WOMEN'S INSTITUTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23689, 22 December 1938, Page 18

WOMEN'S INSTITUTES

Reports of meetings ol 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

Mrs Robertson presided at the December meeting of the Eveline Institute, and welcomed two new members. The roll-call was " Your earliest recollection." Numerous articles were handed in fOi- the Victoria Home. Mrs Sproat reported on the recent meeting

of residents regarding the proposed North End hall. The following contributed items:—Mesdames Souness and Willet and Misses Sherwin and Marshall, (songs), Miss Pile (piano-ac-cordion solo). Miss E. Ledley and A. Hurndell (dance duo and tan dance). Mesdames Sherwin and Taylor acted an accompanists. An amusing sketch entitled "The Old School" was presented by Mesdames Keith and Clark. Mrs Marshall gave an interesting travel talk. It was decided to hold the next meeting in the gardens.

The Waitaki Bridge Institute held an enjoyable children's party in the Waitaki Hall recently, the children thoroughly enjoying the many games arranged by Mrs Mountford. Father Christmas presented each child with a toy from the Christmas tree. The gaily decorated tables were a credit to the hostesses, Mesdames Harper, Whittaker, Fulford, sen., and Miss Clark. Each child was given fruit, which was kindly supplied by Messrs Fraser and Co.

The December meeting of the Taieri Institute took the form of a social evening. Mrs Williamson presided. The concert programme was. as follows:—Songs, "Largo" and "Lullaby." the choir; violin duet, "Andante," Messrs Cate and Farrant; vocal quartet. " Pro Phundo Basso," Mesdames Cate and Currie and Messrs Cate and Magee; vocal trio, "Misty Islands," Mesdames Brugh, Beale, and Johnstone; quarterhour entertainment, Mesdames Brugh, Johnstone, Andrews, Stewart, and Taylor.

The December meeting of the Waipiata Institute was presided over by Mrs Kirby, and took the form of a Christmas party for the children of the district. The motto was "Peace and goodwill and plenty and Christmas games und mirth," and the rollcall was "A Christmas story." The competitions resulted:—Green gooseberry jam—Mrs G. Mathias 1. Mrs Hazlett 2; dark fruit cake—Miss A. Roberts 1, Mrs F. Jdhnston 2. Afterwards Santa Claus (Mrs W. Cook) distributed gifts from a magnificent Christmas tree.

The Kuriwao Institute met on Satui"day last, "Irs Morrison presiding. The motto was " Many a slip 'twixt cup and lip," and the roll-call, "What I should like for Christmas." Santa Claus distributed gifts and balloons to the children. The competitions resulted:— Bloom—Mrs Morrison 1, Mrs A. Harris 2: best coconut ice—Mrs Mathieson 1, Mesdames Morrison and A. Harris (equal) 2.

The monthly meeting of the Clinton Institute was presided over by Mrs Harris. After the roll call, "Peace on earth, goodwill to men," those present retired to the hall, where a Christmas party for the children was held. Games were followed by a dainty afternoon tea, after which Santa Claus distributed gifts. On behalf of the children a small girl presented the president with a bouquet. Gifts of small paper baskets of sweets—the baskets having been made by an ex-member, Mrs Semple, of Invercargill—were distributed as the children left the hall.

Mrs Walker presided at the monthly meeting of the Waitahuna Institut held on Friday last. The roll call was "The tallest story I have ever heard." Mrs Walker gava a renort of the federation meeting at Roxburgh. Misses Mavis Cameron and Vona Crane read accounts of the lives of six great musical composers, and played extracts from their works. Two recitations by Miss Maisie Ponder and a duet by Mrs McLintock and Miss Blair were much appreciated. Mrs Walker, in presenting a parting gift to Mrs McLintock, wished her every happiness in the future. The president also mentioned that a memento of Mrs Allan Clarke's association with the Institute was being forwarded to her at her new home. The competitions resulted:—Christmas novelty—Mrs R. McCaw 1. Mrs Cunningham 2; Christmas toy—(senior) Mrs J. Crane 1. (junior) Miss Smith 1; best bloom—Mrs Labes 1. Miss Smith 2.

