Women’s Institutes

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 212, 8 September 1936, Page 3

Women’s Institutes

AW ATE A GROUP MEETING The first meeting of the newly formed Women’s Institute Group held at To Arakura on Friday afternoon was an unqualified success. The stage decorated with spring bulbs, anemones and nectarine blossom, created a bright springlike atmosphere. On tho stage wore Miss M. S. Grant, president of the North Wellington (the speaker for the afternoon), Mrs A. Griffith, president of Tc Arakura Women’s Institute, and Mrs D. T. Whisker, group convenor. North Wellington Federation was also represented at tho meeting by Mesdames A. McCorkindalc, A. K. Di cw and W. G. Short. The meeting opened with the singing of “Comrades and Friends” followed by a welcome extended to visitors by Mrs A. Griffith. Apologies for absence were received from Mrs R. Kelso and Mrs P. A. Bailey. Miss Grant gave a very interesting account of the triennial conference of the Associated Countrywomen of the World held recently at Washington D.C. at which she had been one of the New Zealand delegates. At the conclusion of the address Miss Grant, Mrs Griffith and Mrs Whisker wore presented with shoulder sprays by Marjorie Burnham. Items which contributed to the pleasure of tho gathering were as follow: Miss if. \A ood (Bunnythorpe), vocal solo; Mrs W. Ward and Miss Eliza Ward (Awahuri), poi dances; Misses Roberts (Pohangiua), vocal duets; ballet dance, “Belt Boy,” Colyton Institute girls; Miss Julie Kendrick (Feilding), recitation; Mrs 11. B. Clapham (Palmerston North), vocal solos. Much interest was centred in a short historical play by To Arakura drama circle entitled “Campbell of Kilmohr.” Those taking part were Mrs F. M. Bradley, “Mary Stuart;” Miss Marjorie Burnham, “Alorag Cameron;” Miss M. E. Hausen, “Dugald Stuart;’ Mrs E. H. Haythorne, “Campbell of Kilmohr;” Mrs G. Firth, “Captain Sandeman;” Mrs J. Sanley, “James Mackenzie;” Miss E. Baxter, a soldier. Mrs D. T. Whisker was producer and introduced the p'ayettc. Mrs A. K. Simpson (Newbury) expressed the thanks of tho meeting to Miss Grant for her very interesting address. Mrs Moar, Pohangina Women’s Institute, thanked the hostess institute for the genial hospitality received and Mrs E. O. Bond (Awahuri) moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Griffith (chairwoman) and to Mrs D. T. Whisker (convenor). A number of names had been sent in, in connection with naming the new group and on a vote being taken the decision was given to “Awatea,” meaning ‘Break of Day.’ An invitation from Pohangina Women’s Institute to hold the next group meeting in Pohangina on Wednesday, February 24, was accepted by the meeting. An exhibition stall held many beautifully made articles which were a centre ot' interest and inspira-j tion. The meeting closed with the singing of the National Anthem. POHANGINA. Members met in the Pohangina hall for their monthly meeting. There was a fair attendance and Mrs. Orgias u-elcomed Mrs. Barnicoat and Mrs. McCorkindale. The meeting opened with the “Creed” and “Ode to Friendship,” after which nominations for president were received. Mrs. J. Moar was elected, there being only one nomination, and Mrs. L. Tews was elected treasurer. Letters of thanks were received from Miss Balmer and Mrs. Thomson. Members were asked to bring suitable gifts to the next meeting for the purpose of sending to the Leper Station. The roll call, “Gardening Hints,” met with good response. Mrs. Barnicoat gave a locturo on “Home Nursing” and a talk on tho “Birth of tho Institute.” This was warmly appreciated by members and was received by acclamation. The points competition for a spring posy was held, the visitors judging the entries, tho winners being: Seniors, Mrs. L. Tews 1, Mrs. Sinclair 2, Mrs. Drummond 3; juniors, Miss Coldwcll 1, Miss Sinclair 2, Miss Howell 3. A special competition for a bowl of daffodils effectively arranged, for which Mrs. Drummond donated a trophy, was won by Miss 11. Roberts. At the October meeting Mrs. McCorkindalc will give a demonstration on “Pottery,” and tho competition will be for a jug of spring flowers. The hostesses are Mesdamcs T. Harland, N. Moar, O'. Klink and Miss Howell. The meeting closed with a delicious tea served by the hostesses.