Women’s Institute.

Matamata Record, Volume XVI, Issue 1442, 17 July 1933, Page 2

Women’s Institute.

WAHAROA BRANCH.

“Husbands’ Evening.”

The annual “ husbands’ evening ” of the Waharoa branch, held in the hall last Thursday, attracted a large attendance, including visitors from the Matamata and Walton branches.

During the earlier portion of the evening dancing proceeded, following which a speech of welcome was made by Mrs. D. R. Gunn (president of the Waharoa branch). A number of items were then contributed. A minuet in costume was danced by Mesdames Maisey, Jagger, Cubis, Williams, Ryan, Nielsen, Wathen and Miss Surrey. Mrs. Radford was encored after an Irish jig, and she received a box of chocolates from the members of the minuet for her assistance during rehearsals of that dance. Mrs. Gunn received a box of chocolates from Miss Joy Williams on behalf of the members of the branch.

An amusing sketch entitled “ The New Doctor” was presented by the following : Dr. Fixem (very elderly), Mrs. W. P. Ryan; Mrs. Fixem (a nurse, very youthful), Mrs. R. W. Burns. The doctor and his wife were newly wed and recent arrivals in Waharoa. Their patients were wellknown men of Waharoa, who were impersonated by members of the institute.

After dancing, a one-act play entitled “ The Blue Chamber ” was presented by the following : Reggie, Mrs. Ryan ; Bassett, Mrs. Burns ; Earl Fitzdoodle, Mrs. Nielsen; Ann, Mrs. C. Stanford; Spanish Ambassador, Mrs. J. B. Wathen. Dancing was continued until a late hour, those contributing to the musical programme being Mesdames C. D. Barker, F. W. Wright, O. Lasenby, Miss White, Dr. Abernethy (Matamata). Messrs. W. E. Ayers, L. Cubis and W. R. Burns were M.

After all who assisted during the evening had been thanked, Mr. T. Walker thanked the members of the institute on behalf of the husbands for the enjoyable evening. The speaker caused much amusement by threatening to organise a similar function at which the husbands would endeavour to stage a reprisal.

MORRINSVILLE BRANCH.

Night Circle’s Birthday Party,

The Parish Hall presented a very gay scene on Wednesday night, when the night circle of the Morrinsville Women’s Institute held its first birthday party, which took the form of a fancy dress party, back-to-childhood costume being optional. The hall had been tastefully decorated in institute colours by a band of willing helpers under the guidance of Mrs. N. Chapman. About 200 people were present, including visitors from Waitoa, Walton and Motumaoho, to whom Mrs. Pole extended a welcome.

The evening opened with a grand march, all those in costume taking part. Dancing formed the main part of the programme, the music being supplied by Mesdames J. Seales, L. Pole and Miss Brayshaw. A minuet in costume by members of the Waitoa Institute was very dainty, and met with much applause. An exhibition of club swinging was given by Misses Finn, Skinner, Wright and Jackson. “ Rufty Tufty,V an English folk dance, was another item by the Morrinsville Institute. Mrs. Wood gave elocutionary items. Community singing was led by Mrs. J. J. Seales.

Supper was served from one long table, pride of place being given to the birthday cake, which Mrs. Pole had made. It was beautifully iced in Institute colours by Miss Fielder.

Among those present were: Mesdames W. T. Osborne (Before Plunket Treatment), Peat (After Plunket Treatment), Dendy (Black Mammy), Seales (Rio Rita), Jenkin (Toddler), J. Osborn (Early Victorian), Holcroft (Sailor), Brodie (Spanish Lady), L, Osborne (School Girl), Ennis (Baby), Seville (Highlander), Ten Little Nigger Boys, and Misses Hewitt (Golfer), Coulter (Baby), Echlin (Nurse). The singing of “ Auld Lang Syne” brought a pleasant evening to a close.

TE POI BRANCH. There was a large attendance at the July meeting of the Te Poi branch of the Women’s Institute. The president (Mrs. J. E. Davidson) presided. Several visitors were present, and proceedings were very enthusiastic. After routine business had been transacted, during which several new members were welcomed, a very interesting address on Rhodesia was given by Miss Hill, of Te Pahu, who related her experiences in Rhodesia.

An interesting practical demonstration of making baskets from pine needles was given by Miss Hills, assisted by Mesdames Follett and Newland, of Te Pahu. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded these ladies for their educative entertainment. The roll call was “ The Place Where I Was Born ” and was very popular and interesting. Those born in New Zealand were in the majority, and there were three from London, one each from Cornwall, Derbyshire, Ireland and Scotland, and two from Australia.

The points competition for the best sponge was won by Mrs. Lansdowne, with Mrs. Priestly second. Mrs. Thornton, of Matamata, was judge, and received a hearty vote of thanks. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames Lansdowne, Stopford and Molloy.