Matata Matters—

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 16, Issue 14, 1 November 1950, Page 5

Matata Matters—

21st Birthday

To celebrate the coming-of-age, the Matata Women’s Institute members enjoyed a social evening and dance. There was a very full attendance and visitors were present from Otakiri, Manawahe, Otamarakau and Pukehina. The welcome song and dance by senior members of the institute, started the evening. An “Irish Bracket” was provided by songs sung by Miss M. Anderson “Little Bit of Heaven” and “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” An Irish Jig was danced by the three Withy sisters, Anne, Catherine and Margaret. Next came “Bouncing Ball” by J. and M. Anderson, M. Marr and H. Moore.

A duet was sung by Misses N. Howell and D. Riini followed by “A Scotch Bracket” in which Miss M. Marr was heard to singing “Loch Lomond,” and “My One and Only Highland Fling,” and Anne Withy dancing the Highland Fling. Miss J. Anderson as “Calamity Jane” in costume, brought down the house in her rendering of “I Didn’t Know the Gun was Loaded.” Mrs Reichardt gave a recitation in the Wiltshire! dialect, Anne Withy delighted everyone with her tap dance. “In These Hard Times” was acted by members of the Richmond Drama Club, and the programme finished with action songs by the girls. Supper was served buffet style. Dancing was enjoyed for the remainder of the evening.

The programme was arranged by Mrs L. Warbrick, who was also the accompanist for the evening.

Women’s Institute The October meeting of the Matata Women’s Institute was a special one, as it continued the 21st birthday celebrations, cake, candles and all the doings. There were six foundation members present, who were presented with sprays, who lit and blew out the candles, with Mrs H. Withy, who was first president, cutting the cake. Mrs Caverhill read the minutes of the first meeting held October 27, 1929. Th roll call was a Scotch joke. A discussion on “What is the greatest virtue needed,” showed equal necessity for patience, kindness and tolerance. Mrs McCallion, president of the Eastern Bay Federation, gave a short address, and was-presented with a spray. Competition results:—

Large bowl for effect, Mrs Smith 1, Mrs Warbrick 2, Mrs H.'Burt 3; neatest apron, Mrs Conn 1, Mrs M. Whitham 2, Mrs Taylor 3; chocolate cake, Miss Anderson 1, Mrs Conn 2, Mrs Magee 3; best flower, Mrs Burt 1, Mrs Warbrick 2, Mrs Taylor 3; best vegetable, Mrs Conn 1, Mrs Taylor 2.

Garden Party The Matata branch of the Plunket Society held a successful garden party at the residence of Mrs M. Whitham on Saturday. Clothing, produce and sweet stalls, raffles and competitions kept everyone busy. The mystery kit was won by Mrs R. Shearer, box of chocolates by Diane Warbrick and fancy plate and cake by Mrs Dredge. The weight of the cake was guessed correctly by Mrs G. Conn, 31bs lOozs. The length of the bamboo stick, 12ft. 92ins. was won by a trio, Mrs R. Lees, Mrs Kinley and Enie Oliver.

Ladder golf was won by Graham Conn while Geoffrey Conn marked in the right place “The lucky spot.” Prizes for stepping the chain were won by Mrs Conn and W. Reichardt.

Mrs Reynolds, of Otamarakau, drank her tea out of the lucky cup. Proceeds for the day were £3O.