WOMEN’S DIVISION

Southland Times, Issue 22139, 6 October 1933, Page 12

WOMEN’S DIVISION

OTERAMIKA BRANCH. The Oteramika branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union celebrated its third birthday last Thursday evening, when the local hall was filled to the doors with an audience that fully appreciated the entertainment provided by the junior members of the branch assisted by performers from the surrounding district and Invercargill. A feature of the evening was a mannequin parade and chorus depicting costumes worn from the crinoline period to as far ahead as 1943. Another popular item was a character duet, “When You and I Were Young, Maggie,” also presented by two local members. After the concert Mrs Munro, president of the branch, expressed her appreciation at the size of the audience and also moved a vote of thanks to the concert performers, to Mrs Ironmonger for the use of her room for rehearsals and to Mrs King for making the birthday cake. She then asked Mrs Blackmore, who was present when the branch was formed, to light the three candles on the cake.

Mrs Arnott, president of the Invercargill branch, on coming forward to cut the cake, offered the congratulations of her branch and briefly explained the various symbols of the Women’s Division badge. Other delegates to offer congratulations were Mrs Edie (Morton Mains), Mrs Dunlop (Seaward Downs), Mrs Niederer (Gorge Road), and Mr P. Arnott, for the Farmers’ Union.

The following was the concert programme: Violin solo, Mr Dennis; song, Miss A. Clearwater; dance, Miss M, Smith; recitation, Mr R. McNaughton; chorus, Invercargill party; song, Mr Fadyen; Scotch reel, Invercargill party; mannequin parade and chorus, Mesdames Mincher and Cook, Misses Perriam, King, O’Driscoll, McKenzie, McNaughton, Clearwater and Ironmonger; humorous sketch, Messrs Watt and Dennis; duet, Mrs K. G. McKenzie and Miss McColl; monologue, Mr Dennis; Irish jig, Mr Watt; song, Mrs Field; character duet, Misses Ironmonger and Clearwater; dance, Miss M. Smith; song, Miss McColl. The concluding item was a one-act play, “Something To Talk About,” the following members taking the various parts: Lord Redchester, M. O’Driscoll; Lady Redchester, E. Pcrriam; Bishop of Redchester, P. King; Hon. Guy Sidney, Mrs Cook; Hon. Lettuce Sidney, A. McKenzie; Preston, the butler, M. McNaughton; Wolf, the burglar, R. King. Mrs Stoneman was accompaniste and Messrs Watson and Robertson supplied pipe music for the dancers. After supper dancing was enjoyed to music supplied by Mrs O’Brien (piano), and Mr Moylan (violin), while Mr Robertson played the bagpipes for an extra. Mr F. Munro was in charge of the floor.