WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Southland Times, Issue 22218, 10 January 1934, Page 2

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

DOINGS OF THE MONTH FEDERATION NEWS. The executive of the Southern Southland Federation will meet during January. The president extends to all members the season’s greetings and trusts that the spirit of goodwill will come to mean more and more to us as we grow in numbers and in strength. MONTHLY MEETINGS. The monthly meeting of the Wairio Womens’ Institute was held on December 7, there being a fair attendance of members and friends. Mrs Laytham presided and opened the meeting with the reading of the creed, after which the ode was sung and business dealt with. Final arrangements were made for the Christmas tree treat for the children, which, it is hoped will be a great success. It was decided not to hold a meeting in January. The roll call for the evening was a limerick pertaining to the institute, and brought forth several clever responses. The competition was “an article made from crepe paper,” and was won by Mrs Sherman (flowers) 1, Mrs Wright (hat) 2, Miss Sherman (basket) 3. Games, competitions, items and community singing passed a very pleasant evening, and an excellent supper was handed round by the hostesses, Mesdames Wright, McColl and Sherman. The meeting closed with the singing of the W.I. anthem. OREPUKL The monthly meeting of the Orepuki Institute was held in the rooms on Tuesday, December 19, Mrs Summers presiding over a good attendance of members. The roll call, “My favourite author,” was well answered. A competition, “Best and cheapest morning apron,” resulted as follows: Mrs Rotch 1, Miss McAllister 2, Mrs Barraclough 3. Two social competitions were conducted by Mrs Summers and Mrs Crowther respectively. Miss M. Hennessey winning one and Misses McAllister and Johnstone winning the second. A “bring and buy sale” to augment the funds was well patronized by all. Afternoon tea was then dispensed by the hostesses, Mrs Menpes and Miss Shirley. LIMEHILLS. The monthly meeting of the Limehills Institute was held in the hall on December 19. Mrs W. M. Walker presided over 22 members, the small number present being due to a counter-at-traction. The meeting opened with the singing of the ode, followed by the reading of the creed. The motto was, “Never put off till to-morrow what you can do to-day.” The roll call, “Give two reasons why you should help to make the institute’s 1934 year bigger, better and brighter than ever,” was ably responded to. A letter was received from the secretary of the Southern Southland Federation thanking the institute for its donation of £3. Arrangements were made for the second birthday party to be held in February. Miss N. Crowe was appointed correspondence secretary. The competition was, “The best written description of the Limehills Institute’s activities,” and resulted as follows: Mrs H. Harris 1, Mrs W. Nicol 2, Miss N. Crowe 3. During the social half hour an enjoyable game of table bowls was participated in by all present. Before closing with the National 'Anthem, the president wished the members the season’s greetings. At next month’s meeting the single ladies will conduct the proceedings and act as hostesses. The roll call will be, “Favourite summer drink recipe,” and the competition, “Best six pikelets.” On December 16 a very enjoyable Christmas party was given to the children of the district by the members. Each child received a present from Santa Claus and after afternoon tea had ben served, races for young and old were held. Mr Morrin thanked the W.I. on behalf of the children, and stated that the meeting was doing a power of good in the district. OHAI. The monthly meeting of the Ohai Institute was held on December 18. This took the form of a social evening and there was an excellent attendance of members and friends. The roll call, “Limericks on W.I. Members,” was most amusing and proved that there were some budding poets among the members. It was decided to send a donation to the federation funds, and to ask to be included in the Home Science circuit next season. Games and community singing helped to pass away a very happy evening. Earlier in the day the children were entertained to tea, each receiving a gift from Santa Claus, who received a great ovation on arrival. His work accomplished he departed from the cheering children to spread the spirit of Christmas. KENNINGTON. The Kennington Institute held its final meeting for the year on December 6. The roll call, “What I would do if X won the art union,” clearly indicated the desire to travel. Mesdames Leith and Todd gave an interesting demonstration on paper flower making. The competition for the “largest number of articles in a match box” was won by Mrs Cloughley. During the afternoon opportunity was taken to make a small presentation to Mrs A. Henderson in grateful acknowledgment of her kindness in lending her home for a series of euchre parties during the winter. NIGHTCAPS. Mrs Cook presided at the final meeting for the year of the Nightcaps Institute on December 21. Members entertained husbands and friends and a well laden Christmas tree served to amuse the children. Santa Claus arrived during the evening and was accorded a cheery welcome after which he presented each child with a gift. The evening passed pleasantly with games and community singing, and supper was handed round. Fruit, sweets and cordials were dispensed during the evening. The roll call “Limericks” was not as well responded to as expected. At the close of the evening a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Messrs Thompson and Malcolm for their assistance in procuring the Christmas tree. The singing of the W.I. anthem brought a happy meeting to a close. During the month a kitchen evening was tendered Miss M. Rushton, one of the members, prior to her marriage. The evening was spent in music, games and dancing. At a suitable interval Mrs Cook, on behalf of those present, asked Miss Rushton to accept the numerous gifts, and wished her every future happiness and prosperity. Several other members endorsed the previous speaker’s remarks. Miss Rushton suitably responded. Supper was served and the singing of the W.I. anthem brought the evening to a close. DIPTON. In place of the monthly meeting of the Diptori Women’s Institute, members

entertained the children of the district at a fancy dress Christmas party. Proceedings opened with a party tea for the 120 children present. Games followed and were heartily indulged in by all present until the arrival of Santa Claus, who was greeted with hearty cheers. Each child was presented with a gift off the well laden Christmas tree. After these, festivities supper was handed round by the parents. On behalf of the children, Mr R. A. Palmer thanked the institute members for the enjoyable entertainment.