OTOROHANGA NEWS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3826, 28 October 1936, Page 5

OTOROHANGA NEWS

WOMEN’S DIVISION BIRTHDAY. LABOUR DAY ATTRACTIONS.. (Our Resident Representative.) There was an exodus from Otorohanga on Labour Day morning for the Cambridge races, and the air pageant at the Te Kuiti aerodrome. Later in the day heavy rain was general, and somewhat marred the enjoyment of tlie pleasure seekers, who returned home wet and tired. SIXTH BIRTHDAY GATHERING. Th Otorohanga branch of the Women's Division of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union held their sixth birthday gathering in the local Town Hall annexe on Wednesday last, when there was a capacity attendance, including representatives from Pio Pio, Te Anga, Kawhia Te Awamutu, Korakonul end Pururu and Te Kuiti branches, and most of the Women’s Institutes of the Northern King Country. The Dominion president, Mrs C. K. Wilson, Pio Pio, and Mrs C. Irvine, Otewa, a former president, were in attendance. It was the largest public gathering of pakeha womenfolk yet held at Otorohanga, and great enthusiasm marked the proceedings throughout. The morning was devoted to a comprehensive musical and vocal series of competitions, outstanding contributions being made by Mrs N. Symes (pianoforte solos), Miss J. Carter (piano), Mrs Cloland, of Puketaratr. (humorous solo), Miss S. Smith, Mrs Cleland and Mrs Hunt, of Te Kuiti (piano), Mrs Sutherland, of Tc Kuiti (recitations), Mrs Hunt (song, ''Tipperary," in French), Mrs Goddard (recitation), Mrs Riddolls (a clever imitation ot Gracie Fields), the Misses M. Williams, J. Chaffey and M. Simmons (Irish jigs and other numbers), Miss Joan and Master Bruce Carter (duets), Mrs Dearlove, of Kinohaku (character sketches), Mrs Cleland (solo, “Lo, You Beautiful Lady,’’) and musical renderings by the Whawharua Jazz Band. After a delightful luncheon had been enjoyed the local president, Mrs J. C. Petersen, Maihiihi, called upon the Dominion president, to address the gathering. Mrs Wilson received an ovation upon rising, which she gracefully acknowledged. Mrs Wilson touched on many matters in connection with the good work being done by the Women's Division, and especially eulogised the fine services to the community that had been rendered by the Otorohanga branch. From branch matters she turned to the importance of the welfare of the women and children of the back country, and the health and happiness of the Maori people. Her able address gained her many new supporters, and profound interest marked her speech. Mrs Irvine followed, and interestingly spoke on her recent world tour and her impressions of the England she had left just before the War. Intense interest was again apparent for travel talk always appeals to tlie woman who stays at home. Tlie birthday cake was a masterpiece, and a vote Of thanks was accorded to Mesdames McAdanr and Reveral, the makers, and to Mrs V. Meredith, who did the icing, in most delicate shades of pink and lemoit A similar vote was accorded to Mesdames Pilkington, Liddy' and Choke for organising the competitions. The visiting presidents of the various divisions and institutes then offered congratulations and good wishes to the Otorohanga branch. Mr W. A. Lee, chairman of the Waitomo County Council, was present, and congratulated the womenfolk on the good work they’ were doing for the benefit ot humanity.