WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20720, 6 May 1937, Page 10

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

HILTON Recently members and friends of the Hilton Women’s Institute held a "gift” afternoon in honour of one of their members, Miss Barbara Cunningham, whose marriage takes place this week. An enjoyable time was spent in games and competitions, interspersed with vocal solos by Miss Scott and Miss Omelvena. Before the serving of afternoon tea Miss Omelvena, as president of the Institute, in asking Miss Cunningham’s acceptance of the numerous gifts, assured the bride-elect that they carried with them the best wishes of members and friends for a bright and happy future, and hoped they would serve to remind her of her days spent in Hilton, more especially those spent as an Institute member. Other speakers were Misses Scott and Pierce, Mesdames Brenton, Beattie, Botting and Parish. Miss Cunningham suitably acknowledged the remarks and thanked all for the enjoyable afternoon. Mrs Beavan presented the bride-to-be with a shoulder spray, while Miss Wilks showered her with confetti. Competition winners were: Musical parcels, Miss Cunningham and Mrs Beattie; choir competition, Mrs Wilks’ choir; advertisements, Mrs Winmill. GERALDINE At the monthly meeting of the Geraldine Women’s Institute the president (Mrs L. S. R. King) occupied the chair. An invitation from the Orari Bridge W.D.F.U. to its birthday party was received. One resignation was accepted with regret. Three new members were welcomed by the president. Mrs J. H. Woolhouse was elected pianist for the ensuing year, and the Committee extended thanks to Miss L. Hawke for always filling the position in the pianist’s absence. The Institute also expressed thanks to Mrs J. P. Cliff for floral work for Anzac Day. The president commented on the Bridge Club, the Reading Club and the Choir, which were all working hard. It was decided that the June meeting be a social evening for husbands of members, to take the form of a flag 500 evening. Mrs J. G. D. Willcox gave members particulars of the Geraldine District "Bay” Committee's requirements for June 17. Mrs F. W. Morgan gave a most Interesting account of the annual Council meeting of the South Canterbury Federation held In Geraldine last week. Members were urged to try to be present at future Federation meetings, where much enlightenment could be gained. A vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Morgan on the motion of Mrs J. Baguley. Mrs F. W. Grayburn gave a very interesting five minutes’ talk on the New Zealand story "The Greenstone Door.” This talk was most appropriate as the members were awaiting an exhibition of Maori arts and crafts by Mr H. S. McCully of Peel Forest. The speaker explained the nature of various articles and tools on view and the talk was very instructive. On the motion of Mliss Henry, Mr McCully was afforded a vote of thanks. A motion was passed that a letter of appreciation and gratitude be sent to Mrs Margaret Wharton who so kindly gave the Best Room to the Borough Council some years ago. A crochet wool cot quilt, kindly lent by Mrs Percy Russell, was on view. Competitions were won as follow: Pikelets, Mrs A. J. Burmester 1, Miss B. Mitchelmore 2, Mrs Jack Waller 3. Premier bloom, Miss J. Vincent 1, Mrs J. Waller 2, Mrs H. Mitchelmore 3. ARUNDEL There was a fair attendance at the May meeting of the Arundel Women's Institute, Mrs Wooding presiding. Invitations were received from the Gapes Valley and Rangitata Women’s Institutes to attend their birthday parties. A number of entries were forthcoming for the Geraldine "bay” to be displayed at the winter show. Mrs Black gave an interesting talk on the South Canterbury Federation meeting. Mrs J. Paterson gave a demonstration of the making of sea-grass stools and was accorded a vote of thanks. Competitions for the day resulted as follows.—Scones, Miss H. Pratt 1, Mrs Pratt 2, Miss E. McComb 3. Three carrots: Mrs Matheson 1, Miss E. McCully 2, Miss H. Pratt 3. Best bloom: Miss B. Smith 1. The hostesses were Mesdames A. Brown, Cormack, Galletly and Miss Cormack.