WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19374, 24 December 1932, Page 3

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

HILTON BRANCH. The Hilton Hall, with gay decorations, made an appropriate setting last Tuesday evening on the occasion of the Women’s Institute’s Christmas party. Prior to opening the programme, the earlier part of which was devoted to a concert, the president (Mrs H. H. Brosnahan) in extending a cordial welcome, expressed the wish that those present would, even if only for that evening, banish from mind all worries, and adopt the spirit of friendship and cheerfulness, which was one of the chief aims of the Women’s Institute movement. Friendship said the speaker, was one of the greatest faculties of life, whilst many would support the thoughts of Robert Louis Stevenson, when he wrote, “A cheerful man or women is a better thing to find than a five pound note.” Coloured paper hats were then distributed, and after the singing of the National Anthem, proceedings commenced with the grand march and everything went smoothly, and well till the close.

A pianoforte duet, given by Misses Joan and Margaret Botting, was followed by a folk dancing exhibition. “The Health” and “Picking Up Sticks’’ by the Institute team. An amusing play, “Photography,” by the Misses Reid was well received, as was also the vocal solos, “I Heard You Calling,” and “All Thro’ the Night,” given by Miss Gwen Hughes (with Mrs Brosnahan at the piano). The recently formed Institute Glee Club made its debut, and gave “La donna e mobile,” from “Rigoletto,” the following members taking part:—Sopranos, Mrs Botting, Misses E. Friend, M. Jones, A. Omelvena, M. Scott, M. Wilks; contraltos, Misses L. Friend, D. Scott, D. Wilks. The second, number, a Negro spiritual—“O Mary, Don’t You Weep,” with Miss A. Omelvena singing tenor, proved so popular that the Hilton Institute song had to be rendered before the audience was satisfied. The next item was “Santa Claus Will Come on Christmas Day,” by the infants, at the conclusion of which the sounding of trumpets, heralded the arrival of Father Christmas, who, as he entered the hall with his haversack of good things, was accorded a rousing ovation, and it was with difficulty that he wended his way, amidst eager and happy children, to the stage, where “grew” the customary Christmas tree, decorated and heavily laden with all toys and good things that appeal to children. An uproarious time followed, and as Santa began to speak in their own language, many children, losing their awe. crowded round him. At the conclusion of the distribution of toys, Father Christmas extended to young and old the compliments of the season, and on the motion of Mrs Brosnahan by vociferous cheering he was warmly thanked for his advent. With their gifts in hand, the children adjourned to the men’s room, where soft drinks and supper awaited them. Mrs Brosnahan’s soprano voice was heard to advantage in “Peggy O’Neill,” the encore number “Do-an Yo’ Listen,” being equally well received. Supper was then dispensed by Institute members. On the supper table, which was tastefully arranged with sweet peas gnd poppies, pride of place was given the huge and artistically decorated Christmas cake, which depicted Father Christmas with a haversack about to descent the chimney of a snow covered cottage. The cake was reminiscent of a snow covered Highland cottage, and with the snow covered trees and surroundings, with a little robin here and there giving colour, the scene was complete in every detail. Many congratulations were bestowed upon Mrs Brosnahan, the maker and donor. At a suitable interval, Mr E. O. Winmill, on behalf of the School Committee, teachers and parents, thanked members for the enjoyable evening, and their interest at all times in the school and children. (Prolonged applause.) Supper over, the floor was cleared for dancing, which was kept going till 2.30, when a happy but tired crowd dispersed.

A distinctive gift which will be appreciated for many years to come—a fur coat or necklet. We have a beautiful selection to choose from at prices exceedingly moderate. London Fur Co., Tekapo Buildings. Stafford Street