WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17956, 7 December 1932, Page 11

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

MANUTUKE MEETING TOY-MAKING DEMONSTRATION There was a large attendance of members of the Manutub Women’s Institute at the institute hall on Tuesday, when the last monthly meeting of the year took place. The gathering was augmented by the attendance of members of the newly formed Wharcrata institute, who wore accorded a hearty welcome. The social room was beautifully decorated with pink clarkia, red end white roses, and blue delphiniums. Mrs. J. R, Read, the president, presided, and announced that over £IOO had been subscribed by sister institutes for earthquake relief, and this had begn distributed, mostly in the Wfliroti district, whilst cases nearer home had been satisfactorily dealt with. Sympathy was expressed with Mrs. W. A. Smith, who is again in hospital, and members were asked to visit fieri The president announced that nominations for the committee and president must he in before file February meeting. After discussion it was decided to purchase a set ot community song books for the use of the institute. Mrs. G. Marsicano, delegate to the half-yearly federation council meeting, rendered "a brief report of the proceedings, and spoke of the interest and value of the meeting. It was announced that the next Poverty Bay federation douncil meeting would b« held in the Poho-o-Rawiri Hall in April. A report oh ‘ the recently ‘ held flower show was given by Mrs. Buckley, who announced that gratifying financial success had attended the effort. The function had been run on a total outlay of 6s, which miist be almost a record for such a fixture. Airs. McOliskie rendered an end of the year financial statement, which revealed the extremely satisfactory financial position bf the Manivtuke ” Women’s Institute, duo to careful administration. Matters in connection with the children’s Christmas party were discussed, and it was decided to hold the iunction at the Manutuke Memorial Hall on Saturday, December 17. Members were asked to forward gifts for the Christmas tree. Members of the institute would be admitted free, and each was entitled to take two children; non-members, adults and children, would be admitted for a low charge, whilst every child present would receiyc a free gift from the Christinas tree. An offer by a member, Airs. Aitken, to supply dance music free was gratefully received. The demonstrator for the afternoon was Miss Dickon, Patqtahi, who placed on view a large number of home-made {.oys, and also gave a very interesting talk on bow to make the toys, and the materials used in their manufacture. Undoubtedly, Miss Picken is an artist in tliis particular hobby., for the dolls, mado of unbleached calico and Hour hags, stuffed with wool from the fleece, with fleece wool hair, dyed with Coudy s fluid, and most charmingly and simply frocked, would delight the heart of any child. The fi;ockjng of the dolls was specially praised; those interested should make a’ point' of' seeing Aliss Pickppls" <lol|fs. .T.ust ' a straight piece of printed material is bound at the bottom, with a gather strjng at the top; the.strings are tied over the doll’s shoulders, forming the shoulder straps, so to ,-pefik. Some of the dolls have slippers to match their frocks. Other toys displayed wefe a large stuffed doth elephant, g. black dog, rubber toys made from motor tyres, a cotton reel Chinese, and a knitted wool nigger doll. Each toy field a charm of its own. A vote of thanks was passed to Aliss Picken for her valuable demonstration. The competition for the month was “best, collection of vegetables gi'own by a member,” and when the exhibits were put to the vote, the first prize went to Airs. .Topes, the second prize to Airs. James Pirie. apd the third to Mrs. .7. Daultom Tbo vegetables were donated for sale and the proceeds given for tbo Christmas tree. » The roll call was a whistling solo, and members found some difficulty in responding. However, a great deal of amusement was caused. Afternoon tea was daintily served by Atesdames Piercy, Boyd and Coppin, who were very attentive to their duties.