Women's Institutes

Northern Advocate, 26 November 1948, Page 3

Women's Institutes

Happy Valley

Kerikeri

The Happy Valley Women’s Institute held its November meeting at the residence of Mrs Wattam, with Mrs H. Whittaker presiding. The president welcomed a visitor and two new members. Shoulder sprays were presented to Mrs H. Ogle and Miss M. Chapman in honour of their birthdays. The roll-call was “Exchanged plants.” The lucky number was drawn by Mrs B. Chapman. Competitions resulted: Best flower bloom, Mrs N. Ogle 1, Mrs J. G. Chapman 2, Mrs Bindon 3. Best-made handkerchief, Mts Bindon 1, Mrs N. Ogle 2, Mrs E. J. Ogle 3. Entertainment: Mrs H. Ogle I, Mrs Hood 2. For the Christmas meeting it was decided to exchange Christmas presents. The hostesses for the afternoon were Mrs Wattam and Mrs Bindon.

A fair number of members attended the monthly meeting of the Kerikeri Women’s Institute in the Kerikeri Hall. Mrs H. V. Woods was in the chair. Mrs Woods gave the motto for the month. The roll-call was “Sing, Say or Pay." The gardening thread was given by Mrs Moir. An amusing story, read by Mrs Silson, "Irreverent Whisperings at Weddings,” created much laughter. The demonstration of making buttonholes in materials, by Mesdames D. Driver and Woods, received much attention. The competition for the best bloom was won by Mrs Dawn with a red rose. Mrs Moir’s entry, a double gerbera, was second. A miniature flower show displayed some very choice blooms. The tea hostess was Mrs Ritchie. A bring and buy for institute funds was supervised by Mrs Perham. “Bites for Britain" also received support.

Umawera

A fancy dress party was held at the Umawera hall by the Women’s Xnstitute. Story-book people came to life in such characters as Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood and Boy Blue. The Umawera school children gave a display of action songs and folk dances. Prizes were presented by the judges, Mrs O. Perry and Mrs G. Hewson, to the following: Best little girl, Burnice Oliver (witch doctor); best little boy, Billie Shortland (soldier); best boy, Noel Bindon (as a girl); best girl, Ettie Ogle (as a boy); most original, Rosie Donnelly (measles); best poster, Gerrard Mclntyre (baking powder); best pair, Marilyn and Dorothy Robinson (Spanish). A box of chocolates was won by Phillip Gray. After the serving of supper dancing was continued by the adults till midnight.

Opuawhanga

Mrs I. Thorburn presided over a good attendance of members at the last meeting of the Opuawhanga Women’s Institute. Mrs Courtney and Mrs Walker, of the Riponui-Jordan Women’s Institute were visitors for the afternoon, also Mesdames Coutts, Attwood and Edwards, from Otonga, and Mrs Whatmough, from Opuawhanga. During the afternoon Mrs Courtney gave a very interesting talk on institute affairs. The roll call, “A country I would like to visit, and why,” was excellently responded to. There were very few entries in the competition, a Christmas gift costing no more than 3/-. Mrs Campbell gained first place, with Mrs McCully second. Hostesses for luncheon were Mesdames Bushby and Ward.

Taipuha

The Taipuha Women’s Institute held its 16th birthday at a meeting in the hall. Mrs Hamilton, the president, welcomed guests and presented shoulder sprays. An enjoyable social afternoon was held, followed by afternoon tea and the cutting of the cake by a foundation member, Mrs Florance. Mrs Fulton and Mrs Chitty gave a humorous sketch. Mrs Baughen conducted a quizz session won by Mrs Hedger. . Mrs Statham gave a solo. Mrs Baughen and Miss Bratty gave pianoforte items. The “Mad Hatter Party” caused much amusement, Mrs Florance and Mrs Treadwell winning the prizes. The treasure hunt was won by Miss M. McCarroll.

Maungatapere

The November meeting of the Maungatapere Women’s Institute was held in the hall, Mrs Chaplin, the president, presiding. It was decided that the next meeting would be held on December 14 and would take the form of a Christmas party. Each member was asked to bring a present not costing more than 1/6. Mrs Chaplin gave a talk on the Federation meeting, and Mrs Grantham read an amusing short story. Soap bought by members is to be made into a parcel and sent to the link in England. The competitions resulted: Pot plants, Mrs Chaplin and Mrs Grantham equal 1. Bowl of roses, Miss Mooney 1, Mrs Johnson 2. Madeira cake, Mrs Johnson 1, Mrs Calvert 2. Single bloom (any variety), Mrs Chaplin 1, Mrs Bradley 2.