OLD THAMES GIRLS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 136, 11 June 1929, Page 12

OLD THAMES GIRLS.

The Pitt Street Aletliodist Hall was filled with happy faces yesterday afternoon, when the members of the Old Thames Girls' Association held a very successful gathering. One of the oojects of the association being to help the needy, each visitor brought with her a new gift to add to the donation for distribution among the social workers of the city who would see that it was well utilised. Following the proverb, "Charity begins at home," before any gifts are sent out at all, the association makes quite sure that there are no old Thames folk in need. If there should these cases take preference and the balance is handed on to the social workers. At the "gift afternoon" yesterday 316 new garments were brought in, and besides this there were some monetary donations. Airs. A. Oldham, the president, welcomed those who were present, and in her short speech made loving reference to the death of Aliss Vera Alounce, the whole gathering standing in silence. In his address, the Rev. R. G. Coats spoke of the good work the association was doing. It was a wonderful thing, he said, that so many women were banded together for the purpose of helping one another and not just for a social cup of tea. Major Gordon and Sister Esther, both wellknown social workers in the city, spoke of their experiences and emphasised the urgent need for charitable relief at the present time. Air. F. Weston, who used to reside at Thames, and who has just returned from a brief visit there, told of the various changes he had noticed in the old mining town, and also spoke of the conditions of the mines. During the afternoon a very enjoyable musical programme was presented. It comprised songs, "By the Waters of Alinnetonka" and°"Let Us Forget," by Airs. Nello Porter, who was accompanied by Aliss Joyce Porter, Aliss Ida Lockwood playing the violin obligato; "My Prayer," sung by Aliss Reed; and a violin solo, "Serenade,'' rendered by Aliss Ida Lockwood. At the beginning of the. afternoon present joined in the singing of "Old Folks At Home," Airs. Oldham playing the accompaniment. Under the convenership of Mrs. Dawson, the social committee served afternoon tea and a delightful afteinoon was brought to a close.