PIONEERS AFTERNOON

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 171, 21 April 1939, Page 2

PIONEERS AFTERNOON

ANNUAL FUNCTION ORGANISED BY WOMEN’S INSTITUTE The annual pioneers’ afternoon, organised by the Opotiki Women’s Institute, was held in the Parish Hall on' Tuesday afternoon. The president, Mirs. J. Thompson, presided over a large gathering. The' hall had been tastefully decorated by members of the committee and presented a. very pleasing appearance. Among the visitors received by the vice-presidents, Mesdames Fox and Mansell, were members of the sister Institutes, Women’s Division .of the Farmers’ Union and Sunshine. League’. After the singing of the Institute Ode, the chairwoman, in a few bright* words welcomed the large gathering, especially mentioning Mr. and: Mrs. Parkinson (Auckland), Mr. Fanning and Mesdames Benson and Dalrymple (Gisborne), nxnd Mesdames Walker and Rountree (Waihau Bay). Mrs. Kidd’s recitation, “The Rose Shop” and “Little Orphan Annie”, were much appreciated. Mrs. Duff’s rendering of “Believe Me of All”, and “A Perfect Day” was loudly applauded. His. worship the Mayor, Mr. G-> S.. Moody, briefly addressed the gathering on early pioneering days. Apologies were read from several absent pioneers. Mrs. J. Armstrong delighted the audience with ' two songs, “Down Here” and “My Task,” after which Mr. Parkinson gave a very interesting speech on the early days of Opotiki. Miss V. Thompson sweetly sang “The Bells of St. Mary’s” and “Love’s Old Sweet Song”. Mr. J. ■ Armstrong caused much laughter in his humorous recitations, whilst Mr. Tabb’s talk of liis boyhood days caused much merriment. After a- sumptuous afternoon tea had been served 1 by the hostesses, the guests moved about and renewed old acquaintances. Mr. Fanning gave a most interesting address ,on the pioneering days after which a Minuet was prettily danced by Mrs. Mail, Miss Bridge, Miss Salt, Miss Murray Miss Barbour and Miss Maxwell. Mr. Tabb on behalf of the pioneers, thanked the Women’s Institute for the very enjoyable afternoon and also thanked the artists who took part. The singing of the National Anthem and “Auld Lang Syne” brought a very enjoyable afternoon to a close.