WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 38, 9 June 1947, Page 8

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

WHAKATANE BRANCH JUNE MEETING The Whakatane Women’s Institute opened their June meeting with the singing of “Comrades and Friends” and the repeating of the Aspirations. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed and business discussed. Mrs Littlejohn gave her report on the Country Library system. Mrs Armstrong, president of the Federation, spoke on the Robert Young Cup. Mrs Moran read a letter from England thanking the Institute for their Lady Galway parcel which was distributed to victims of the flooded areas. The entertainment was arranged by Mrs Sutcliffe who made it a New Zealand day. The Roll Call, “A Maori Word or Phrase” was very popular. Two “Maori” maidens, Mesdames Teasdale and Litchwark sang “Po Kiri Kiri Ana” then a group of Maori maidens did a poi dance. Mr Clarke demonstrated Maori carving. Afternoon tea was served by the poi dancers and after a collection for the Blind Institute the afternoon was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem. ■ Gardening Circle

The May meeting of the W.I. gardening circle was held at Mrs Stewart’s residence, Hillcrest. Mrs Fennell'presided over a fair attendance and apologies were received from Mesdames Sutcliffe, Larsen, Patterson, Dixon and Hellawell. Two new members were welcomed, Mrs Barker and Mrs Haultain. Monthly readings on the storing of crops in winter and the cleaning up of gardens were read by all. The Roll Call, “Native Trees and Shrubs” proved very popular. . The wrenching of trees and shrubs was described by Mrs Fennell. Competitions were as follows: Decorated coup plate: Mrs Stewart. Best Chrysanthemum: Mrs Martin. Best kumara: Mrs Stewart.