THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21920, 4 April 1933, Page 13

THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE.

The members of the Palmerston Women’s Institute who entered in the potato competition met in the Athenajum Hall and weighed their potatoes. Each member had three sets. The total weight from 13 seta was 2031 b. The prizes for the heaviest yield were as follows: First, Mrs Hitchcock, 221 b; second, Miss Hitchcock, 211 b; third, Mrs Gilbert, Kilb.

* # * Goodwood held its monthly meeting in the Goodwood Hall on March 29. The roll call was “My Favourite Flower.” The annual election then took place, the results being; President, Mrs Gilmore (re-elected); vice-president, Mrs M'Arthur; treasurer, Mrs Park (reelected) ; secretary. Miss F. Goodwin (reelected) ; committee—Mesdames Dickson, Ireland, Brown, Hancock, Phillipson, and Croasan. _ The demonstration for the day was given by Mrs Jenzens, of Waikouaiti, on “ Paper Roses,” which was much appreciated by all. The hostesses for the day were Mrs Park and Mrs Ireland.

An enjoyable afternoon was spent in the Clark Hall, Palmerston, last Thursday, when the members of the Women’s Institute had arranged for a demonstration by the home science department. A number of visitors were present, also members from Dunback, Goodwood, and Waikouaiti. Mrs Wright (president) welcomed the visitors. Misses Johnston and Crowe gave an interesting and practical demonstration on “Making a dress form,” which was eagerly watched by all present. Miss Reid gave an enjoyable talk on “W°ol Scouring and Tanning,” having a splendid sample to show, and also explained how to make a wool quilt to prevent the wool coming through. From the interest taken in this talk it is understood that in future all spare wool will be converted into quilts. The president in a few words proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the ladies.

The annual meeting of the Waipahi Women’s Institute was held on March 29 in the local hall, there being a good attendance of_ members. Mesdames Symister and Lister, new arrivals to the district, were present, and to these the president (Mrs Collins) extended a hearty welcome. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted, the credit balance standing at £5. The election of officebearers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: —President, Mrs Collins (reelected) ; vice-presidents, Mesdames Archibald Brown and Gumming (re-elected); secretary and treasurer, Mrs Beccord (re-elected); market table guardians, Mesdames Madden and Thomson (reelected). Following the election the ordinary meeting was held. The motto for the day was “ One to-day is worth two to-morrow.” The roll call, “ A potato recipe,” brought forth some helpful hints on the use of the potato. A selected reading by Mrs Collins was much enjoyed by all. Afternoon tea; served by Mesdames Collins and Gumming, brought the meeting to a close.

The Paretai Women’s Institute celebrated its second birthday on March 17 in the Port Molyneux Hall. Mrs John Aitkenhead and Mrs Dippie (president and vice-president respectively) welcomed members and friends. Community singing was indulged in and enjoyed by all. Dancing, games, and competitions followed. Among the articles exhibited was an autograph quilt made by Paretai members, and this was greatily admired by the visitors. After supper had been dispensed, the president called on Miss Bates (Kaka Point) and Mrs Evans (Romahapa) to light the two candles on the beautiful birthday calm which was made by, Mrs Mealing and iced by Mrs 0. V. Aitkenhead and Mrs Mealing. Mrs Dippie proposed the toast of “The Visiting Institutes,” which was responded to by Mr G. Grant. Mr Grant proposed the toast of “Paretai Institute,” and this was responded to by Mrs J. Aitkenhead. Mr Drake proposed the toast of “ The Women’s Division of the Farmers' Union,” which was responded to by Mrs C. Anderson (Stirling), president of the Clutha branch of the W.D.F.U. The president of each visiting institute thanked the Paretai Institute for the pleasant evening. Dancing, games, and competitions were continued until 1 p.m., when the singing of “ Will Ye No Come Back Again” and “Auld Lang Syne” brought an enjoyable evening to a close.

Romahapa held its annual meeting on March 23, a full attendance of members being present, and two. new members being enrolled. The roll call for the month was "The Uses of a Lemon.” A demonstration in cutting flared skirts by Miss Agnes Gawn was much appreciated and called for a very hearty vote of thanks. Keenness was evinced in the competition “ Three Oven Scones,” the judge, Mrs Davies, having a difficult task in choosing the winner—Mrs W. Hughes and Miss Violet Johnston tied for first place and Miss M'Hugh was third. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows:—Mrs Evans, president; Mrs MTCenzie, vice-president; Miss A. Gawn, secretary; Miss Cunningham, treasurer; Mrs O’Sullivan, press correspondent—all of whom were re-elected. The above, together with Mesdames J. Cunningham, Spence, M'Hugh, Wright, and Miss Violet Murray, will form the new committee. The president, Mrs Evans, addressed the members on various matters connected with the institute. The motto for next month is "A man seldom speaks lightly if he stops to weigh his words.” Hostesses for the afternoon were Mrs L. O’Sullivan and Miss Violet Murray. The institute held a “ Hard-up ” dance next evening, when the hall was crowded, visitors being present from all the surrounding districts from Balclutha to Owakn. Excellent dance music was provided and dancers enjoyed themselves to the full. Prizes for best “hard-up” costume were awarded to Miss E. Hughes (ladies) and Mr L. Spence (men).