Enthusiastic Gathering

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 45, 24 February 1936, Page 10

Enthusiastic Gathering

The half-yearly Tally of the Manawhenua Group of the North Wellington Federation of Women’s Institutes was held in the Koputaroa hall on Friday, the hostesses being the president (Mrs. H. Lancaster) and members of the Ihakara Institute. About 150 members of the various Institutes attended and a number of apologies were received from members unable to be present. The day was a most cnjoyablo one as after the business of the meeting was put through and the visiting members welcomed by the President the time was interspersed by a travel talk given by Miss Kane, of Wellington, a short address by Mrs. R. Kelso, Levin, and three plays presented by the Ihakara, Kimberley, and Koputaroa Institute's respectively. The first one entitled, "The Silver Salt Cellars,” was a most amusing piece and the characters wer e most ably portrayed by Mesdames Hustler, Doyle, Hillman and Miss Laing. The second, "A Story Without Words,” created a great deal of merriment. Those taking part were Mesdames Banning, Cliecseman and Coulson. "The Parting,” the last of the series, was particularly good. The interest was solely in tho dialogue and tho two ladies, Mrs. W. Lancaster and Miss Koberstein, aro to be congratulated on their interpretation.

The judging of tho banners created a great deal of interest and the judge, Miss F. Cameron, of Levin, had a difficult task in placing the winners, as oight Institutes were represented. The first prize was awarded to Kimberley. Their exhibit was indeed a striking one, being a multi-coloured emblem, red and orange predominating on a black ground. Second place was awarded to Shannon. This banner was also most effective, tho work being carried out on a farvn background. A Women's Institute Badge was the central design and cleverly worked around it were scenes, both rural and industrial. The work of tho Ihakara W.I. was adjudged third on the list and this was a handsome floral design on a black background. Each banner put forward by the different Institutes was in itself a work of art as the three requirements necessary w-ere effect, neatness and design. Mrs. Neas, President of the Kimberley W. 1., received a handsome vase as tho trophy.and in a few words of thanks made special mention of Mrs. E. Pickering, whose wonderful needlework had been put into the winning banner. At a suitable time during the pro ceedings the President, Mrs. Lancaster, extended a welcome to Miss Kane, Mrs Kelso and Miss Cameron, showing her Institute’s appreciation by presenting each with a dainty bouquet. Later, Miss Kane and Miss Cameron, on the motion of tho President, -were both awarded a hearty vote of thanks for their services- by acclamation. No small amount of time could have been spent in examining .he articles brought for display, prominent among them being a beautiful patchwork quilt, a crocheted quilt, done in wool of Oriental colouring which appeared to be both ornamental as well as use ful, a number of handsome supper and tray cloths and vases of papier machc. A tea service of royal blue and gold, which was over 100 years old created exceptional interest as also did a cup and saucer, said to be of the first willow pattern design. An elderly doll complete with a set of clothes was a most unusual exhibit and provided a continual source of interest. The hostesses were responsible for a delicious afternoon tea -which was served before farewells were made and the singing of the National Anthem brought the proceedings to a close.