WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 March 1940, Page 8

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

MATARAWA-DALEFIELD MEETING FIRST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED. At the first birthday of the Mataraw.aDaleficld Institute, held in the Dalefield Hall, Mrs Ross Gallon, president, presided over an attendance of approximately 200, including visitors from almost every institute in the Wairarapa. The party opened with the “Ode to Friendship” followed by “God Defend New Zealand,” after which Mrs Gallon extended a welcome to all the visitors. She then called upon the members of the Drama Circle to present a number of items, the first being a song of welcome which included; the name of every institute to whom an invitation had been sent. This was followed by a song, “We’re Only One Today.” A play entitled “The Photographer” was well acted, the cast being as follows: French photographer (Miss J. Knowles); Grandma (Mrs R. Callister); Aunt Maria (Mrs J. Hicks); Emily Bloggs (Vena Knowles); her husband, Harry Bloggs (Mrs Rogers); and daughter Ede'Bloggs (Beth Knowles). This item .was followed by a song “The Beer Barrel Polka,” the performers being dressed in red, white and blue costumes. Another' play presented, “Boots,” was very well acted, those taking part being: Emma, the maid (Mrs E. G. Knowles); Marjory Cullaine (Mrs Robt Gallon); Miss Downing (Mrs W. Ticehurst); Miss Milligan (Mrs Groube), and the farmers wife, (Mrs Ross Gallon).

During the afternoon a number of competitions were held, the winners being Mrs B. Renall. Mrs A. Knutson, and Mrs K. Townsend.

The handsome two-tier birthday cake was made and presented by Mrs Robt Gallon, who was thanked by Mrs Ross Gallon, the latter then called upon Mrs Meyrick, the oldest member to light the candle. This was extinguished by the youngest member, Nancy Conwell, and cut by Mrs Keir, of the Kaituna-Fernridge Institute, and a member of the Wairarapa Federation. After afternoon tea, Mrs Wolters presented the points prizes during the year, the awards being as follow: Crafts, Mrs S. McCarty 1, Mrs M. Parker 2, Mrs F. O'Keefe 3. Flowers: Mrs McCarty and Mrs Groube, equal 1, Mrs O’Keefe 3. A special prize donated by Mrs Ross Gallon was won by Mrs Hicks, while the third prize won by Mi's O'Keefe was donated by Mrs R. Callister. To conclude the afternoon the Drama Circle sang two songs, “Wish Me Luck" and “Now is the Hour When we Must say Goodbye,” after which all present jonied in singing "Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem, bringing a very pleasant birthday party to a close.