The December meeting of the Clydevale Institute took the form of a children's party. Mrs Mowat presided The motto was "They who bring sunshine to the hearts of others cannot keep it from themselves." A letter was received from Mrs A. T. Harris (camp "mother") asking members for assistance in securing clothing and dona-

tions for the South Otago health camp. A treasure hunt was held and games played. The hostesses were Mrs Goodman and Miss Wilson.

The December meeting of the Waitati Institute was held at the residence of Mrs O'Fee. The motto was " Trying to give others a good time is the surest way of enjoying yourself." The competition, Guessing New Zealand names beginning with "Wai," resulted:—Mrs King 1, Mrs Watson 2. Mrs Sharpe was presented with a gift on the occasion of her recent marriage. Items were contributed by the Institute band and by Mrs Sharpe (mouth-organ solo). The hostesses were Mesdames Don and Watson and Misses O'Fee and Ferguson.

The South Hill Institute held its December meeting on Thursday last. Items were tendered by Mesdames Nye. Rawcliffe, Wiliett, and Soilness, and Misses Slater and Cayford. The roll call was " Exchange of Christmas gift." The competitions resulted: —Best bloom —Mrs Oats 1. Mrs Tiffan 2, Mrs K. Smith 3; Christmas novelty—Mrs Whittakcr 1, Mrs Webb and Mrs Paterson (equal) 2. Mrs Paterson 4. Mesdames Oats, Sherwin, Paterson, and Smith were the hostesses.

The Popotunoa Institute met on Saturday last, Mrs Sanders presiding. The motto was. " Peace on earth, goodwill to men." Members decided to send goods to the health camp. A Christmas tree was decorated, and m the evening parents and friends were invited to a function in the hall, when Santa Claus arrived and presented each child with a toy. The children were previously entertained at a " high tea"

The monthly meeting of the Wat anakarua branch took the form of

social afternoon, members of the Hamp' den and Herbert Women's Division being present. Mrs Rawclifle (president of the branch) welcomed the visitors, after which the afternoon was devoted to games, competitions, and items. The following were the winners oi the various competitions:— Mesdames J. Hutton, jun., Murrav (Hampden), 1. A. Borton (Palmers ton), Gaudion, A. McMillan, Illingworth. Paterson (Herbert), Yorke, and Joyce (Hampden). Mrs Chisholm (Hampden) was the owner of the lucky cup, and Mrs Illingworth and Miss Gwen Hutton occupied the lucky chairs. Mrs Hill (Herbert) was the winner of the prize for the most grand children. The following items were given:—Miss Pattie (song), Eileen Murray (recitation), Mesdames R. Sowden and A. McKerrow (comedy sketch).

The monthly meeting of the Warepa -Institute was held on December 13, Mrs T. P. Stewart presiding. The motto was "At Christmas, play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year." The delegate to the annual federation meeting to be held in Balclutha on April 28 will be Miss Alwyn Thompson. The roll call was " Suggestions for preventing accidents." Mrs Tubman, of Papatowai, gave an interesting account of her visit to France, Spain and Italy. Miss Heckler read an account of the wonderful pageant presented at the Wellington conference. On behalf of the Institute, Mrs J. F Ayson presented a bouquet of roses to Mrs Riddle, whose birthday fell on Institute day The competitions resulted:—Three roses—Mrs Miller 1, Mrs Milligan 2. Miss Heckler 3: home-made holiday requisite—Miss E. M. Ayson 1, Miss Petrie 2. As there will be no meeting in January, the president read thf motto for that month: "I will follow the upward road to-day, I will keep my face to the light; I will think high thoughts as I go my way. I will do what I know is right; I will seek for the flowers by the side of the road I will laugh, and love, and be strong: I will try to lighten another's load this day as I fare along"