WOMENS INSTITUTE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20513, 3 September 1936, Page 12

WOMENS INSTITUTE

GERALDINE The president (Mrs L. S. R. King), announced to the monthly meeting of the Geraldine Women’s Institute on Tuesday eevning, that the South Canterbury Federation of Women’s Institutes had won the Young Cup awarded for the Federation which had done the most outstanding work during the year. She explained that the hospitality scheme inaugurated by the Fairlie Institute, had been responsible for the Federation’s success. A motion of condolence was accorded to Mrs A. G. Brown in her bereavement. Sympathy was also extended to sick members. Congratulations were received from the Fairlie Institute on the Geraldine choir’s success at the recent choir competition. The resignation of Mrs D. Day, who had left the district, was accepted with regret. The secretary was instructed to write thanking Mr C. C. Knight for his donation from the picture benefit for the Institute’s charity fund. Misses V. Macmillan and Athol wrote in regard to the proposed home science demonstrations. It was decided to cooperate with the Geraldine Branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union in making arrangements for the demonstrations. A special appeal for books and toys for ailing children was made by the president of the South Canterbury Federation (Mrs L. E. Williams). Members were notified that the spring flower show would be held at the next meeting instead of at the November meeting, and special prizes were offered by Mrs J. P. Cliff and Miss M. Cruickshank. The president intimated that Mrs M. Burdon would give a talk at the next meeting on flowers in Holland. Miss J. Cowie’s offer to coach a folkdancing team to attend the festival at Timaru was accepted with thanks. It was reported that there was at present a membership of 19 in the Institute’s Drama Circle, which, unfortunately, would have to be limited to 20. It was decided to hold a “wind-up” flag 500 evening on October 1, to conclude the activities of the Institute’s Bridge Club for the season. Mr Twomey, of Christchurch, wrote appealing for Christmas gifts to be sent to the Makogai Leper Station. Members agreed to bring a plentiful supply of gifts to the next meeting. Mrs P. W. Hislop reported on the meeting of the South Canterbury Executive which she had attended last week. Members were notified that the tree planting ceremony would take place on September 16, at 2.15 p.m. It was reported that the half-yearly meeting would be held in Timaru on November 27, when Mrs A. Watt, of Canada, would address the meeting. Mrs Watt is president of the Associated Country Women of the World, and the founder of the Women’s Institute in England. Members wishing to hear her speak were invited to Mrs G. A. M. Macdonald's residence, at Orari, on November 28, when she would give an address. Mrs Gillingham (Fairlie), secretary of the hospitality scheme, wrote stating that more rooms were required for the scheme. Mrs H. V. Firman was appointed to the Women’s Institute Depot Committee. A debate, “Is too much time spent on sport?” was held by the junior members. The affirmative was taken by Misses I. Henry, A. Williamson and M. Gaby, and the negative by Misses B. Bennett, J. Cowie and B. Dean. The negative side were the winners. The president thanked the junior members and also Mesdames P. W. Hislop and W. E. Moore for acting as judges. A sketch, “How We Alter,” written for the Women’s Institute by Mabie Powell-Kelly, was portrayed by Mesdames F. W. Morgan, W. H. Kirk, and F. W. Grayburn, Mrs Kirk having kindly taken Mrs A. G. Brown's place in her absence. Mrs F. W. Grayburn and the Misses G. Williamson, P. Bennett, A. Williamson, B. Dean and M. Cochrane gave . clever interpretation of a play, “World Without Men.” A competition for a pair of knitted gloves was won by Miss M. Cochrane. Red roses of Plantagenet England are to be brought back to favour by the brides of 1936 (states the “London Daily Telegraph”). The rose, symbol of mediaeval romance, fell from fashion in the boudoirs and drawing-rooms of Mayfair with the wave of post-war realism. Its place was taken by the single flower, with long stem and erect bloom. Brides carried a single lily or two irises or carnations arranged austerely one below the other. This season brides have rediscovered the romantic rose with the help of dressmakers, who are using it to deck day and evening clothes.