SOCIAL AT MOTONUI

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1935, Page 14

SOCIAL AT MOTONUI

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE EFFORT.

The social and dance organised by the Motunui Women’s Institute was a success both socially and financially a varied programme being provided. The senior school children sang “Men of Harlech, and the juniors “Deep in the Forest, accompanied by Miss G. Giddy. Songs were given by Miss Melva Cole and Mr. B. Rackley, accompanied by Mrs. Reynolds, and recitations by Mrs. Lockyer and Mrs. B. Rackley. Mr. C. Hanson, black-face comedian, gave several numbers, and was encored. He also produced a pantomime item by Misses Melva Cole, Beatrice Cole, Betty Adlam and Joe Turn, all in costume. The production, which received a hearty encore, was accompanied by Mrs. G. Topless. The members of the Tikorangi drama circle presented their play “Sin Ring” and the Motunui girls staged their play “Up Against Mrs. Cowper,” both being appreciated. Mrs. Reynolds played for the dances and Mr. J. Robinson was master of ceremonies. On behalf of the institute Mr. Robinson thanked those who had helped to make the evening a success. Supper was served by members of the institute. WATER COLOUR DISPLAY. NEW ZEALAND SCENES. .. . Lovers of landscapes found much that was delightful among the collection of water-colours, the work of Mrs. Pul-leine-Spencer, ■ at Wanganui recently, for, as a water-colourist she has a reputation not only in New Zealand but also in Australia.

Mrs. Pulleine-Spencer is a New Zealander by birth, and as a girl lived for several years in Australia. She studied at Adelaide with Mr. George Webb, an English artist, and at the School of Art there. She also studied under Mr. Kenneth Watkins, Auckland, whose work was so much admired. After having

spent 15 months in Australia, which country she periodically visits, Mrs. Pul-leine-Spencer returned to New Zealand last October and has been sketching in various parts of the Dominion. Since March she has toured Taupo, working down to Wellington and back to Wanganui before returning to Taupo and the Bay of Plenty seeking inspiration for her pictures, and new subjects to study. She became interested in an unusual and original field of work—New Zealand fungus. “It is amazing the variety and beauty of fungus,” Mrs. PulleineSpencer said. “There are types in New Zealand not found anywhere else in the world. Fungus is fascinating to paint and I have so far discovered about 50 varieties and reproduced them in water colour.”

It is the intention of the artist to shortly spend a month in the bush to further this feature of her work. The beautiful colouring of the fungus is particularly noticeable in all the sketches. A strange pin-ply blue in colour is a rare type of toadstool which grows on long thin stalks. The beauty of these has been captured by the artist, also the mystery rose, another rare growth. The Hawai (Maori drinking cup) is shown in all its decorative colourings. Many times has she visited the Waipoua State Forest for subjects for her brush. This is a branch of Mrs. Pul-leine-Spencer's work not exhibited with the collection of water-colours, although no doubt there would be many interested in these fascinating subjects. One of her treasured pictures is of an old house made of stone, cut out by the convicts of Australia. With its surroundings of loquat trees it makes a fine composition. The house belonged to one of the very earliest missionaries and provides an excellent subject for a picture. The artist made a special study of the kauri tree, pictures of which are include-’ in the display. They form a strong feature in several water-colours. Mrs, Pulleine-Spencer's water-colours of New Zealand will charm many. They are particularly appealing with their richness of colour. “Broom Time in Taupo,” “The Cloud,” “Kakikateas” show attractive colouring and are most effective. Scenes in and around Masterton, Wellington, the Botanical Gardens, and of the Blue Mountains, Australia, to mention but a few examples, arc delicately charming in colour.