WOMEN’S INSTITUTES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 19105, 10 February 1932, Page 3

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES.

ARUNDEL BRANCH. At the monthly meeting of the Arundel Women’s Institute, Mrs. Charles presided over an attendance of thirty members. Letters were received from Lionel Pratt and F. Stevenson, thanking the Institute for Christmas presents. Notice was received that the annual Conference of Women’s Institutes would be held in Wellington in July. Mrs. Charles intimated that lecture on petrol making, illustrated by pictures, would be held on Tuesday. On the motion of Mrs. Pithie, seconded by Mrs. Black, it was decided that members bring a basket. Miss Williams then gave a most interesting travel talk and a description of the Passion Play. Starting from Dover, Miss Williams described the journey across to Calais, and told how, on the train journey from there, she got into a railway carriage with over 40 deaf mutes, travelling from a school to see the Passion Play. The people at Oberameragau lived a primitive life and were very sociable. The Passion Play originated in 1631 through a plague, the people promising to put the play on every 10 years if the plague was stopped. The play was staged from Christ’s last days on earth. The characters were wonderfully portrayed, and the actual crucifixion took place amidst thunder and lightning. There were over 5000 people present, and during the eight hours which the play lasted their interest never flagged. Miss Williams then took her audience through Germany, and illustrated her talk with many photos. One place described was a Place of Tortures, the instruments of torture being a thumb screw and rack, also a spike room, and a room of about 4 feet which filled slowly with water when the river rose, and drowned the prisoner. From here Miss Williams journeyed to Munich, then on to Switzerland, and thence to Italy. At the conclusion of the address a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Miss Williams. The hostesses were Mesdames Johnston, Pithie and Upritchard. A competition “Musical Switches,” was won by Mrs. Pithie, and the passe partout by Mrs Paterson. ROSEWILL. The monthly meeting of the Rosewill Women’s Institute was held on Saturday afternoon, the president, Mrs. P. Brosnahan, presiding. Owing to harvesting operations being in full swing; a good many members were absent. During the afternoon, a demonstration, which was much appreciated, was given by the president, on how to make an inexpensive and serviceable doll from an old stocking. The roll call was entitled “household hints.”

In the competition for the best supper cloth, some nice work was shown. The results were—Miss Porter and Miss O’Keeffe (equal) 1, and Miss E. Brosnahan 2.

Mrs. L. Smith brought some beautiful crochet work for exhibition. The competition for the best pot of j jam resulted —Miss Porter 1, an£ Miss O’Keeffe and Miss K. Brosnahan equal, 2 - I An enjoyable half hour was spent in community singing and games. Afternoon tea was served by the hostesses, Mesdames Porter, Kitchen, and Miss Porter. The singing of a verse of the Institute song brought a pleasant afternoon to a close. FAIRLIE BRANCH. The Faii'lie Women’s Institute held their monthly meeting in the Parish Hall. Mrs M. L. West presiding over a good attendance. Letters were received from Miss Stops prior to her voyage to England, wishing the Fairlie Institute success. Telegrams had been sent to Miss Stops conveying the Fairlie Institute’s good wishes; also to Mrs Hudson, a fellow member, who had left for Scotland to join her husband in their new home. The resignation of Miss Whitefield. who is leaving the district to be married, was received with regret. Mr Alister Mackenzie, president of the Mackenzie County A. and P. Society, wrote asking the Institute to give as many entries as possible to the needlework. Mrs West spoke in support of Mr Mackenzie’s appeal, and urged all members to make special efforts and exhibit as much as possible. The show committee’s offer of a bay for exhibition only for Women Institutes’ arts and crafts was accepted with thanks. A welcome was accorded to Sherwood and Kimbell members who had assembled to hear Miss Lovell-Smith’s talk on “Buy New Zealand Made Goods ” Miss Lovell-Smith displayed splendid samples of work made by New Zealand factories —shoes, stockings, tweeds, underwear, etc. Members expressed surprise at the excellent quality of the goods. Mrs S. Gillingham proposed a vote of thanks to Miss Lovell-Smith for her talk and display. This was seconded by Mrs F. Carter, president of the Sherwood Institute. During the afternoon some interesting home-made articles were exhibited. A wool mattress, pillow and quilt, made by Miss Creighton; a wonderful rag mat made by Mrs Lyons; and wool and string mats made by Mrs West. I Tha. hostesses for the afternoon were Hannigan, Irving, Manchester, Wills, Macßeth, Elms, and Miss Riddle.

At the annual meeting Mr R. L. Banks( Oamaru), has promised to talk on his travels in the Far East.

The National Anthem closed a most interesting afternoon.