OVER 350 PRESENT

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 60, Issue 4342, 11 October 1950, Page 2

OVER 350 PRESENT

NETHERTON’S BIRTHDAY

INSTITUTE’S GREAT SUCCESS

Over 350 1 people attended the celebration of the twentieth birthday of the Netherton Women’s Institute, visitors being present from all the sister institutes and women’s divisions. Mrs C. Townshend welcomed all present and opened the programme with the national anthem, followed by two pianoforte solos by Miss Pam Reid. A sketch on institute life as it affects the home was given by members and caused much amusement. Members’ children then gave a delightful entertainment dressed as sunflowers and Mexican cowboys. Mesdames Simpson, Petley and McLachlan held the audience with a play entitled ’’Who Holds the Cards.” Then followed the rendering of “The Lindon Tree” and “Dear Hearts” by the five senior girls. A humorous play, “Just Give Anything” was well received, the cast being Mesdames Skinner, Bourne, Williams, Smith and Bennett. Messrs Gray and Bnice Townshend rendered “I did’t know the gun was loaded” and “Gendarmes Duet” in costume.

Entertainment of a high standard was presented by Mesdames B'»chanan, Louch and Durman in a play “No Ancestors.” Two quartettes, “The daughter of Rose O’Grady” and “Galway Bay” was presented in costume by Mesdames Heslop, Townshend, Grey and Bruce Townshend. Tap dancing interludes in Irish costume were given by Janice Gibbs. In her pleasing manner Mrs lan Jameson rendered two delightful solos. Miss Janice Gibbs m fancy costume did a tap dance. A mime, entitled “The

Wedding of the Painted Doll,” made a charming picture with all its colourful costumes, the solo being sung by Mrs C. Heslop. Mesdames Townshend and Heslop sang two duets after which the closing item, “Till We Meet Again” was sung by all the cast. Mrs Geo. Sarjant and Mrs M. Gibbs were the accompanists and Mrs Gilbert Sarjant the announcer. The customary floral tributes and wishes Were exchanged, the president expressing pleasure at so many far away institute members being present. Mrs N. L. Lithgow, president o the Thames Hauraki District Federation of Women’s Institutes, brought greetings from the federation. Mrs A E. J. Pinnock brought greetings from the Dominion executive. Other greetings came from Waihi, Waikino, Paeroa, Puriri, Wharepoa, Patetonga, Pipiroa, Thames Coast and Waihi juniors. Also present were members of the Ngatea, Tirohia and Kerepehi branches of the women’s division The beautiful birthday cake, iced in our colours, was made by Mrs J. Gordon and iced by Mrs Miorgan. The candles were lit by Mrs Geo. Sarjant, the only foundation member left in the district, extinguished by Mrs Pin.-.ock and the first slice cut by Mrs Lithgow. A delicious supper brought a most enjoyable birthday to a close.