WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23529, 18 June 1938, Page 30

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Reports of meetings of branches are requested, but they should be furnished promptly, for the publication of reports that are not supplied within a week from the date of the meeting cannot be promised.

A combined meeting of the Sutton and Middlemarch Institutes was held on Saturday last, the two presidents (Mrs Kinsman and Miss Jessonk'-jointly presiding. The motto, “If there were no clouds we should not enjoy the sun,” was briefly enlarged upon by Miss Dixon, and the roll-call, “Animal noises,” caused much amusement. An interesting demonstration on smoking was given by Miss Beattie (Middlemarch). A debate. “That the pen is mightier than the sword." caused interest, the affirmative side being taken by Mrs Gillespie, Mrs Kidd, and Miss Pedofsky (Sutton), and the negative by Misses Arnott Dixon, and I Kidd (Middlemarch). The judge. Miss Burdett, awarded the decision to the affirmative side (Sutton) Two songs by Mrs McGregor (Middlemarch) were much appreciated. The competitions resulted as follows: —Tapestry—Mrs G. Robertson 1. Miss Harris 2. Miss White 3: gingerbread—Miss Jean McHardy 1. Mrs White 2, Mrs Kinsman 3. The members of the Sutton Institute acted as hostesses.

The Lawrence Institute held its eighth birthday party on Monday evening, when Mrs Pascoe presided

and extended ft hearty welcome to visitors and friends. The evening was devoted to competitions and musical and elocutionary items, those contributing to the programme being Mrs T. J. Gray, Miss W. Rowe, E. J. Daley, and A. J. Robson. A hilarious oneact play, “ A Mere Man,” presented by members, was well received. Those taking part were Mrs Kennedy, Misses Hayworth. Ferguson, Robertson. Righley, Cummings, Suters, and Gunn. The birthday cake was cut by the president of the Returned Soldiers’ Association (Mr J. J. Forbes) Candles were lighted by Mrs J. Walker (president of the Waitahuna Women’s Institute) and blown out by Mrs R. Winter. A dainty supper followed.

Mrs T. P. Stewart presided over the monthly meeting of the Warepa Institute. The roll call was, “A birthday memory.” The golden thread talk was given by Mrs Johnstone, who spoke on the life of Dr Kagawa. Mrs Rennie, of Dunedin, gave an interesting talk on the formation of a rock garden. The competition, “A miniature rock garden on a dinner plate,” resulted; Miss Petrie 1, Miss Heckler 2, Mrs Miller 3. The hostesses were the members of last year’s committee.

The Puerua Institute held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, last, Mrs P. Grant presiding. The roll call was, “ Party suggestions,” and the motto was, “Never say you can’t; always say you’ll try.” The golden thread talk was given by Mrs G. Grant, _who spoke on jazz music writen by Irving Berlin. The hostesses were Mesdames Grant and Goddart.

The June meeting of the Waiareka Institute was held on Wednesday last, the president (Mrs Douthwaite) welcoming members and visitors. The roll-cajl, “My favourite author,” was well responded to, as > was the promise of recipes for the cookery book. Mrs Webster (Windsor Park Institute) was present, and gave a demonstration on Italian stucco work which was most interesting. An amusing play was read by members of the dramatic circle (Mesdames Lauder, McGregor, Swinard, and Misses Lambje and Smith). The competitions resulted:— Sugar buns —Mrs Douthwaite 1, Mrs Phelong 2, Mrs J. Stringer 3; worked table centre —Miss Lambie and Mrs Douthwaite (equal) 1, Miss Smith and Mrs Williams (equal) 3.

The Popotunoa Institute met on Tuesday last, Mrs Sanders presiding. The motto was, “ Be yourself; ape no greatness; a good farthing is better than a bad sovereign,” and the roll call was, “My favourite song.” Members stood for a few minutes as a mark of respect to one member who load suffered bereavement. Mrs Melton spoke on the institute bays at the Winter Show, telling how each article was displayed and finished. A monologue by Mrs Sanders and humorous riddles by Mrs Smith were much enjoyed. The hostesses were Mesdames Smith and Chapman. The prizewinners at the recent euchre party were Mrs Watkins and Mr R. Haffie (first prize), and Mrs Gray and Mr J. Dun (consolation prize).