FOXTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 4260, 4 November 1933, Page 2

FOXTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE.

DRAMATIC ENTE R T AINMENT

There was a large and appreciative audience at All Saints’ schoolroom last evening when the Dramatic Circle of the Foxton Women’s Institute staged three plays and the Oroua Downs Circle one play, interspersed with musical and vocal items at the “open night.” Several of the performers sustained their parts with marked

success and good stage presence. There was an absence of mawkiness which so often obtrudes

amateur performances. Mesdames Thomson, Thomas and Miss Tliynne gave a very realistic exposure of the gossip which oftimes blackens the character of innocent people, in the “Tea-time Tempest,” The second play “Snowed un with the Duchess,” gave Miss Jean Stevenson an opportunity of displaying histrionic ability above the average. Miss Pillar had a somewhat difficult role to sustain as the French dressmaker, while Miss Wright, as the “Duchess” .with socialistic tendencies, gave a natural interpretation. Mrs Thomson as Farmer Hodge’s wife, was in keeping with the part. The Oroua Down’s contribution, “Phoebe Rebels,” gave Mrs Nelson-Scott as “Phoebe” an opportunity fo display histrionic talent much above the amateur standard —indeed she was a scream. A criticism of the “Bishop’s Candlestick” has already appeared in these columns and it can he said that this plav is the best of the Circle’s dramatic efforts to date in which all the characters were admirably sustained. ,

The plays and characters sus tained were as follows: —

“The Bishop’s Candlestick’: Mrs Thomas (“Bishop”); Airs Barron (“Convict —Jean Yaljean ’): Miss J. Stevenson (“Persome”); Miss U. Thomson (“Marie”); Mrs Byne (“Gendarme”). “Snowed up with the Duchess”: —Miss F. Wright (“Duchess”); Miss J. Stevenson (“Mrs Cholmondeloy Jones”); Miss D. Pillar (“Madam Value”): Mrs Thomson (“Mrs Hodge”). “Tea-time Tempest”:—Airs Byne (“Miss Hill”); Mrs Thomas (“Miss Baird”); Aliss J. Tlivnne (“Airs Sharp”): Airs Edwards (“Aliss Backhand”): Aliss Al. Barron (“Aliss Warrenden”); Aliss C. Walsh (“The Maid”): Mrs Thomson (“Aliss Preseod”). Oroua Downs Dramatic Circle: — “Phoebe Rebels”: Mrs NelsonSeott (“Phoebe”); Airs Hunter (“Maid”): Airs Hobbs (“Arabella”).

A pianoforte overture was pla\ ed by Miss E. Wright and much appreciated vocal solos were rendered by Airs S. Austin and a pianoforte duet by Misses Wright and Patterson. The accompaniments were played bv Aliss Patterson.

The members of the Foxton Dramatic Circle desire to sincerely thank the Oroua Downs Dramatic Circle for their help and also those who in any way assisted to make the evening a success.

MONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of tin Foxton Women’s Institute was htfld in the Anglican Sundav schoolroom, the President (Mrs A. P. Easton) presiding over a large attendance.

An interesting roll call com prised recipes for (he Dominioi Federation Cookery Book whicl brought forth nmiiv recipes am hints.

A very interesting talk on *"Nyasnlancl” was given hv the Rev. A. Fotheringliam and was listened to with great interest bv members. The speaker was accorded a hearty vote of thanks by the President who expressed the hope that Mr. Fotheringliam would speak again at some future date. A dainty afternoon tea was served by the following hostesses: Mrs C. H. Symons, Mrs and Miss Sutherland, Misses M. and -J. Stevenson, and Mesdames VV. H. Smith, Seabury, J. Synion and W. Trnoman.

A demonstration on Barbola work was given by Mrs Tremaine and was enjoyed bv all. Several native shrubs brought in by Mrs Procter were distributed among members. The following were added to me Beach Home Sub-committee: — Miss M. Barber. Mrs Blythe and Mrs S. Duds on.

A special appeal was made for the Beach Home, The monthly competition was a dainty bed jacket, the work of Miss M. Barber, which was won by Mrs Honore. The winners of the Goat hanger competition were as follows: — Mrs Honore 1, Miss M. Barber 2, Mrs Blythe 3. The “soft toy” was won by Mrs Blythe with Miss M. Barber'second and third. The singing of the National Anthem concluded a happy gathering.