January Meeting of Shannon Women's Institute

Chronicle (Levin), 31 January 1948, Page 3

January Meeting of Shannon Women's Institute

As is the usual procedure, the January meeting of the Shannon Women's Institute was in the charge of a group of members, and the officers and committee were entertained for the* afternoon. Mrs. J, T. Bovis, who had organised the programme, was in the chair and Mrs. Tricker acted as secretary for the meeting. Mesdames Burling, H. Stern and Miss J. Radford were tea ho'stesses. After a few words of welcome. to all present, with special mention of two members who had been unable to attend for some years, Mrs. Bovis congratulated Mrs. Auld, who had walked over three miles of rough road to attend the meeting and intended waiking home again: It was agreed that the institute must really mean something to such a member. The introduction of a jolly action song then started the meeting. A small amount of business included a request from Mrs. D. Fitzgerald, convenervof the Manawatu Group, that- Shannon as the hostess institute for the next rally should make a decision as to the advisability or otherwise of holding the rally "on the due date. After discussion, it was agreed that with the schools closed many mothers would find it impossible to attend the rally all day, and the meeting was postponed until the last Wednesday in March. It was reported that one institute in the group had reached a state of excellence with its marching team, and other institutes were progres'sing with their training. The resignation of Mrs. C. Cronquest was received with regret and Mrs. G. Munford was welcome'd as a new member. Prior to the serving of afternoon •tea, the committee members were asked to take their places at a specially prepared table, where the centrepiece was an imitation pie. Coloured strings coming -through the hole in the centre of the "pie crust" radiated out to each place, where a dainty no'segay to match was attached. Members were asked to wear their flowers and each aecept a "piece of pie" as a small rnark of appreciation of the work . they were doing in the interests of the institute. Mrs. Bovis said: "Though we •sometimes grumble, never#ieless we do at heart fjilly'! appreciafe tliefact that without ,thbse.:who accept the office th£l& bei tio flinstU tute, and many L oi; us ffibt always willing'". to^help in that/ way ... We hope , that you will 4ll Milsh the year with*£resh heart,, and'feel strengthened by bur appreciation so that you may.offer your services for a further period." By pulling the "strings each received her "piece of pie, which contairied a small gift. 1 Mrs. W. Easton (president) and Mrs. C. Easton (vice-president) both expre'ssed thanks on behalf of the committee and officers. During afternoon tea a gift calendar from England, sent to the Shannon Women's Institute by

ivirs. uneesman, was passea rouna. It contained scenes of Britain, one for each month, and Shannon will be proud to have it on display at each meeting. Since visiting Shans non some years ago and being a welcome visitor at the institute meeting, Mrs. Cheesman has retained her interest in the local group. It was decided to send some institute magazines to Mrs. Cheesman, hoping they would be of interest to her. Mrs. G. Munford, who has recently returned from a .visit to England, was the guest speaker for the day, and in a friendly chat answered question's as she proceeded. Mrs. Munford held the attention of all for over an hour. Incidents on board tbs "austerity" ship going over, and at. the various ports of call, were related and she traced the journey Home, where, in common with all other ports, there was a strike in progress. Having to stand on the deck for several hours without food watching her father and 'sisters looking through the wharf gates, each unable to leave or board the ship, was an unusual experience. Snowdrifts up to the telegraph wires, followed by floods 1 and then dry, hot weather before the late planted crops could mature, had all combined to make the food position so much worse than in the „war years, and no one in New Zealand should hesitate, she said, about sending parcels to Britain, especially fats, meat, cheese and soap. Back to New Zealand via Panama on board a tourist ship was a happy experience, capped by a marvelloud sunset as they were entering the Auckland Harbour, making a picture to live in the memory of all on board. Mrs. Munford said there were many British emigrants on board, and all were deeply move-d by the first glimpse of their new country. Competition winners were: — Bloom: Mrs.- Tricker 1, Mrs. Thorne 2, Mesdames J. Easton and C.' Veale (eq.ual) 3. Cluster: Mesdames C. Stern and C. Veale 1, Mrs. Parr and Miss Radford (equal) 2, Mesdames Bell and Thorne and Miss Ea'ston (equal) 3. Shrub: Mesdames W. Easton and Parr (equal) 1, Mrs. C. Stern and Miss Radford (equal) 2, Mrs. Radford 3. Christmas cake: Mrs. W. Easton 1, Mrs. J. e Easton 2. Mrs. C. Veale acted as _ competition steward. Beside's the usual floral competition, it was agreed to have one for a "j&aral

necklace" made up of real flowers, the necklace to be. mounted on a plain background for display.