WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18618, 14 July 1930, Page 4

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

WOODBURY. On Tuesday last the monthly meeting of the Woodbury Women’s Institute was held in the Hall. Mrs Williams (president), presided over an attendance of about 60 members. The following new members were elected: Mrs Fraser, Miss K. Kerr. Miss A. Mcllroy and Miss K. Macdonald. Mr Simpson gave an interesting address on “bees,” showing and describing the appliances used by beekeepers. At the conclusion he answerer ..j/eral questions. A hearty vote of thanks to Mr Simpson was carried by acclamation. Afternoon tea was served, the hostesses being Mesdames Blakiston, Day, Scotney, H. Cooling, and Miss May. Mrs J. S. Barker then read a paper entitled “Lunch for School Children.” The paper, supplied by Dr. Gordon Rich, proved very interesting, especially to mothers whose children require to carry lunches to school. Votes of thanks to both Dr. Rich and Mrs Barker were carried.

A sixpenny bring and buy competition, caused much amusement, and by popular vote, Mrs W. S. Barker proved the winner.

Mrs Sharpe presented a report from the sewing circle.

There has been £66/11/6 collected from the district, for the cancer campaign, by the Institute collectors, assisted by Mr J. S. Barker, Four Peaks. It was stated that Miss G. Fergusson, of Christchurch, would give a class of instruction for country dancing to members of all Institutes at Woodbury. OTIPUA. The monthly meeting of the Otipua Women’s Institute was held on Wednesday. It had been postponed for a week owing to the death of Mr Fox, vicar of Otipua. Miss Withel presided, and 40 members were present. A motion of sympathy was passed to Mrs Fox; and to Mrs G. Simmons, who had recently lost her mother. The president read a letter regarding Provincial Federation, giving the names of various committees, and the work that is to be done. Voluntary organisers are appointed for the different groups of Institutes. Mrs F. Smith, representative for the League of Nations, read a short, but in- ! teresting paper dealing with the conference lately held in Timaru. A vote ; of thanks was passed to her for this. | Mrs G. Simmons then gave a prac- ! tical demonstration in dressmaking. ! Members were measured and fitted, j and the garments were cut and pinned together ready for the machine. Mrs Lunham showed how to make ! soft toys, different animals being turned out to perfection. ‘ Both ladies were accorded a vote of ■ thanks by acclamation. I New members proposed were: Mrs | and Miss Palmer-Chapman, Mrs Gray, and Mrs E. Rapsey. An interesting competition dealing with old photos was not finished, and will be carried on next meeting for final results.

As many members of the Women’s Division were present, the hon. sec, MrsEvans, intimated that the address on gardening had been postponed and in its place an address on the training of girls would be given at the next meeting, by Miss Barr, M.A., of the Girls’ High School. Mrs W. Hill took charge of the “sales table,” where good business was done. This is to be part of each future meeting. Afternoon tea was provided, and the singing of the National Anthem brought to a close a most enjoyable meeting. GAPES VALLEY. The monthly meeting of the Gapes Valley Women’s Institute was held on Thursday, the president (Mrs A. H. Roberts) presiding. Twenty-eight members were present, the small attendance being due, no doubt, to the weather. | All stood in silence for a moment out of respect to the late Sir Joseph Ward. A great deal of business was discussed, including the two days’ conference in Wellington in October.—lt was decided not to send a delegate this year. Mention was made of a demonstration by Miss Fergusson, of Christchurch, of country dancing to be held at Woodbury. It was decided to hold an Institute social in August, details to be advertised at a later date. For next month’s meeting the members were asked to bring a thrift article, something useful made of waste material, in anticipation of the thrift exhibition. There was a demonstration of thrift rug-making by Mrs A. H. Roberts, which was most interesting, A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mrs Roberts. The roll call “The noise I most detest,” called forth much amusement. Community singing in which everyone joined heartily, and the National Anthem, brought a happy afternoon to a close. The tea hostesses were Mesdames W. Patrick, E .Patrick and A. Mackenzie.