WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 45, 25 June 1947, Page 3

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

THORNTON ENTERTAINS A large number of visitors from the Otakiri Women’s Institute were welcomed at the June meeting of the Thornton Women’s Institute. Mrs Robb presided over a fair attendance of members. The meeting opened with the Ode and the reading of the Aspirations. The roll call, “My first impression of Thornton” caused much amusement. It was decided that next month’s roll call should be a cake of toilet soap, all contributions to be sent to our Scottish Link Institute. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mrs McDonald for working and making up a W.I. tablecloth. With the consent of Edgecumbe W. 1., it was decided that the exchange programme for July should be postponed till later in the year, the July meeting to be an evening one, commencing at 7.30 p.m. I Afternoon tea was served by the hostesses. The Otakiri ladies then took charge of the programme. A song by Mrs Armstrong, a wall competition and items by the Glee Circle, proved popular. Some amusement was caused by the high-stepping in a novelty competition. All then tried their skill at making paper flowers, some very life-like blooms resulting.

i An extremely interesting demonstration by Mrs Peck, on the making of children’s mocassins from felt concluded the programme. Mrs Robb expressed the thanks and appreciation of the Thornton members for a very entertaining afternoon. The meeting closed with the singing of the National Anthem. The day’s competitions were judged by two of the visitors, the following being the results:—

Best bloom: Mrs Robb 1, Mrs Watts 2.

Best vegetable: Mrs Sheat 1, Mrs Magee 2. Hand-made handkerchief: Mrs J. Branch 1, Mrs McDonald 2. Scrap book: Mrs D. Branch 1, Mrs J. Branch 2.

. Plain sponge: -Mrs Watts 1, Mrs J. Branch 2.

As it was hospital month, all competition entries were donated, and were taken in to the hospital, together with a large collection of books and magazines.

EDGECUMBE CELEBRATION A fine day favoured the Edgecumbe Women’s Institute for the celebration of their 18th birthday. Mrs Fergusson presided over a very large attendance. The meeting opened with all repating the Aspirations. Two new members were enrolled and welcomed. Visitors were present . from the Otakiri, Thornton, Matata and Whakatane Institutes. The roll call “A Book for the Library” brought forth several good books to fill the Institute Library. A short debate was then held, the subject being “Are Corsets Necessary.” Mrs Burgess, who took the negative part, starting from the 14th Century and worked up to the present day foundation garment. This was both interesting and amusing. The Edgecumbe Drama Club then presented a short sketch entitled, “Early Pit” which was well received.

A competition for a collar and cuff set was won by Mrs John Murray, and one for a box of chocolates was won by Mrs Zinsli. Mrs Armstrong played several pianoforte pieces and was heartily applauded. Afternoon tea was served by the hostesses.

Mrs Caverhill lit the 16 candles on the cake and Mrs Armstrong blew them out both ladies wishing the Edgecumbe Institute many more happy birthdays. Mrs Martin,- who had made and iced the beautiful cake, had the honour of cutting it. Mrs G. Hucker, Taranaki, then gave a humorous sketch entitled, “How to Make a Thilk Purth from a Thow’s Ear” and was generously applauded.

The president then presented Baby Dean Anderson with a bank book and several members received birthday posies. The monthly competition results were as follows:

Vase of winter decoration: Mrs Black 1, Mrs Quail 2, Mrs Blair 3. Shoulder spray: Mrs Blair 1, Mrs Black 2, Mrs Malpas 3. Best flower: Miss Teasdale 1, Mrs Spiers 2.

A pleasant gathering was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem.