WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 55, 27 November 1946, Page 7

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

MEETING AT EDGECUMBE

The October meeting of the Edgecumbe Women’s Institute was held as usual in the Presbyterian Hall, Mrs Shaw presiding over a good attendance of members and friends. A few apologies for absence were received and nine new members were enrolled and welcomed. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Entries for the A. and P. Show, to be held in February, were finalised.

Mrs Spiers gave a comprehensive report on th recent Bi-annual Federation meeting and also read ex-

tracts from a letter received from Mrs Snelling, an old member of the Institute.

Mrs Shaw presented seven members with birthday posies, and Baby Learning was presented with a Bank Book. Two vocal items rendered by Mrs Spence, were much appreciated by all. 1 It being International Day many members brought curios and souvenirs from other lands for display. After a delicious afternoon tea had been served, Mrs Mayo demonstrated the use of the spare parts attached to a sewing machine, this proving most helpful to many home dressmakers.

A busy and enjoyable afternoon was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem. Competition results were as follows: Xmas Stocking, Mrs King 1; Mrs Blair 2; Mrs Teasdale 3. Xmas mincemeat, Miss Blair 1; Mrs Blair 2; Mrs King 3. Best flower, Mrs Wilson 1; Mrs Goldsmith 2; Mr King and Mrs Teasdale 3. Iceland poppies, Mrs Black 1; Mrs Bryers 2; Mrs Malpas 3. Broad beans, Mrs Waddell 1; Mrs S. Pearse 2. ,

THORNTON GATHERING J J The Thornton branch of the Women’s Institute held its meeting in the local hall on November 14. It was members’ day and the chair was taken by Mrs Chitham, with Miss Schneller as acting secretary. After singing the Institute song members stood in silence one minute to express sympathy with two members who recently suffered bereavement.

Business was discussed and it was unanimously decided to hold a picnic in January instead of a Christmas tree and treat for the children, and also to haye a social evening for members and their families on December 14, details to be arranged later.

Ws Robb read a very interesting story of life and conditions in England during the war, written'by a member who has recently arrived from the Mother Country to settle in the district.

International Day was celebrated by an exhibition of articles from other countries and for the interest of those present Mrs Sheat opened a parcel of dried bananas, very neatly and. cleverely packed in banana leaves' by natives of Fiji. The roll call was' “Customs of Other Lands.” Afternoon tea was served and shoulder sprays were presented to the acting president and secretary and to several members who have had birthdays during the month. Mrs Branch demonstrated the making of a sand lady with sand and flowers and after Mrs Robb had thanked the two ladies who had ably conducted the meeting, the National Anthem was sung.