members Eltah tim Peninsula group and (-•lglhwMOd the opinion that the six f igiUhriH worid 'dririve much benefit fat their rtidNjfei twice in every , Mrs G. Pfgaock << the Dominopobo.sf the great value ' Si mH arise from the ngw group v-.fteart and extended the best ■wlgibnm from the Dominion executive, ’ffeg lariftates wtdeh formed the cw> Wt Thames. Thames ImmtaaiN. Caromandel, Meis W«* Coroglen The commitndHh eomktod of the president tet£ teMritey of iMtitato then yitfiriAM next would be held F OToiimninf-r^ «M*L ttfOgfar the osurlurioa of the routine Wh birthday party of the □Witte. (Mast iaatitate commented fegEwW W>v <* “Comrades and JraEmfeT aiglfeen fioßewod a delirious Width aH dH fan justice. fe Who enbn.euttfc'g ememony was psr- & Maadaart Lithgow, Pin- / rSiTf flirt Ilriai, the latter having 41Mb. the cube which proved to be Eri ofleial guests wore Mrtabd with shoulder sprays. - . WMblok of the Jlangimairo Maori Institute delighted the gglbuee wM Maori welcome songs ' rt Mn Idttcow saw TogMSt pieces, IMS Home* and ‘The OH X sMtada»* Competitions and cocnmm* kopt visitors entertained , rtl aftmuath *• concluded a full day.

AIHMIA YWHD ' '... —• J WKHMAIR* EMTERTAINS ’ toto ef the exeeutive JpMbWjsAf' t&» ThamesHsnraki ' >htai DMriet Federation of Woewn’i L Jbtotoatas ostomd o® frees T«pa »p .. lO* to Ahfaato where the touring .pMtF »**• MM to have it* evening . Mtol to the fwste of the RangieMtoe ’ JW Wtoto®’» Institute. J , Xtonito the totta wed *t th* store, / the •«* ea«*W huwl toene we* that ? M• 9% <>«*•• M) enjoying <' lito iMHptafß that were kft to the Shk et a Jaresy ««to The shining •eat tori Ml beh< of the pig ' fa**# toto tr he a Wtiur habit eat the ****** eeatoatotoat aa toe ; her eod, that toe wa* a willing 1 - eetihtoy,* the A*Mp*h«twa* 1 jartiir eo-opvsuting, and it ' Witofed that it will <Wy ha leeerded Ml toite uf the letoeeoe of the hour, jfltaty patient Maori huebends tntotod atowljr *P the hill* to their >*■** ritor mitring to take pet luck While their wahinea wtoriaatoMe for their guest*. ' ft* federation party was invited into te one the food being prejwed, a truly enticing light, with the black pot* ewinging over an gpep too in an enormous fireplace, aerupalouiiy scrubbed tables were set wit* nowy cloths and spread with plates at luscious white potatoes, jpßow kumti**, dll cooked to perC htom, tori every ether vegetable one gotod toetai. Grid meats, including gfe* tretteee, fresh bread to be buttorod, and a large plum pudding to top < made a sfilendH repeat '-ft* OMtaea* ef the long dining hall, ' toe writ oooked meal and the quiet eevtogy of the hostoases war* moat Mtoatoigg Mg any headache* that Vv

might have arisen from the strenuous day were soon dispelled. Later the Maori members were most interested in the demonstrations and expressed their appreciation of the Pakeha use of waste.

A cup of tea was served at 9 p.m. and the president, Mrs Renati, thanked tiio executive for their visit and hoped they would soon come again. Mrs N. L. Lithgow sang the Ohinemuri group song, and said that she hoped the Peninsula group would also compose jts song.

Three graceful poi dances and then a rousing haka with plenty of tongue farewelled the -party at the close of a very happy visit.

COROMANDEL VISITED HOSPITAL INSPECTED The executive members of the Thames-Hauraki Plains Federation of Womens’ Institutes arrived in Coromandel late in the evening of the first day of their Peninsula tour and were billited out with institute members for the night.

Next morning a visit was paid to the Coromandel hospital, looking very bright in new paint, and commanding ,a glorious view of the harbour sparkling in the sunlight. Graciously received by the matron, members appreciated being allowed to go about freely. Beginning with the large airy kitchen, where a large pile of wood besides the enormous stove, would have gladened the heart of manfy country cooks, the party had a most interesting tour.

The nursery curtains, appliqued in designs, with the blue birds of happiness in flight across the valance, had been embroidered by the staff, Which takes a pride in its surrounding|. Only one little cot was occupied arifrthat small person was not interested in federations.

Members of the Coromandel institute are making woollies for hospital prematures. The squabs in the wafting room, as well as tray cloths, feeders, etc., were all evidence of their splendid community spirit. An institute member convalescing on the verandah was pleased to renew old acquaintances. Eager also to join in the fun was a small brown permanent, whom the staff has nicknamed Nanki-poo.

The new swimming pool in a perfect natural setting of overhanging trees, the sunken garden, the tennis court now under construction, and the wellkept grounds, all added to the hospital’s appeal. Farewelled by the reridant doctor, executive member* delighted to have had such an interesting visit. Coraaandel Woteeme A delicious luncheon in St George's hall had been pnpansd and the guests were presented witt flower* and officially welcomed by Mrs Ball, president. In reply Mrs N. U Lithgow said that the federation realised how valuable was the personal contact with members, many of whom were unable to travel to council meeting* and other function*.

