NEW SETTLERS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 45, 3 December 1949, Page 6

NEW SETTLERS

WARM WELCOME

SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION A social function for the new settlers in the' Ashburton district was held in the M.S.A. Hall ast evening, and proved to be an outstanding success,'* attracting over 150 people, including 50 of the' new arrivals from tlip United Kingdom, Holland and Europe. ftvThe chairman of the local hnmigralibi:. Committee (the Mayor, Mr E. 0. Bathurst) was, introduced by Mr C. js, Hopwood (secretary of the same orght.'isatiorO and they were in charge of proceedings throughout the evening. On behalf of the citizens, Mr Batli.urst sincerely welcomed the settlers and assured them of a bright future in ►Ashburton. He asked them to overcome- the difficulties which might occur in their jobs, and if they were not. happy in their present occupations, sorgething more suitable might appear. On behalf of the Immigration Department, Mr Li. L. Aitken accorded the guests a hearty welcome and invited them to use the department’s facilities.

On behalf of the settlers, Mr Jflonnsell, an Englishman, thanked both speakei-s. “I felt the warmth of your welcome-, as soon as I stepped off the train,” eaid Mr Hounsell, “and that is the ‘general opinion of all new arrivals.” Games and dancing interspersed with iteme- occupied the rest of the eiening. Those who contributed to the musical entertainment were the Ashburton District Women” Institute Choir, Mrs R. Stephenson, Miss B. Martin and Mr.A. Stephenson (vocal solos, Messrs W. Frazier (violin), and M. Campbell (pianoforte). while Messrs Bartram and Dobson provided music for ‘the dancing, with extras by Mr Frazier. ‘The supper arrangements were convened by Mesdames E. E. Lof•• tus and L. Bullock, assisted by Mrs L. L. Aitken. It is anticipated that a similar function will be held at a later date.