WOMENS WORLD

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 139, 27 March 1940, Page 2

WOMENS WORLD

| LEAGUE OF MOTHERS NOVEL AFTERNOON i - | The usual monthly meeting of [• the League of Mothers held last | Wednesday, took the form of an 3 extremely interesting and instruo 8 I tive talk by Miss Marnie Spicer entitled "Early Ways in Early Days in Ne.w Zealand." 1 Mrs W. Sullivan presided and Mrs James was acting secretary in the absence of Mrs Craddock. There was quite a large attendance of ladies and all were keenly interested in the descriptions so ably portrayed of life 100 years ago. Miss Spicer, with her sister Miss Lila Spicer, who are residents of Auckland, visited Whakatane especially to be present at t'he Centennial celebrations in which they took part, wearing early Victorian costumes belonging to their grandmother, Mrs James Preece. Miss Marnie Spicer wore the identical' bonnet worn by Mrs Preece on her arrival in New Zealand in 1828. During the course of her address/ Miss Spicer changed into several frocks, all of which dated back to Victorian days, and had been carefully preserved by her famiiy. Seen against the background of our present day modern dress and linked with Miss Spicer's very vivid description of life in the early times these graceful costumes of the last century, with their frills and laces, dainty handwork and quaint design created quite an okl i world atmosphere. Miss Spicer outlined the history of her grand parents' life in New Zealand Mr and Mrs James Preece, who were engaged in early mission work at Puriri, Thames, and at Ahikereru near Waikaremoana. The living conditions and many difficulties which handicapped these early pioneers—with no mode of travelling except by bush tracks, and the ever present menace of attack by hostile native tribes. —were " 'faithfully described. Miss Spicer mentioned that the marriage of her grand parents . which took place at Kere Kere in 18MM was the first marriage in New Zealand of two adults coming from England, and that her mother, born at Puriri, Thames, was. the first white child born south of the Bay of Islands. During the afternoon items were given by Mrs James who sang "My Rose" and "Vellanellc,"" Miss Schofield singing "The Holy City" and "The Glory of God." An enjoyable afternoon concluded with a hearty vote of thanks to Miss Spicer, and the serving of afternoon tea. GIFT AFTERNOON (Beacon Correspondent) A most pleasant afternoon was spent at the home of Mrs Cransl- - last Monday, the afternoon being arranged by Mrs Axtens of Nukuhou North in honour of Miss May Ruff' who is to be married shortly. The afternoon was spent at playing games and competitions. Miss Bessie Bell being the winner of Clock Golf. Miss M. Hughes found the hidden parcel. After a dainty tea had been served, Mrs J. G. Mot tram on behalf of all present asked the guest of honour to accept a bouquet of flowers and an envelope containing a small cheque from all present with their best wishes for her future happiness. , All joined in singing "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow." Miss Ruff most suitably responded and thanked all for the afternoon and the gift which was much appreciated. Those present Averc: MesdameS Axtens, King, Croft, Mottram Snr., Seymour Mottram, J. 'Ruff,, I. Savage, BalL-Gymer, Hodgson, Hampton. Misses M. Ruff, Amy Ruff, Agnes Ruff, Alma R. Macdonald, Bessie Bell, Shirley Addison, E. Addison, M. Woolfield, E. Doran, K. Doran, Molly Doran, j Mary Hughes, Ann Mottram, Helen Mottram, Clare Axtens.

WEDDING YOUNG—PARRY The Rev. S. G. Caul ton was. the officiating minister in St. George's Church on Saturday, March 16th, 'when the marriage took place between Gwladys Minnie, only daughter of Mr and Mrs A. J. Parry, of Toroa Street, and Lance Corporal Leslie, youngest son of Mrs and the late Mr John Young, of South Shields, England. The bride was dressed attractively in a tailored navy costume, with hat and accessories to tone arid) a necklet of silver fox. She carried a posy of asters. A tailored navy costume was worn by the matron-of-honour, Mrs George Parry, with hat and accessories to match, and she carried a posy of asters. The bridegroom was supported by Mr W. Parry as best man and the wedding music was played by Mrs Fraser. Lance-Corporal and Mrs Young left for Wellington the following day, travelling by air to Auckland on Good Friday and returning to Whakatane on Monday. Lance-Corporal Young rejoins his unit, 21st (Auckland) Rifle Battalion, to-day, for service overseas. WOMEN'S INSTITUTE WAIOTAHI ANNUAL MEETING Mrs W. R. Payne presided over a good attendance at the annual meeting of the Waiotahi Women's Institute. The Aspirations were read by Mrs Leishman, and "Comrades and Friends'" sung, after which the minutes of the previous annual meeting w r ere read and confirmed. A communication from Dominion headquarters in regard to Institute war work was discussed, and it was decided to serid three parcels month !y to the Soldiers' Comforts Fund. xV Soldiers' Comforts Committee was formed, comprising Mesdames L. V. Looney, Snell, Wells, Jessop and Du Pontet, The- agenda for the forthcoming annual Federation meeting was read* and Mesdames Wilson and Du Pontet appointed as delegates. The annual report and balance sheet were read and adopted and reports from the Library and Garden Circles dealt with. Two very interesting letters from Hensall, Canada, and Louisville, U.S.A., were read by th,e Links correspondent, Mrs L. V. Looney. Mrs G. White, o<n behalf of the Institute presented posies to Mesdames Payne, Wilson and P. Looney retiring president, secretary and treasurer respectively, with the thanks of members for their work during the year. The points prizes for the year were, awarded as follows; General Competitions: Mrs L. V. Looney. Best Bloom: Mrs W. L. Looney. I Best Vegetable: Mrs P. Looney. Mrs L, V. Looney was elected unopposed as president, and a committee was nominated as follows, no election being necessary: Vicepresidents:; Mrs Scott and Mrs A. Looney; secretary: Miss B. Du Pontet; treasurer: Mrs Wagner; Mesdames M. Anderson, Wells, J„ Anderson, Schwieters, A. Rau and Miss J. Neilson. GARDEN CIRCLE A meeting of the Waiotahi Women's Institute Garden Circle was held at Mrs Snell's home. Mrs Beattie and Miss E. Bridge gave a most instructive demonstration of wreath making. Mrs Beattie also gave a< talk on points in judging dahliaq and decorated baskets, which were among the competitions for the month. Afternoon tea was served by Mesdames Snell and W. L. Looney and members admired the large and beautifully kept garden and flourishing vegetable garden. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs Beattie and Miss Bridge for their demonstration and for judging the competitions. A vote of thanks was also accorded to the hostess.