FOXTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Manawatu Herald, Volume LII, Issue 4797, 18 August 1932, Page 3

FOXTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

BIRTHDAY PARTY. A wet night did not in the least dampen, the enthusiasm of members of the Institute when the Foxton branch celebrated its second birthday with a social function in the Alasonic Hall on Tuesday evening, for the hall was taxed to its utmost capacity to accommodate the large number who attended, which is evidence of the great popularity of the movement. The function itself was' an outstanding success. [Mrs A. P. Easton presided and after welcoming visitors from Oroua Downs, Shannon, Tokoiriaru, Levin and Koputaroa, read apologies for absence from Airs W. 11. Walton, past president, Airs Lee, and Airs A. S. Easton, all of whom extended good wishes for the Institute’s progress. The President then spoke of the growth of the movement in Foxton and throughout the Dominion. Alembers, she said, were proud to belong to' a body of such far reaching influence. Reference was also made to the wonderful co-operation of members generally. Airs Easton then called on the Mayor (Air. AI. E. Perreau) to address the gathering. Air. Perreau said he too was proud of the large (body of women who were there. He realised only too well that their mission was one of helpfulness and that in any emergency he would not call in vain for help or assistance. He felt sure they would spend a thoroughly enjoyable evening and visitors could always depend on Foxton’s welcome.

. The programme submitted was an excellent one, destined to cater for the enjoyment of the varied temperaments of old and , young. Afuch merriment and hilarity was created throughout and included items as follow, preceded by the Ode of Friendship:— Overture: Aliss Wright;' songs, contributed by Alesdam.es Stan. Austin and Thomas were delightfully rendered and encored; humorous competitions under the very able management of Airs Alary Rose, were particularly entertaining and mirth provoking; elocutionary item, “Packing” by Aliss Jean Stevenson. Dancing was also indulged in with Air. T. East at the piano. A playette entitled “Sewing for the Heathen,” was admirably portrayed by Alesdames Trueman, Barron, Rolbbie, Ala son, Byne, Thomson and Alisses J. Thynne and R, Warwick. This proved one of the star items of the evening and there was not a dull moment throughout its production. The

institute is much indebted to its versatile and clever producer, Airs D. R. Barron, president of the dramatic circle, whose services were called into requisition at the eleventh hour to fill the part of “Alary” rendered vacant by the indisposition of Aliss Pillar. Airs Barron and those ladies taking part must be complimented on its wonderful success.

Later came our local dispenser of “joy germs,” Air. G. F. Smith, whose fame as. a conductor of com-

inunitv singing has travelled far bevond Foxton. With Mr. J. New-

ton at the piano, things moved right merrily for this half hour,every moment being a happy one, and the whole assemblage entering

into the spirit of good humour which permeated the atmosphere. After announcing from an impromptu microphone the arrival of 3000 members of the Foxton Women’s Institute, he led the members in a delightful rendering of the Institute song. Popular numbers quickly folloAved, concluding with “When your Hair has Turned to Silver.” Needless to say. both he and his accompanist received a desei’ved ovation.

Not ( the smallest item -was the bountiful supper Avhich folloxved. A novel birthday cake artistically decorated Avith the Institute’s floral

emblem Avas then cut by the President,' Mrs Easton, after the lighting of the candles by the Mayoress and herself. • » '

At this juncture opportunity was taken to present both thA Mayoress and President Avith beautiful bou-

quets. Miss Barber, Avho made the presentation then handeci a charming little posy of pink sAveet peas, pink cyclamen and freezias to the Institute’s secretary, Mrs C. H. Symons. The cake Avas then distributed and pronounced delicious after which dancing continued till midnight, when the President thanked all those Avho had contributed to the great success of the evening and the party concluded with “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem. _____