WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 72, 19 August 1938, Page 3

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

OPOTIKI INSTITUTE BIRTHDAY .... . ......... ... . . j. . ' / , To celebrate the tenth birthday of the Institute, members of the Opotiki 'Women’s Institute held a very successful afternoon in the Parish Hall yesterday. Beautiful Spring flowers decorated the hall, a bowl- of colourful anemones adorning the • president’s table on which also stood the handsome birthdays cake which was made by Mrp FI. Thompson and iced and decorated by, Aliss Patricia Thompson There was a large attendance comprising members, representatives of sister institutes, and also representatives 0 f the W.-I).P.U. and Sunshine League. The afternoon opened with the sipging of the Institute Song, after which Airs Fisher, who presided, welcomed all present and expressed the hope that all Would enjoy a happy afternoon. It. was pleasing to note, Airs Fisher said, that each year another district Institute was represented. This- year they were pleased to welcome the newly formed AVaioeka Institute. At the recent conference held) in Wellington it was said that there were now 900 Women's Institutes ill New Zealand and it was hoped that by 1940 the number would be increased to 1000. Airs Fisher said that Opotiki could feel that they were helping to attain that number. The president concluded -by extending a welcome to sister institutes and sister organisations.

The Mystery Lady Competition was well chosen in that it helped guests to become acquainted. A Alysterv Lady bad been chosen and all present- were requested to shake hands with one another, the thirteenth person to shake hands with the Alysterv Lady, to win a prize. Airs E. Aflaxwell was later announced a.s the J.ndy, the winner being Miss K. Harrison.

Aliss B. Kelly, accompanied by Airs 'J’. \V. Burke, contributed two vocal selections, “Thrush At Evo” and “I Passed by Your Window”. Both songs were well received. A very interesting competition, arranged by- Aim Jeffery was won by Airs O. AVyldo (AVaimana). A scene from “Julius Caesar’’ was excellently portrayed by members of the Drama Circle who later contributed a dainty dance number. Airs J. Shaw, accompanied by Airs J. Williams, was in splendid void* for her rendering of “Goodbye” and “At Dawning”. A delicious afternoon tea was served, during which Alls J. E. Cooper, a.s a past- president of the Institute, lit the ten candles on the birthday cake, Airs Fisher extinguishing the flames. 'The cake was "then cuti and handed around to tin* guests. Two vocal selections were given by Aliss Eleanor Al array, accompanied by Airs J. G. Alurray. Tho selections were “Isle of Somewhere” and “I Love Yon Truly”, both being greatly ‘enjoyed by those present.

Before the singing of the National Anthem, the various representatives of sister institutes and the representatives of the Sunshine League and W.D.F.U. extended their good wishes to the Institute and expressed their appreciation of the invitation to he present at the afternoon which they had all thoroughly enjoyed.

MEETING AT WOODLANDS - The Woodlands Women’s Institute met recently. Mrs Barbour presiding. The meeting opened with the National Anthem and the Institute Song. Correspondence was dealt with and the programme commenced with the Roll Call “Funniest Incident on the Jfnrin,” which was answered by all with some amusing experiences. Mrs McGregor gave the Golden Thread on Gardening, and this was followed by a debate,, “Electricity versus Coal.” The speakers were Mrs McMillan, Mrs McGregor and Mrs Hollard for electricity; Airs AlcCaldon, Airs Barbour and Mrs,'Mulhern for coal. Mrs AVilson who was visiting the Institute, contributed a very interesting talk on her recent visit to Australia. This .was greatly enjoyed by all present. Airs Wilson also judged the competitions which resulted in Airs S. Alaxwcll gaining the prize for the bowl of shrubs for effect and Airs Sargent being placed first for the competition for date scones.