AT THE SHOW.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 163, 12 June 1939, Page 11

AT THE SHOW.

WO AI EX’S INSTITUTES. 0 UTSTA N DIXG DIS PL A VS. . 44i0 true spirit of such an institution as the "Winter Show is the display oj the resources and occupations of district residents, to the outside world. Fanners, manufacturers and tradesmen take the opportunity to emphasise the importance to the public of their respective pursuits, and rightly so. But, of late years, an equally important, but often overlooked, section of the community have been attracting more attention—the home women, the wives and mothers of the men who keep up the reputation of the Alaimwntii as one of the richest districts in New Zen-' land, have their part to play and their work, all that goes to the making of home, is vital.

Through the AVomen's Institute's country women lnive been banded together to fiiid coinmon interest in improving their own lot nn»l that of their families, and that they |)rofit by this association is amply proved by the displays of their organisation at the Show. Every year reveals steady progress in the realisation of practical values, widening interests and artistic endeavour, and this year the exhibits show an even more marked advance than usual. Arranged us a street of shop windows, they present a most attractive appearance. There are cookery shops, flower shops, shops for baby wear and fancy work, an antique shop and a display of bedroom furnishings. The visitor is particularly struck by the artistic taste displayed in the arrangement of the numerous and varied articles. There is no jarring note anywhere, colourings arc harmonious, and the workmanship of even the tiniest article is painstaking and accurate, and it is most evident that the, AA omen's Institute members have caught the spirit of the old-time craftsmen and take pride in doing their work perfectly for the sheer jov of achievement rather than for practical reward. Anyone who has the temerity to allege that the women of New Zealand cannot cook is finally answered bv the cookery displays. Light crusty loaves, a poetising savouries and every soft of cake imaginable are there, and it is very luckv that they are well out of reach behind wire-netting or not even the. most honest visitor could resist such tempting dishes. Preserves and hot tied fruit look delightful and particularly interesting are the variety of meat dishes and pies. Artistry reaches a high standard in the decoration and icing of cakes, Irom the bumble bun to the most elaborate wedding cakes iced in delicate shades. One strikes an original note with a row of while icing sugar “brides” round each of its three tiers. For babies there are the daintiest embroidered frocks, bonnets, and bed linen and warm fluffy woollies in attractive designs. The bedroom display is complete down to harhola candlesticks and a. powder howl, the bed itself and the dressing-table having been made by the male relatives of the members. interesting articles among the antiques are a sewing machine brought to New Zealand 70 years ago by Lady Fox, bagpipes played at the Belief of Lucknow and a silver chatelaine. The flower displays are bound to attract admiration. AA'omen’s Institute members must truly have “green fingers” to grow such a wealth of lovely blossoms and foliage and the bouquets, gift boxes, sprays and wreaths would do credit to a professional florist in many eases. Little artificial ponds, rockeries and garden ornaments lend variety to these exhibits. Noticeable throughout- the display is the pride in attention to detail. * The lids of preserving jars have been painted to match the colour scheme of one stall. A dainty fan of flowers adds a finishing touch high up on a cake stall. .ALIIIV articles are neatly and clearly labelled and there is thought and originality throughout.