Women’s Institutes

Northern Advocate, 16 July 1938, Page 3

Women’s Institutes

Waima The Waima Women's Institute held its July meeting in the school. The meeting opened with the singing of the National Anthem. Remits for the Dominion Federation were read and discussed. It was decided that £6 5/6, the takings of an Institute dance, should be given to Mrs T. Pehi, the Waima Maori delegate who will attend the conference in Wellington. A very interesting demonstration on taniko work was given by Miss M. Joyce and Mrs O'Neill demonstrated crochet work. It was decided that an Institute banner for Waima should be made in the Institute colours, black and white. During the afternoon a treasure hunt caused much amusement, being won by Miss M. Pehi and Miss M. Wharerau, while a guessing competition was won by Mrs Rakena. The competitions for the month resulted:—Knitting: Firsts, Miss H. Cassi'dy, Miss G. Aldridge, Miss Rakena and Mrs O'Neill; seconds, Mrs Johnston and Mrs S. Cassidy. Plain sewing: Firsts, Miss H. Cassidy and Miss G. Aldridge. Work for next month will include fancywork, crochet, knitting and Maori work. The sipging of "Pack Up Your Troubles" brought a very pleasant afternoon to a close.

Portland The monthly meeting of the Portland Women's Institute was held in the Library Hall. Mrs Hanna presided over a good attendance. The competition was won by Mrs Hanna, with Mrs Draper second. A demonstration on the making of a ruffled cushion was given by Mrs Dreavcr, a visiter. Afternoon tea was served and enjoyed by all, the hostesses being Mrs Richards and Mrs Mee. Otiria The first monthly meeting of the recently-formed Otiria Maori Women's Institute was held last Wednesday at Ngawati Hall. The president, Mrs R. Thompson, presided. and welcomed two new members, Mesdames J. Wiki and C. Thorne. Apologies were received from Mesdames Baggstrom and Martin, and Miss Christie. Mrs L. White, of Moerewa Institute, a member of the Bay of Islands Federation executive, gave a demonstration of hairpin work. Mrs Mac Kay gave valuable hints on the conduct of meetings and explained how and where the Institute movement originated. She also extended an invitation to join the "Haeremai" Group, which was accepted. If possible, a link is to be formed with a Maori Institute in the Tauranga district.

Exhibitions of articles, instead of competitions, are to be held each month, and a prize or prizes will be awarded at the end of the year. The motto, “If ever-yone did everyone a good turn every day, how happy this old world would be,” was supplied by Mrs Baggstrom. The roll call, “recipe for eggless cake,” was well responded to, and several knitted squares were handed in for a community quilt. Mrs Shaw did brisk business at the trades table. Keen interest was displayed in a genealogical chart of “The MacKays of Waipu,” dating back 200 years, supplied by the secretary. Mrs Christie, whose lineage figures on the chart. Mrs Mac Kay explained the migration of the Highland people to America, and thence to New Zealand, and how information had been gleaned for the preparation of these charts. Afternoon tea brought a most successful meeting to a close.