Women’s Institutes

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 57, 9 March 1937, Page 11

Women’s Institutes

GROUP RALLY AT FOXTON There was a large attendance at the group rally of the Women’s Institute which was held in the Town Hall at Foxton. Proceedings opened with the singing of the ode to friendship and the aspirations and a welcome was extended to visitors by the local president (Mrs J. Symon). Five members of the executive of the Wellington 'Federation were present, viz. Mesdames Short, Easton, Barnicoat, McCorkindale and Taylor, and each was presented [with a posy of flowers. Mrs Barber’s resignation as convenor was received I with regret, and Mrs Clarridge, of Opiki, was elected to the vacancy. During the afternoon Mrs S. Barber contributed two solos, “Tho Old Refrain” and “Songs of Golden Hours,” which were greatly appreciated, as also was an elocutionary item entitled “The Telegram,” contributed by Mrs Chittenden. A dress parade of frocks was then held, those taking part being Mesdames Evans, Proctor, Hustler, Harris, Brooks, Amon, Symons, Cunaham and Miss Heath. The winners were declared as follows;—Mrs Cunaham (Koputaroa) 1; Mrs Proctor (lhakara) 2; Mrs Hustler (Koputaroa) 3. Tho electric reading lamp which was competed for was won by Mrs Terry, of Linton. An interesting demonstration on. pottery, depicting the progress from the raw material to the finished article, was given by Mrs CcCorkindale, and a play entitled “The Lovely Miracle” was contributed by the Foxton Drama Circle, those taking part being Mrs D. R. Barron, Miss Barron, Miss U. Thomson and Mr C. Watkins. A large variety of arts and crafts were displayed by the Foxton and visiting Institutes Afternoon tea was served by members of the local Institute after which the function was brought to a close. It was decided that the next group rally be held at Tokomaru. SANDON The annual meeting of the Sandon Women’s Institute was held in the Town Hall Mrs A. K. Drew presiding over a very good attendance of members. A welcome was extended by the president to Mrs F. S. Cc.uer. Com men ting on the year’s work, Mrs Drew thanked the members for their loyal support and assistance during the past year. Mrs Drew said that she had enjoyed her term of office and had received a great deal of benefit from the association. The Institute had progressed during the year and must aim to make still further progress during the ensuing year. It was no good worrying about thing that could be changed or corrected, but all must do their best to be genuine friends to each other and let us make our “Ode to Friendship” something that lives and then our progress will be assured said Mrs Drew ia conclusion. Mrs W. E. Pearce spoke ia euologistic terms of the work accomplished by the Institute under Mrs Drew’s leadership and paid tribute to the work of the secretary, Mrs C. E. J. Eglinton and the Treasurer, Mrs Frank Grace. Mrs Pearce said all regretted that Mrs Drew desired to resign from tho position of president. These remarks were endorsed by Mrs J. W. Masters. Acting on the recommendation of the committee the Institute decided to accept the eleven nominations for the new committee, these being as follows: Madames, W. E. Pearce, F. Grace, A. K. Drew, C. Eglinon, F. W. Tostevin, J, W. Beattie, B. S. Lawrence, T. A. Adams, W. J. Rowan, J. R.' Bowater and Miss G. Adams. The election of officers resulted: President, Mrs J. R. Bowater, vice-presidents: Mesdames W. E. Pearce and A. K. Drew. Secretary, Mrs W. J. Rowau, treasurer, Miss Gwen Adams. Mr A. K. Drew was re-appointed hon. auitor, and a vote of thanks was passed for his past services. Mesdames W, J. Rowan and T. A. Adams were appointed delegates to attend the half yearly council meeting to be held in Palmerston North on April 28. Mrs A. K. Drew was nominated for the executive. Tho points prizes won during the year were then presented by Mrs Drew, the winners being: Mrs C. E. J. Eglinton 1, Mrs F. Grace 2in the senior section. Miss G. Adams 1 and Miss P. Williams 2 in the junior section. The annual Institute flower show is to be held on May 5. SHANNON At a special meeting of the Shannon Women’s Institute on Friday evening, for the purpose of tendering a complimentary entertainment to the president and committee, the opportunity was taken to bid farewell to Mrs Dickhoff, who is leaving the district to take up her residence in New Plymouth. Organised by Mesdames Bo vis and Taylor, the programme took the form of a mock banquet, the table decorations being mosjt attractively carried out in shades of marigold and green. A short toast list was honoured, while readings, games, and a short humorous sketch given by Mr and Mrs Burling, were enjoyed. Charming lace-cards on the committee’s table, were the work of Mrs Sanderson, and a 'marigold pie’ as the centre piece contained a gift for each of the committee members. Tribute was paid early in the evening to the memory of the late Mrs R. Harding and to the late Mrs T. King, jnr. The pleasure Of members at the re-

cent royal recognition received by Miss Jerome Spencer, the founder of the Women’s Institute movement in New Zealand, was commented on by the president, Mrs C. Easton. In farewelling Mrs Dickoff, the president said that she did so with much regret. Mrs Dickoff had given some years of invaluable service to her Institute and she would be greatly missed. All joined in wishing her every happiness and hoped that she would pay many visits to Shannon, particularly on Institute day. In accepting a vase, and shoulder spray, Mrs Dickoff expressed appreciation of the evening’s entertainment, and the kindness of the members. If she had known how much pleasure she would get from taking part in the activities of the Institute, she would have been a member years earlier. Rounds of applause were accorded another member’s husband, who, said Mrs Dickoff, had strongly advised her joining the Institute. A most enjoyable party was brought to a close with special thanks to the organisers of the evening.