THRIFT EXHIBITION.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18652, 22 August 1930, Page 11

THRIFT EXHIBITION.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES’ FUNCTION.

Success from every point of view attended Wednesday’s Thrift Exhibition that was held by the combined Women’s Institutes in the Town Hall at Geraldine, and throughout the day hundreds from all parts of South Canterbury attended to see the articles exhibited. Everything from big rag mats and elaborately embroidered articles to finely-worked handcrafts, and a dainty little bead basket made by a little blind girl, showed evidence of much patient working, and many of the articles proved their makers to be possessed of exceptional ingenuity. To praise individual work would be unfair, owing to the impossibility of mentioning everything worthy of remark. Suffice it to give a brief outline of some of the hundreds of articles and knickknacks that covered the long tables ranged within the hall. The following Institutes took part:— Waitohi, Hilton, Rangitira Valley, Temuka, Hinds, Ealing, Maronan, Mayfield, Mt. Somers, Rangitata, Arundel, Orari, Woodbury, Geraldine, Otipua, Waihaorunga, Gape’s Valley.

A tour of the exhibition sections revealed many interesting things. Among a profusion of articles were raffia hats, cake baskets, work baskets, mats made from old stockings, and gloves and slippers made from old felt hats. A different line, soft toys for children, made from old clothes, included a perky duck and duckling, laughing golliwogs, dainty dolls, and animals, including elephants, pigs, rabbits, dogs, penguins, and grinning cat mascots. Purses from felt hats, fancy pencils, vases, match boxes and cigarette holders made from sealing wax were among other tempting displays. Paper flowers, including roses, poppies and lillies, made a bright display. Articles from sugar bags included mats, aprons, book covers, humptys, tea cosies and numerous cushions. The section, for articles from flour bags attracted most entries, and included dresses, traycloths, aprons, bags and other items. Pin cushions made from pine cones, and a child’s outfit (slippers, suit and hat) from an old golf jumper were other attractive items.

The exhibition was opened by Miss Spencer, Dominion organiser of the Women’s Institute, who spoke on the aims and ideals of the Institute. She congratulated the district on the wonderful display gathered within the walls —it was a great credit to them all, especially the newly formed Institute. The Mayor of Geraldine (Mr J. Kennedy), also spoke, congratulating the Federation on their exhibition. On their behalf he thanked the many patrons for their support, the exhibitors and the performers on the musical programme. The following items were included on the musical programme:—Recitation. Miss Manning; pianoforte duet, Misses Sherratt; recitation, Mrs Davis; song, Mrs McKenzie; song, Miss Patterson; song, Miss Hughes; song, Miss Morgan. The Prize List. The prize list was as follows: — Article made from not more than three 601 b flour bags (35 entries) —Mrs Smith 1, Miss R. Williams and Mrs L. Hood 2, Mrs Rickard 3. Article made from two sugar bags (56 entries) —Ornamental section, Mrs J. M. Barker 1. Mrs J. Charles 2, Mesdames J. McDonald and Mrs McArtie highly commended. Plain section, Mrs Davis 1. Paper flowers (B)—Mrs Hanna 1. Pair driving gloves—Miss Woolley 1. Pair of plain gloves—Miss Woolley 1. Sealing wax modelling and covering (17)—Miss Maxwell 1 (covering). Miss Eggleton 1 modelling), Jean Chisnall. highly commended. Best article made from old felt hat (13)—Mrs Hibbs 1. Mrs Chisnall 2. Soft toys (23) —Mrs Watts 1 and 2, Mrs G. A. M. Macdonald, highly commended. Article made from old stockings (10) —Mrs Brenton 1. Mrs S. Unwin 2. Article from papier mache (7)—Mrs D. Bennett 1, Miss Maxwell 2. Best made raffia article, plain (13) Miss H. Gallelety 1, Miss G. Coumbe 2. Plain raffia —Miss Maxwell 1, Mrs Benham highly commended. Something new from something old (9) —Miss V. Turner 1, Mrs G. Wooding 2. Best article from cured skins (s) Mrs L. Reid 1, Mrs L. E. Williams 2. Five members of the Arts and Crafts Circle of the South Canterbury Women’s Club acted as judges. Much credit for the success of the function goes to the organising committee of the South Canterbury Federation. of Women’s Institutes, with Mrs L. E. Williams as president and Misses E. Templer and N. Lysaght as organising secretaries. During the evening an enjoyable programme of musical and recitation numbers added additional enjoyment for the patrons. Afternoon tea and supper were served.