Women’s Institute At Okoia Celebrates Its 17th Birthday

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 April 1949, Page 9

Women’s Institute At Okoia Celebrates Its 17th Birthday

Autumn leaves, hydrangea and dahlias decorated the stage of the Okoia Hall for the April meeting of the Okoia W.I. when the institute celebrated its 17th. birthday. Wall vases and bowls of flowers added a further festive note. The president, Mrs. O’Donnell, welcomed members and a number of visitors. Routine business was quickly disposed of so that all might enjoy the excellent programme provided. Mrs. Nolan and Mrs. Atkinson contributed delightful songs, the former singing “A Summer Afternoon” and “That’s All,” and the latter “Life’s Balcony” and “Will You Remember.’ Mrs. Wright gave an interesting interpretation of Sibelius’ “Romance,” followed by way of contrast, by an old favourite “The Sweet By and By.” A hilarious game P^ a Y“ ed in teams with balloons gnd newspapers was finally won, amid much laughter and excitement by Mrs. A. Penn. A radio play "Broadcasting” was given by Mesdames W. P. Jones, Gardner, O’Donnell and G. R. Jones. Miss Merle Richardson delghted all with her playing of a Schumann waltz and “Arabesque.” Mesdames Bartrum, J. Anderson and Stockdale, of the Whangaehu W.D. presented an excellent play-reading, “The Lightweight.” The trading table did brisk busmess, in th e hands of Mrs. A. McLeod, and afternoon tea was served by Miss Ashmore, Mesdames Field, Graham, Hogg and Oliver. Competitions for the day resulted: Best Hower, Mrs. G. R. Jones. Four ptfs jam, Mrs* G. R. Jones, Mrs. Hogg 2, i Mrs. O'Donnell 3. Three dat e scones (open) Mrs. R. Campbell (FordelD, I Mrs. McGrail (Fordell) 2, Mrs. Field i (Okoia) 3. Greetings and good wishes were expressed by visitors from other institutes. The singing of the National Anthem brought to a close a I very enjoyable afternoon. At the May i meeting members will b e the guests i of Mrs. L. Penn, who is shortly leavi ing the district.