WOMEN'S INSTITUTES

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 193, 1 September 1937, Page 11

WOMEN'S INSTITUTES

Happy Evening at Pukahu A very happy and jolly party to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Pukehu Women 's Institute took the form of a husbands' evening when the schoolroom was filled with a very large number of members, husbands and friends. Mrs. Goldfinch extended a very hearty welcome to all present and a special welcome to Havelock North Institute members, who had been a great help to their sister institute on oiany occasions. After singing the Institute Song and reciting the Women 's Creed, several announcements were made and an appeal for Christmas gifts of toys, sweets and tobaeco was made on behalf of the lepers on Makogai Island. The gifts are to be brought to the September meeting. As Mrs. Clark, demonstrator for September, was unable to attend, the competition for the best bouquet would be held in Oetober. A committee oieeting was called for Thursday, September 2, and members were reminded of the stall at the Havelock North Plower Show. The room was prettily decorated with a canopy of coloured streamers and round the walls were greenery, japonica and vases of spring flowers. On the president 's table was a lovely bowl of violets and vases of lilies of the valley and jonquils. The programme was opened with a tableau, "Back to Childhood," by members, who received hearty applause for this unusual and fine perforcnance, the following taking part: — Mrs. Allan Crawford, Shepherd; Miss Lena Orchard, Skepherdess; Mrs. Lang, Blue Beard; Mrs. Heywood, Cinderella; Mrs. Brooks, Father Christmas; Miss J. Cummins, Little Miss Muffet; Miss J. McKenzie, Robin Hood; Miss C. Lang, Clierry Rope.

As each member stepped out from their fc'books," dressed in costume to suit the characters portrayed, they sang a ditty to suit each part, returning to their book ends. Several games were played, such as "Oranges and Lemons," and finished with a minuet and may pole dance. This item was heartily received and reflected great credit on the performers, Mrs. Crawford, the producer, and Miss Nancy Crawford, who played the inusic for Ihe playette. A community sing, led by Mrs. Buck, with Miss Joyce Cummins at the piano, of old-time favourites was enjoyed by all. Many competitions were played during the evening, mostly for the menfolk, the following being successful: — • Dressing a doll with a peg, three pins and threo pieces of paper, Mr. Buck; putting a tail on a pig, Mr. Robert Smith; musical parcels, Mr. Buck and Miss Jean Lang. Progressive games were much enjoyed by the menfolk, who entered into the spirit of the games, which were keenly contested. Roulctte, snakes and ladders, tiddly winks, racehorses and ludo were played and in the final count up Mr. A. Carswell, Puketitiri, was . first and Mr. R. Smith was awarded tho booby prize, with least pointa. A competition for best article to cost not more than 1/- resulted: — Mrs. Lcan (sugar-bag apron) 1, Mrs. Wilkes (smocked frock) 2, Mrs. Goldfinch (em-

uroiuered sewmg aprons) 3. A delieious supper Avas served by members, after which Mrs. C. -Lean, the oldest Women 's Institute oiember, was invited to liglit the five candles on , the large square birthday cake, prettily decorated in pastel shades of pink and lemon, and made by the president Mrs. Buck, Havelock North Institute, was invited to cut the cake, and in doing so exprcssed the wish that Pukahu Women's Institute would enjoy very many more happy birthdays. The cake was handed round, each oue present reeeiving a portion. After supper more games and dance numbers were enjoyed until the meeting terminated, the president expressing thanks to tho large number for their attendance, and said she hopcd to see them all again at a similar fun«>tion next year. Grateful thanks were extended to the musicians who were responsible for the dance music. Mr. B. Long and Mr. A. Brittin- (accordeons), Mrs. A. Carswell, Miss N. Crawford and Miss J. Cummins (piano). Also to the supper convenor, Mrs. B. Long, and her willing assistants, Mesdames Cummins, Wilks, Manning, Wakefield and Haywood. The singing of the National Anthem coneluded a very happy evening.