WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 60, 9 December 1946, Page 3

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

OPOTIKI AND EDGECUMBE MEETINGS,

SILVER JUBILEE The Eastern Bay of Plenty Federation of Women’s Institutes held two Group meetings recently, at Opotikio and Edgecumbe, to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the movement in New Zealand. The Opotiki meeting was convened by Mrs Fisher, who 'opened the meeting by welcoming all present and also Mrs McNaughton of the Dominion Executive. During the day, items were presented by members of several Institutes, and were greatly enjoyed. Mrs McNaughton gave a most interesting address, the speaker explaining how Miss Jerome Spencer,, formed the first W.I. at Rissington, Napier, Hawke’s Bay, 25 years ago. Since then the number of Institutes had risen to 900, with 40,000 members. A firm- foundation had been built after 25 years, and some had had to lay down the roles of office bearers and hand the torch on to others coming on.

Greetings were extended to the Federation from the Dominion Executive and also Tauranga Federation During her talk Mrs McNaughton stated that Opotiki Institute was the first one formed in the Bay of Plenty, and she was very pleased to see so many foundation members present. Mrs McNaughton was aacorded a hearty vote of thanks. Lovely shoulder sprays were presented to Mrs McNaughton, Mrs K. Brown and foundation members of the Opotiki Institute. The beautiful birthday cake with its 25 candles, took pride of place at afternoon tea. The cake was cut by Mrs Short, the first President of the Opotiki Institute.

Items given during the day were: Vocal duet by Mrs Armstrong and Mrs Shaw (Otakiri) also a part song; a sketch “In a Hat Shop” (Waiotahi); a haka and recitation entitled ‘Crossing The Bar” these were presented by Mrs Brown of Te Kaha); two delightful vocal solos by Miss Fluer Hampton (Opotiki)| “Vienna Woods” and “One Fine Day” and a part song by Otara; a sketch and recitation by Waimana. At the conclusion of the meeting Mrs Fisher thanked all for the way members had. so willingly helped with the programme etc.

Edgecumbe Group Meeting

The Edgecumbe Group celebrated

their Silver Jubilee when Mrs Caverhill convened a meeting. Mrs K. Stewart was in the chair.

Mrs Shaw, President of the Edgecumbe Institute, opened proceedings by welcoming all present and expressing the hope that all would have an enjoyable day. She also extended a special welcome to Miss Spencer, founder of the W.I. movement, and on behalf of the Edgecumbe W. 1., presented her with a shoulder spray of roses..

A most delightful programme of

items was presented by members of a number of Institutes, every item being very well received.

The opening item was a JTableau of the Institute song “Comrades and Friends” by Whakatane. Mrs Rushbrook sang the song and as the different countries were mentioned, a member appeared on the stage dressed to represent that country.

Edgecumbe presented a melodrama, and the item caused great laughter and was well acted. A sketch entitled “In a Hat Shop” was presented by Thornton. Popular choruses of 25 years ago were sung by Taneatua members, who were also frocked as the fair sex 25 years ago.

A pianoforte duet was nicely played by two Matata membei’s, and Miss F. Hampton, Opotiki, sang most delightfully. Otara put oh a humorous sketch, entitled “Charlie Is My Darling.” Mrs Rushbi'ook sang “The Spring Song” most pleasingly.

After the luncheon adjournment, Miss Spencer addressed the meeting, after a spray and small gift from the Federation was presented to her by Mrs Stewart. Miss Spencer paid a warm tribute to all members who had helped to keep the movement advancing in the last 25 years. She explained how the first W.I. was formed in Wales, in the British Isles.

A hearty vote of thanks was carried by acclamation and “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow” sung. A beautiful cake adorned with 25 candles, was greatly enjoyed at afternoon tea.