WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 274, 22 December 1939, Page 2

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

WAIOTAH! CHRISTMAS TREE Members of the Waiotahi Women’s Institute and their families spent a. very enoyablo evening on -Wednesday. A beautiful Christmas tree was decorated and loaded with gifts, Father Christmas appearing in traditional costume to distribute the presents. A plentiful supper was enjoyed, and sweets and nuts given to the children. A programme was rendered by the children as follows: Song. Nola Anderson; Recitation, Brian Wells; PJnyette *hy N. Clayton, M. "Wilson, R. Wyllie, Joan Jessop and D. Scott; Tap-danc-ing, M. Wilson; Song, Nancy Jessop, with chorus : Carol, Colleen Burke and Lai. and Norrie Robinson ; Pianoforte solo, Daphne Reeves; Carol, Doris Looney and Mary Ran, with chorus. “Musical parcels” were won by Joan Jessop and Brian Wells, and games and dancing filled the remainder of the evening.

OTARA CHRISTMAS TREE On Saturday, 16th. December, a gay scene was presented once again in the. Otaru Hall, the occasion being the annual Tree and Party given, by the Members of the Otara Women’a Institute to Otara children and members’ children. Long talih-s. gaily decorated and. well laden with delectable food, accommodated considerably over a huudredi children. Paper hats were provided for each child, these being skilfully made by two mem hers. The singing of the New Zealand National Anthem, and tlm recital of grace were signals for tea to commence. Parents .were entertained to tea alter the children. Then followed the' supreme moment, when Santa. Claus, assisted hy the president. Mrs. W. A. Gault-, Mr. E. Stewart (secretary), and other members, distributed gifts to each child from the very fine. Christmas Tree. This ceremony being successfully concluded, .loan Henderson thanked the president and members on beliall of the children for the very pleasant, evening, and presented shoulder sprays to l thq president and members of the committee. The president then took the opportunity of acknowledging the valuable assistance given by Messrs.. E. Stewart, C. Savage, J. Savage, and N. Elliott-, and presented) each, with a suitable gift. The singing of the National Anthem brought to a close a very successful, evening.

gardening circle at WAIMANA There l was a very nice display ot flower* at the monthly meeting of the W.l. gardening eirele whicli was held at .Mrs. Mannion’s home recently. I.ho attendance of members was good, and before the meeting commenced, all met at the 01 lurch and cleared grass and weeds from the shrubs. Miss Stansbury read the minutes of the previous meeting. .Mrs. Mitchell gave a talk oil Russell lupins and the saving of the bestseeds from plants only. Mrs. Woolfield also gave an interesting talk on the rose show held in the down Hall at Wellington recently. A flower competition arranged 1 by Mrs. Mannion was won by Mrs. Stevenson. The planting ot trees for theCentennial year was discussed. The day’s competitions were : Best flower: Mrs. Mitchell (dahlia) 1, Mrs. Stevenson (iris) 2. .Mrs Hughes (double larkspur) 3. Rest vegetable: Mrs. Mitchell 1, Presentation box ot flowers: Mrs. Wool field 1, Mrs. Stevenson 2 and 3. The boxes of flowers * were 1 presented to the Nukuhou North members who had recently resigned, with the season’s greetings from the circle. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mrs. Jerram who kindly acted as judge. A dajnty tea was served by the hostesses, Mrs. Hi. Wardlaw and -Miss Stansbury. Before the meeting closed, Miss Stansbury announced her resignation, Mrs. Mannion being elected the now secretary. Mrs. Wool field, on behalf of members. thanked Miss Stansbury for the most capable way in which she cariiod out- her duties as secretary, and wished her every happiness in her future home.