THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22137, 15 December 1933, Page 19

THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

The final meeting of the Balclutha Women’s Institute for 1933 took place in St. Mark’s Hall and took the form of a Christmas party. There was an excellent attendance of members, over which Mrs J, R. Copland presided. Mrs G. Guest presented the president with a posy of flowers and extended to her on behalf of the members the season’s greetings, to which Mrs Copland replied. The afternoon was devoted to competitions, which created much diversion. The guessing of song titles was won by Mrs G. Guest; Mrs W. Stewart won the “ lucky number ” competition; Miss Laing bit the best sheep out of a biscuit; and Mrs W. Currie won the musical parcel, and on being presented with this was extended the best wishes of members by Mrs Buchanan for her future welfare in her new home. Mrs S. Messer sang a solo. The hostesses were Mesdames M'Lean, J. H. Guest, Garside, Stewart, Landels, and Lothian. The Christmas cake was cut by Mrs J. Low, the eldest member of the institute, and distributed to members. During the business session a letter was read from Mr C. Mackenzie, director of the Jubilee Institute of the Blind, expressing gratitude to the institute for the splendid result obtained at the Balclutha Show, when the basketware stall was conducted. Opportunity was taken by the president to thank all those who had assisted in any way in connection with the effort.

In the Clinton Coronation Hall a large crowd gathered to celebrate the fourth birthday party of the Clinton Institute. Mrs Harris (president) opened the concert by welcoming all those present. The program>ne consisted of the following items: —Pianoforte solo, Mrs Denehy; item, school children; duet. Misses Brown and Burtenshaw; play, “Jemima Wins,” Mesdames Silcock and Perrier and Misses Fraser, Curry, and Smith; duet, Misses Jean and Joy Brown; chorus, “ Old Mother Hubbard”; pianoforte duet, Mrs Bateman and Miss Kyle; dance. Miss F. Todd; play, “The New Farm Hand,” Misses Brown and Burtenshaw; duet, Mesdames Brown and MacDonald; monologue, Mrs Leggett; play, “ Flossie,” — Mesdames Barlowe and Robertson, and Miss Kyle. After supper the birthday cake was wheeled in‘on a dinner wagon by two little girls. Bouquets were handed to Mrs Harris, Mrs Jeffs, Mrs Robertson, Mrs Forest, Miss Blackie, Miss Currie, Miss Fraser, aud Mrs Cooksley. Mrs Cooksley, from Clydevale, in a neat little speech, thanked the Clinton Women’s Institute for a very enjoyable evening. The hall was cleared and dancing was indulged in until a late hour.

Broad Bay Hall was the scene of much gaiety on the evening of December 5, the occasion being the celebrating of the second birthday of the Women’s Institute. The evening was all that could be desired and a large number of friends gathered from far and near to join in the festivities. Among the visitors were Mesdames Free and Stewart, Gregory and Hinkley, from Macandrew Bay Women’s Institute, also Mesdames Church and Cross (2), and Mr Cross, from the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, Portobello. The president (Mrs Fowler), in her opening remarks, welcomed all frieijds and remarked how pleased she was at the progress the institute had made in the two years, and hoped for greater things in the future. Then there was a roll call for the men, “What Did They Think of the Institute? ” which whs answered by most and brought forth varied remarks. A song and chorus by' young members, a pianoforte solo by Miss Nyhon, and a song (“Riding Down from Bangor ”) by young members followed. Mrs A. M’Taggart then presented the prizes to winners of competitions for the year—namely, Mrs Perriman first, Mcsdames C. and S. Lawrence and Miss Clearwater (equal) second;_ song and minuet— Misses Ross and Perriman; reading, Mrs A. M'Taggart. The lighting of candles, blowing of them out, and the cutting of the birthday cake, made and given by Mrs J. J. Nyhon, took place. A playette, entitled “An Interrupted Proposal,” was then performed by members. Then followed a couple of competitions, in which everyone could join, the result being Mr J. Thompson first in one and Miss Madge Cotton first in the other. Supper was served in the new supper room, which also was beautifully decorated with streamers and flowers. A dance followed.