WOMENS INSTITUTE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 13, 19 August 1946, Page 5

WOMENS INSTITUTE

TANEATUA MEETING (From our own coirespondent) The monthly meeting of the Taneatua Women’s Institute was held in the hall supper room on August 13, Mrs Gardner presiding over a fair attendance. The meeting was opened with the Institute song and the Aspirations, read by Mrs Frost whilst a financial statement was given by Mrs Peebles. The forthcoming Children’s Fancy Dress Dance was discussed, and arrangements finalised, although it was realised that owing to the large number of children down with influenza, the function might have to be postponed. It was decided that no prizes would be awarded for fancy costumes, but that each child would receive a stick of chocolate or a bag of sweets. It was decided that the Institute would provide both lunch and afternoon tea for the Drama Festival to be held at Taneatua on September 24.

The classes fox’ the home-time section for the Eistedfodd were read out and it was decided to include the literature classes in the - monthlycompetitions. Two new members were welcomed by the president.

Mrs Peebles who was the Institute delegate to the recent Conference in Wellington gave a very full and comprehensive report on that gathering. She also displayed photographs of the very large gathering of women which had been taken in a Wellington street. Mrs .Gardner proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs Peebles which was carried by acclamation. Owing to pressure of business the roll call and a tatting demonstration which was to have been given by Mrs Butler had to be held over to another day.

Mrs Lawn and Mrs Knowles served a delicious afternoon tea.

Mrs Moore judged the competitions as follows: Best flower, Mrs Bennett 1. Drama Circle A very pleasant evening was spent at Mrs Grey’s residence when the Taneatua W.I. Music and Drama Circle held its monthly gathering. Mrs Gardner presided. • A discussion was held in regard to matters in connection with the Drama Festival to be held in Taneatua in September. A play reading “Gild the Mask Again” was very much enjoyed, those taking part being Mesdames Grey, Hawthorn, Hayward Butler, Moore, Gardner, McDonald, Merrie, Flavel and Dalgleish. It was decided to have a play reading every two months.

The rest of the evening was spent in singing in unison and with pianoforte solos by Mrs Peebles and Mrs Grey^

MEETING AT THORNTON The August meeting of the Thornton Women’s Institute took the form of a social afternoon, the occasion being the celebration of the first birthday. Minutes were read and necessary business was dealt with before the arrival of the visitors. The hall was crowded to capacity. The president, Mrs. Robb, welcomed visitors from four other Institutes. Everyone wore a label with her name and birthplace and this was used in the first competition, “Introductions.” Mrs Stewart rendered two songs in her usual delightful manner and was warmly encored. The accompanist was Mrs. Goodwin. A wall competition, “Tennis,” was keenly contested. Then followed a play-reading, “Followers,” presented by members of the newly-formed Drama Circle; those taking part being Mesdames Spence, Arbuckle, Ducker, and Miss B. McArthur. The stage setting of an old-fashioned sitting-room crowded with small furniture and many delicate ornaments, formed a pleasing background for the “Crawford” costumes of the players. Piano duets by Mesdames Goodwin and Smith were much appreciated by the company. This part of the programme concluded with the singing of two Maori action songs by Mrs Honey-' combe accompanied by Mrs Davis. Afternoon tea was then served. The delicious birthday cake, made, iced, and given by Mrs Arbuckle, was cut, Mrs Stewart and Mrs Withy officiating in the ceremony of lighting the one candle and cutting the first slice. The sales table did brisk business, and the afternoon closed with the singing of the National Anthem. The competition results for the day were as follows: Best bloom: Mrs Watts Ist, Mrs

Ducker 2nd. Best vegetable, Mrs Law Ist, Mrs Bell 2nd. Girdle scones: Mrs Ferguson Ist. Mrs Watts 2nd. Article from 2 skeins wool: Mrs D. Branch Ist, Rrs Robb 2nd. Bowl of flowers: Mrs Ducker Ist, Mrs D. Branch 2nd.