Women's Institutes

Northern Advocate, 9 July 1938, Page 3

Women's Institutes

Mania The June meeting of the Mania Women's Institute was presided over by the president, Mrs D. Mclnnes. The moito for the month was given by Miss V. Rigdon. "All that other folks can do. why with patience should not you?" Mrs Hawkins judged the competitions, Mrs Harrison winning first and j second for arts and crafts and Mrs jL. Lowe third. Mrs D. Mclnnes was j first for thrift and Mrs Harrison secI ond. I I Afternoon tea was served by the j hostess. Mrs McPhee. I Titoki There was a fair attendance of members and friends at the July meeting held on Thursday, at which Mrs Fearscn presided. The usual business was transacted and a programme arranged for August. The roll call. "My favourite recipe." resulted in an exchange of some new ideas. For the “Golden Thread.” Mrs G. Alexander read a Maori legend about Pautaua. and Mrs Brown the legend of the Cave Memorial Church in South Canterbury. Owing to last-minute difficulties, a party from Whangarei was unable to be present, so an impromptu programme of items and competitions was arranged. Mrs Brown sang a solo and was warmly encored. The Jumbled Words competition was won by Mrs Brown, while Mrs Pearson secured first place in a spelling test. Although the latter met with a good response, the word Czechoslovakia proved the stumbling-block of many. The prizes for the monthly competition, “Something knitted from two skeins of wool,” were awarded as follows: —Mrs Hunt 1, Miss P. Purvis 2, Mrs G. Alexander 3; junior section; Miss M. Alexander 1. The first of a series of bring and buy sales was held to raise funds for the | Tikipunga Orphanage, and proved quite profitable. Hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames Hunt and Soich. |

Mangapai The July meeting was held in conjunction with a gift afternoon for Miss Beryl Parnell, who is to be married next week. After a short business session (with Mrs A. C. Hayward in the chair) the roll call was proceeded with. This was “Superstitions,” and f many were the remarks bearing on different superstitions. A motion of condolence with Mrs Walters, whose mother passed away this week, was carried. Congratulations were extended to Mrs and Miss Parnell for their success in the drama festival, Mrs Parnell, in particular, annexing the prize for the best “actor” and also the best “actress.” The competition was “Arranging a vase of flowers from a heap of flowers on a table in a few minutes.” This was won by Mrs P. Carter. At this stage, Mrs Hayward asked Miss Parnell to accept a large number of gifts from the friends present, together with very best wishes for her future happiness in her married life. Miss Parnell, in a neat little speech, thanked the ladies for their gifts and good wishes. Afternoon tea was served at this stage by the hostesses. Mesdames Carter, W. A. Thomson and B. Finlayson. After tea, a most interesting demonstration of “organdie flower making” was given by Mrs Patterson, of Whangarei. The senior girls of the local school were among the interested audience and Doris Ringham, at the conclusion of the demonstration, thanked the president for allowing the girls to be present. Mrs Patterson was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks by the ladies.

Kauri The monthly meeting ot the Kauri Women's Institute was held in the hall on Tuesday. July f>. Mrs Bruce Jones presided over a good attendance. The meeting opened with the singing of “Comrades and Friends." and the reciting of the Creed. The roll call. “Famous Women I Admire. and Why." was well responded to. The competition, prettiest coathanger. was judged by voting, honours going to Mrs Drever 1. Mrs Coxhead 2, Mrs R. Butler 3. Mrs Simpson ver kindly demonstrated the making of tinfoil pictures, to a very appreciative audience. A word-building competition was won by Mrs Coxhead and Mrs Bruce Jones (equal) 1, Mrs Ayton 2, Mrs Erever 3. A novelty game was then indulged in. Mrs Graham and Mrs H. Harris were hostesses for the afternoon.

Kaikohe Mrs D. Moor presided over 22 members at the usual monthly meeting of the Kaikohe branch, held in the Masonic hall on Friday. The motto for July is: “No gift is more helpful than the gift of appreciation.” Last year the “Husbands* Evening” was held in the form of a concert, but this year it was decided to hold it as a social evening, when only members of the Institute and friends should attend. This evening will be held on August 23. At the next meeting, there will be a bring and buy fair, the funds being donated to the District Federation, and the balance to the Bay of Islands Federation. The roll-call for next month will be “A baby’s toy,” and the competition “A baby’s knitted garment.” During the afternoon there was a short discussion on where they would hold the different circle meetings. The roll-call for the day was “My favourite book.” Quite a large assortment of books were chosen. Mesdames Wilson and Killen gave short talks on famous authors. Mrs Wilson chose Beverley Nichols, while Mrs Killen’s choice was Barrie. Mrs Killen also read some of Barrie’s passages, which were very interesting. The talks were much appreciated. To conclude the afternoon, a play called “World Without Men” was acted by the Drama Circle. Afternoon tea served by the hostesses, Mesdames P. Lee, Lovelock, Buckerell and B. Crawley, brought a very interesting afternoon to a close.

Maungakaramea The ever-popular annual ball of the Flunket Societj', held on July 1, attracted a fair number of dancers and spectators from surrounding districts. The novelty dance, a spot onestep, was won by Mrs L. J. O’Carroll and partner. The hall was attractively decorated with streamers and balloons. Music was supplied by Ces. Wright s dance band, and the installation of a “mike" proved to be very successful. A moment of hilarity was caused when Mr Ces. Wright introduced “Professor” Jack Litt, master of the microphone, to the audience. Supper was handed round by members of the Plunket Society. Mrs S. W. Crawford has returned after a cruise to the Islands. Mr and Mrs T. Hannam and family have returned after a lengthy holiday. Mrs T. E. Porter is visiting Waiotira.

Otiria On June 25 a very interesting meeting was held at the residence of Mrs R. Thomson. Ngawati hall, Otiria, for the purpose of forming a Maori Women’s Institute. The fact that a hui for the purpose of unveiling a monument to the late Wiremu Ngawati and his wife had been held the previous week and many ladies were away shopping, contributed to a rather disappointing attendance. However, lack of numbers was made up for by the enthusiasm displayed by those present, and, with numbers signifying their intention of joining up, the outlook is most encouraging for a really live Otiria Maori Women’s Institute.

Mrs Johnston, of Waima, president of the Bay of Islands Federation, was present and also Mrs Mac Kay. of Opua, voluntary organiser, both of whom gave an address and explained the aims and objects of the Institute movement, etc. Mrs R. Thomson was elected president. Mrs A. Christie secretary and treasurer (pro tern). Miss Pae Brown assistant secretary, and others present formed a pro tern committee,' till after next meeting, which will be held on the second Wednesday in Julj.

'lhe competition is a knitted square, six inches, any colour, or colours, and the roll call "A recipe for cake without eggs.” Mrs Mac Kay, of Opua, will be present, also a demonstrator for some art work. Community singing and afternoon lea provided by all members should complete a pleasant afternoon.