Women’s Institutes

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 159, 8 July 1938, Page 14

Women’s Institutes

RONGOTEA There was an excellent attendance at T the July meeting when the president, r Mrs McKay, welcomed two new mem- ® bers, Mesdames Fox and J. E. Hunt, t Regret was expressed that Miss Jean Richfield had found it necessary to | resign from the committee, and Miss E. j Duker was elected to fill the vacancy. I A general discussion in connection with J supporting the work of the Institute t for the blind, resulted in the unanimous * decision by members to purchase a t chair, which would bo used for a com- 3 petition, the total proceeds from same to be forwarded to the Institute. Mem- 3 bers also considered having a settled •> afternoon for the meetings of the drama * circle. This had been tho practice last i year, but owing to members having had 1 their time occupied fully with other < pursuits, the regular day had lapsed. ' This was to be regretted, both for the sake of tho active members, and also for any prospective talent there might be amongst members who had not al- ; ready come forward. It was therefore agreed to hold a special meeting Ou Friday afternoon to decide tho question. Members of the singing circle are urged to attend a practice in the Coronation Hall on Monday afternoon, July 11 at 2 p.m. The Institute seems to have a very full programme mapped out for the various circles which, together with a box group, are keeping members fully occupied. The box group meets on Wednesday the 13th, when the study will be “Quilting. ’’ The president introduced Mr L. Wild, of Feilding to members, stating that one felt it both a privilege and a pleasure to know that such a busy person had found time to visit Rongotea and that those who had previously heard Mr Wild speak were eagerly looking for- ' ward to hearing further from him. Mr < Wild was followed with the closest attention while he transported the members of the Institute to other lands and told of his experiences in many places Particularly interesting were his reminiscenses of his experiences amongst the Scandinavian people. They were the most courteous, hospitable people in the world, many of their customs at first being a little overwhelming, some of them showing tho influence of the French. Many words in Norwegian were practically similar in our English language, which made it comparatively easy to understand quite a lot. r.rr Wild spoke of his visit to a school in Norway, mentioning by the way that we in New Zealand thought we hau ' achieved something by tho daily bottle of milk which the children in some i schools were now receiving. These people in Norway went further. He was i taken to what was known as an “Oslo ' breakfast.” The children in the schools in this city assembled in a large diningroom, Grace was sung and then each child commenced with fruit, either g orange, apple or banana, after which j| they had a bowl of milk, the bowl eon--8 training two large breakfast-cups full of | milk, then some crisp, hard food (for I the benefit of the teeth), after which 1 they were allowed to eat biscuits or bread spread with margarine and other S substance containing tho necessary 1 vitamins. This was partaken of, not 1 only by the children of the poor, but by at least 75 per cent of all school children. In one school Mr Wild was asked

to address the boys, and found that all understood English very well, so well that when, at the conclusion of his ad-

dress he asked if they would care to question him about anything, tho boys asked him if he knew Jack Lovelock and also questioned him about foot bail in New Zealand. Mr Wild spoke furtner ou the Folk High Schools, which -were a revelation to him. Here people of all types gathered to learn, not from text books, but from open discussion, the trend of world affairs, the various arts, literature, and in fact everything that helped one to follow up intellectual pursuits. In these schools they had short courses for all subjects which enabled young men and women to equip themselves fully for their vocation in life. In all the schools they had trained dietitians for the planning of all meals for children. The Folk High Schools were all residential, every student becoming party of a large family, at least that was the impression received, and all eager to learn, one from another. Mr Wild mentioned that to some extent it was this idea which was being put into practice in Feilding with the adult education scheme. Conditions here did not warrant the Folk High Schools, but it had been felt that there was something needed and tho community centre now established in Feilding was proving its worth. Hero classes were held for those interested in such things as child psychology, literature, drama and so on, and even on certain days when the farming community visited the township, Mr Somerset was meeting groups for tho discussion of current -world affairs. Mr Wild spoke of the work the Women's Institutes were doing. Here the women were finding out the things they wanted and liked to do, their handcrafts, literary studies and their drama circles and other activities. The speaker told several amusing anecdotes during the course of his talk, at the conclusion of which members passed a very hearty’ vote of thanks for a most interesting and educational address. After the afternoon tea interval, Mrs McKay called on Miss Jill Bower, whose marriage shortly takes place to conic forward to a very heavily laden table. Miss Bower was the guest of honour at this meeting, members all having remembered the prospective bride's kitchen, tho many and various shaped parcels showing the esteem in which the guest was held. The president, on behalf of tho members, wished Miss Bower every happiness, after which the parcels were opened, the recipient in a neat little speech thanking everyone for their expressions of goodwill. The monthly nutrition talk was given by Miss Lorna Davis, who chose “winter salads” as her topic. This proved most interesting and the savoury recipes sounded most tempting. Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames Sjyjidercock, Richfield, B. Scott, Fieldkouse, Will, H. Scott, Landers and Miss Renal!. The worked table centre , competition brought a large number of entries, tho successful competitors being:—Senior, Mrs C. Davison 1 and 3, Mrs Pedley Jnr., 2; juniors, Miss M. Will 1 and 2, Miss E.

Knight 3; while the “best flower’’ competition resulted as follows:—Mrs ltees •1, Mrs L. H. Yarrall 2, Mrs Hill 3. With regard to the A. and P. ball, which takes place on July 20, members are reminded that they can again assist with donations of fruit, etc., towards tho supper. Donations may bo left at Mr Caverhill’s office or with our Institute secretary until the I9th. inst. WAIATA The second of a series of euchre parties to augment institute funds was held last Wednesday evening at Mrs. London’s home. In spite of the wintry weather conditions prevailing a goodly number braved the elements to enjoy a happy evening. Thoso successful in winning most games -were: Ladies, Mrs. Jacobson, Mrs. Peat (consolation); men, Mr. Harvey Avon in the play-off against Mr. Billett, Mr. F. Weston (consolation). After supper the president, Mrs. A. O. Simpson, thanked Mr. and Mrs. London for generously allowing the institute the use of their home. All present then neartily sang “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows.” The next of these series will be held on Wednesday, July 13, at Mrs. London’s. KANGIOTU Mrs. Bussell presided at the June meeting, when there was a very fair attendance iu spite- of wet weather. Two visitors from Blenheim, Mrs. and Miss Mills, were welcomed, also Mrs. Conlan, of Oroua Downs. The president reminded members of the drama festival to bo held at Sanson on July 23, for which the drama circle is entering two plays. Members were also reminded to bring to the next meeting any favourite recipes or household hints, for the proposed new institute cookery book. Mrs. J. Conlan gave a very instructive demonstration on the making of wool rugs and was warmly thanked. The trading stall in charge of Mrs. Pearce did a brisk business. A scries of golden thread travel talks was commenced by Mrs. Beard, her subject being Ivawau Island. The points’ competition for tomato sauce resulted: Miss Coueliman 1, All’s. Pearce 2, Mrs. Beard 3; soft toy, Airs. .Sayweil I, Airis. Alillard and ALiss Couchman 2 equal, Airs. Attwood 3. Aliss Mills, a visitor from Blenheim, added to tho pleasure of the afternoon by singing several popular numbers iu a very pleasing manner, which were greatly appreciated. The coinetitions for the July meeting are for the best arrangement of spring flowers, and the best pot of piemelon and apricot jam, recipes to be found in the institute cookery book. Mrs. Attwood will continue the golden thread, aud the hostesses will be Mesdames H. Waller, Pearce, W. Larkins aud Miss P. Gimblett. It is hoped to be able to arrange a demonstration on pruning trees and shrubs.