WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20989, 16 December 1939, Page 16 (Supplement)

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES

TE UKU The December meeting of the Te Uku Women’s Institute took the form of a garden afternoon at the residence of Mrs H. Featherstonhaugh, Waitetuna. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs A. Moon for her gift of a dressed doll and cradle to the institute. An interesting competition was arranged by Mrs R. Johnstone, specimans of native plants being laid out and members invited to name them. Mrs F. Peart gained first prize and Miss O. Dyke second. The aggregate points for the year in the roll of honour competitions were awarded to Mrs R. Johnstone with 500 points and Mrs De’Ath attained 470 points. The competitions resulted as follows:—Jar gooseberry jam: Mrs Johnstone 1, Mrs De’Ath 2. Vase arranged for effect: Mrs Johnstone 1, Mrs De’Ath 2, Miss Dyke 3. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Mrs Featherstonhaugh for a very pleasant afternoon. Afternoon tea was served by the committee. MORRINSVILLE The monthly meeting of the Morrinsville Women’s Institute was held in the parish hall recently, when the president, Mrs Pole, presided over a good attendance of members and visitors. Mrs Lithgow was nominated delegate to the conference m Wellington in June, 1940. The roll-call, ‘‘Your name, please,” caused much amusement. An excellent talk was given by Miss Feilder, who has just returned from the world conference in London. She told of the trip over, the conference, sightseeing in London, England, Scotland, Ireland aaafi conditions in England when war broke out. Miss Ruthland gave an interesting account of the return trip via America. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speakers. The choir gave two items which were much enjoyed. The competition, “Best Christmas novelty costing 2s 6d,” was won by Mrs Sevell first, Mrs Hughes second, and Mrs Glqsscock third. FAIRFIELD The December meeting of the Fairfield Women’s Institute was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, Mrs Davy presiding. After the business was dealt with it was decided to leave until February arrangements for the picnic. Mrs Davy thanked the members who had helped to make the children’s Christmas party a success. The competition for gooseberry jam was won by Miss Davis. Mrs W. J. Chapman gave an enjoyable talk on her recent visit to Wellington and the many interesting things she had seen at the Centennial Exhibition. Songs by Mrs Wilson were much appreciated. Afternoon tea with the exchange of gifts brought an enjoyable afternoon to a close.

AT MELVILLE The December meeting of the Melville branch of the Women’s Institute was held recently, Mrs Prisk presiding. One behalf of the Melville Hall Society, Mrs Conder expressed appreciation to the president and members for a recent donation to the society. Mrs J. Dawson sang several songs which were much enjoyed. Mrs C. Bramley was accompanist. Two social competitions which proved most entertaining were won by Mrs Prisk and Mrs Huntington. Competitions resulted as follows: Best Christmas novelty: Mrs Huntington 1, Mrs Prisk 2. Best bloom: Mrs Prisk I, Mrs Payne 2. Best frock costing not more than 7s 6d: Mrs Prisk.

Afternoon tea was served by the hostesses Mesdames W. Willey and Wood. Mrs C. Willey was in charge of the sales- table. The president extended the compliments of the season to all. MATANGI CHRISTMAS PARTY A happy time was spent at the Matangi Hall recently when the Matangi Women's Institute held its annual Christmas party for the children from “The Nest,” Hamilton. A beautiful Christmas tree covered with toys and coloured streamers was erected in the centre of the hall and Mr D. McDowell acted the part of Santa Claus. The children gave a most entertaining programme, and were later served with a delicious sit-down tea. The matron thanked the ladies for (he lovely party, and for transporting the children in their cars. Prior to the commencement of the party a short meeting was held, Mrs French presiding. It was decided to hold the February meeting on the Matangi Croquet lawns, in the form of a garden fete. AT HILLCREST The Hillcrest Women’s Institute held its December meeting recently in the Nixon Street Hall ■when there was a large attendance of members and friends. After the business discussions, the president, Mrs Morley, called on Mrs Lloyd, a foundation member, to accept a gift from the members of the Institute as she is leaving the district. The competition results were as follows:—Plate of savouries, Mrs Cox 1, Mrs Morley 2; cocoanut ice, Mrs Morley 1, Mrs Cockhead 2; best bloom, Mrs Hains 1, Mrs Cox 2. In view of the New Year holidays it was decided to hold the next meeting on the second Wednesday in January. Afternoon tea was served by the hostesses. Bring and Buy A very successful bring and buy afternoon was held in November by the Hillcrest Women’s Institute. Good business was done at the various stalls which were under the management of the following:—Mrs Campbell, sewing; Mrs Wright, vegetables; Mrs Cockhead, cakes and sweets; Mesdames Gordon, Roberts. Dunford, Scobie, afternoon tea.

Mrs Hunter acted as judge for the cakes, sweets and flowers and Mesdames Young and Burgoyne for the baby show, the results being as follows:—Sponge sandwich, Mrs Coxi, Mrs Morley 2, Mrs Roberts 3. Scones, Mrs Cox 1, Mrs Roberts 2 Mrs King 3. Sausage rolls, Mrs Morley 1. Pikelets, Mrs Bones 1, Mrs Morley 2, Mrs Turner 3. Cocoanut ice, Mrs

Cox 1, Mrs JVEorley 2. Marmalade, Mrs Stewart 1, Mrs Morley 2, Mrs Cox 3. Vase flowers, Miss Gray 1, Mrs Lewies 2, Mrs Giles 3. The baby show results were as follows:—Under three months, Coleen Turner; three months—six months, Yvonne Anderson; six months—nine months, Beverly Shepherd and Valerie Middlemiss, equal; nine months—twelve months, Donald Christieson. Husbands’ Evening On December 6 the Institute held its annual husbands’ evening, which proved a great success. Dancing was much enjoyed, Mr Lewies being an efficient master of ceremonies, and excellent music was provided by “Mrs Power and Mrs Barnett. Songs were rendered by Mr Watson and Mr and Mrs Dunn, and a Maori haka by Mr Dunn caused great amusement. Two comic songs by Mrs Coombs, mouthorgan solos by Mr S. Lerkie and Mr J Kilburn, and dances by Miss Eulalie Haines were much enjoyed. During the evening the president, Mrs Morley, thanked all who had so kindly helped the Institute during the year. PUAHUE In spite of the calls on women of the district in connection with harvesting operations, there was a fair attendance at the monthly meeting of the Puahue Women’s Institute. The roll-call was hints on jam-making. Mrs Judge read an interesting report on the bi-annial meeting of the Waikato Federation of Women’s Institutes held at Hamilton recently after which Mrs Currell read a letter from a link in England. Mrs Webber demonstrated icing a Christmas cake. The sales table was in charge of Mesdames Dean and Garret. In a competition for the Christmas novelty, Mrs Baillie, Jnr. and Mrs Macmillan tied for first prize. The hostesses were the Misses Glasson Going and I). Ferguson.