After expressing her thanks Mrs Mthgew was able to explain many pointe of institute procedure not always fully understood by members. Items given during too afternoon were most entertaining, beginning with a brocket of songs, “It’s Only a Tiny Garden” and “Rosebud” by Mrs Longley. Elocutionary items by Mrs Venables “The Char” and “Earthenware,” then later, “Afternoon Tea” and “Youth and Beauty” by Mrs Davies, were greatly enjoyed. Mrs Lithgow sang request numbers . The demonstrations of felt work, tatting, cellophane hate, rug making and floral art taken on tour received special attention. A happy day concluded with ’ afternoon tea, Mrs Kennedy being the winner of the competition. rm at upprupv ray

CALL AT MERCURY BAY 19th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED Continuing their Peninsula tour the member* of the executive of the Thames-Hauraki Plain* Federation of Women’s Institutes took the road to Mercury Bay through vergin bush, with lovely views of the coastline. It wa* a pleasant experience. On arrival the party was met by Mrs Sharpies, president of the Bay institute. A visit of inspection to the rest room, which had been the result of special institute activities,

proved most interesting. Five members were appointed annually to maintain the room and the gardening circle was responsible for the grounds, which were well-kept and gay with flowers. The cane furniture chosen by Mrs Ralph, added to the charm of the oasis. The foresight of early members in planting palms along the foreshore (has been rewarded and these now make a pleasing addition to the attraction of the beach.

Retiring to the homes of various fnembers for the evening meal, the members of the party later took part in the celebration of Mercury Bay institute’s nineteenth birthday in the new hall. Visitors were present from Coromandel and Coroglen institutes and there was a large attendance. A special welcome was extended to Mrs McDowell, president of the North Waikato, federation and flowers were presented to guests. The lovely picture presented by Mercury Bay institute’s English link was much admired.

Demonstration* for those interested were popular. A bracket of songs “Where My Caravan Has Rested” and “Where ’Ere You Walk,” were charmingly rendered by Miss J. Hughes. Competitions were won by Mrs Stocker and Mrs Topp. Mr Howe delighted the audience with his songs “Yeomen of England” and “Nirvana.” By special request Mrs Lithgow sang “Happy Song,” “Waiata Poi” and “The Old Refrain.” Next Mesdames Hughes, Sharpies and Crabbe cleaverly produced the amusing sketch “Widows." AH of the touring party took part in th* cafes cutting ceremonial Sharpies and Miss Hodge were highly praised for th* baking and th* icing of th* cake. The national anthem concluded a very happy birthday. THIRD DAY’S TRIP COROGLEN AND TAIRUA On the third day of the Peninsula tour of ti>* executive members of th* Thames-Hauraki Plain* Federation of Women's Institute* the party proceeded to Coroglen where demonstration* were again given to those members of Coroglen institute who had been unable to attend at Mercury Bay on the previous night.

Matters of procedure were discussed, exchange of plants arranged and one member was able to present the demonstrator with a machine attachment for rug making, very hard to procure. The said member will now have to find a new implement for fishing soap out of her copper. The scenery,again was beautiful on the way to Tairua. A unique sight after passing through the verdant Whenuakite valley was the cattle stops marking the boundaries of large holdings of virgin property, not having road fences. Hardy sheep and cattle passed on the road made one aware of the problem at round-up time on a 3000 acre farm.

A lovely view was had of the Aiderman Islands from the hills and later of the famous Tairua hill, shaped like a condiment set. Passing the dear old home “Hornsea,” nestling in the trees and filled with treasures of early history, unknown excepting to those who have the privilege of sharing its hearth. The beach is strewn with enormous kauri logs and mill ends that tell their own story of bygone days.

Eleven members assembled at the 'home of the president, one having rowed two miles across the bay, and others travelled long distances to be present. All showed great interest in the demonstrations and expressed the hope that the federation would be able to arrange other demonstrations for the outlying districts. Billeting was again enjoyed that night, when the party gained a further insight of the facilities desired by institute members. FINAL DAY OF THE TOUR TRIP TO HIKUAI The final day of the Peninsula tour of the executive members of the Thames-Hauraki Plains Federation of Women’s Institutes took them to Kikuai which was reached at 10 a.m. Members of the Hikuai Women’s Institute had assembled in the hall to welcome the touring party. After the demonstrations had been conducted a delicious lunch was served. Mrs N. L. Lithgow explained procedure, which helped to strengthen the bond between the federation and memityers and lots of interesting points came up for discussion. Mrs Lithgow congratulated Hikuai on winning the Capper cup at the Ohinemuri group meeting and then sang by (request the favourites This House,, and “The Old Refrain.”

Farewells had to be made in the early afternoon and it was with a feeling of deep regret that the touring party said goodbye to old and new Peninsula friends. On all sides requests were made for a repeat of the tour at a not too distant date. The hospitality shown in all areas wias magnificent and regret was expressed that all members of the executive had not been able to make the trip, /regardless of the extra accommodation that would have had to be provided. To stay a week at each place would have been quite in order for them and highly desirable for those who were receiving sueh bounteous hospitality.

Two hundred <nd forty miles were covered during the tour and no corner of institute territory missed. Federa.tion members felt that the knowledge gained would be of great value in administration and the splendid co-operative spirit most heartening on all sides.