MOTU NEWS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18579, 13 December 1934, Page 6

MOTU NEWS

W.l. BIRTHDAY PARTY

(Herald Correspondent.)

The Motn-Motubor.a., Women's, institute’s fourth birthday .party was celebrated in .the usual happy, manner, oil Tuesday afternoon. The room was charmingly decorated with sweet ,pea,Si Iclnnd poppies and a large bowl, ,of calceolaria, and a , smaller vase ot pansies on the president’s table. ■ Mrs, R. F. Jackson made a happy speech of welcome to members and friends. The motto, “Times, may niter if they will, but old friends arc old friends still,” was most appropriate for the day. Apologies for absence were received from Mrs. H. C.. Boys,. Mrs. G. Regg and Mrs. L. Egan. Many expressed regret at the absence of Mrs. C. W. llaydon who is making a. .slow but sure recovery from her injuries. Only necessary business was dealt withthe date of the annual picnic being arranged for January 12, 1935. It was also decided .to hold a special general meeting before, the February meeting ito discuss matters in connection with the building qt present being used , for meetings. Three new members Were enrolled, Mrs. McQaifery, Mrs. S. Grathani, and Mrs. Adams.

A bright programme of music and competitions commenced with the singing of the institute song and cheerful community singing. Airs. G. S. Bridge charmed everyone with her 'cello solos, playing W. 11. Squire’s “A Memory” and later “A Song of Sleep” (Somerset), and “A Brown Bird Singing.” An amusing story in which members’ names figured, was read by Mrs. Bridge, and each one present inserted a given adjective iii blank spaces, causing a great deal of laughter. This was followed by more community singing and a. contralto solo “When You Come Home,” by Airs. W. A. Wright. A geographical competition was won by Mrs. J. Quirk. Tea as then served and opportunity given for pleasant chatter. The large square birthday cake, made and iced by the president, was distributed, absent members not being forgotten. Instead of the conventional candles, the cake was wonderfully decorated with four pansies, the institute emblem. Mrs. C. Hutchins, vice-president, in wishing the institute “many happy returns,” spoke in glowing terms of the work of the president. The Motu institute always had) been happy and prosperous, due iu a great degree, she said, lo the ability of the presidents who had held office since the formation meeting four years ago. The membership was then 21 and is now 42 — which proved the popularity of the movement, in the district.

Replying, Airs. Jackson thanked Airs. Hutchins for her good wishes and praises, and rfaii! she in turn could never have fulfilled her duties without the assistance of the very capable secretary, Airs. Arthur. (Applause). Birthday greetings and good wishes were received from flm Rakuuron institute, and also from Airs. O’. V. Brown, a past member now living in Hamilton. Members of tlie Matnwai institute present also conveyed good wishes. Amongst the visitors were Mosdnmes W. Thomas. Taylor, C. G. Feilder and C. V. Smith (A'iatawni). Afesdames V. Burburough and A. Thomas (Rakauvoa). and Miss F. Tyerman.

Airs, Wright, on behalf of the Poverty Bay federation, spoke briefly on the proposed handicraft, exhibition and drama festival to be held in. Gisborne iii May, 1935. Airs." Hutchins was vot ed first and Airs. Jackson second in (lie Christmas cake competition arid the singing of the Canadian ode and National Anthem concluded tho festivities. The accompaniments were played by Airs. G. S. Bridge and Airs. Wright.