SOCIAL GATHERINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 302, 21 December 1932, Page 12

SOCIAL GATHERINGS.

A social evening was spent on Monday at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh. Gray, Remuera, when a. bachelor party was given to celebrate the coming of age of their eon Bill. Mrs. Gray wore floral georgette. Miss Audrey Gray, who assisted her mother, -was frocked in

green floral georgette. Mr. Mat Laird proposed the toast of the guest of honour, who suitably responded. Those present were: Messrs. Collins/ G. Marnes, R. Henson, F. Pagni, Jim Mitchelson, Stan Jervis, M. Wigg, M. Laird, G. Allison, L. Hallj Roy Katterfelt, D. East.

Miss Clare Danby entertained her kindergarten pupils their parents at a breaking-up party held at her residence, Royce Avenue, Mount Eden, on Thursday afternoon. The kindergarten room was gaily decorated w.ith. coloured streamers and a Christmas tree, from which each child received gifts, providing much delight for the young ones. Afternoon tea was followed by various items by the children. Those present "were: Mesdames Muir, Srfith, , R. Hattersley, Hattersley, Scarborough, Verran, Baker and Dougherty.

I ■ On' Saturday evening .= a party was given by Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Armitage at their residence, Epsom, to celebrate the coming of age of their daughter Leila, when the rooms were gaily decorated with red and gold flowere. A mystery hunt was held. The toast was proposed by Mr. R. Mclntosh, who presented the guest of the evening with a large wooden ; key, -which was autographed by. the guests. Those present were: Mrs. J. Richardson, and Misses Leila Armitage, Marjorie Prendergraet, Eileen Rich, Kitty Hc-lmer, Amie Cocks, Joyce Miller," Kath'Hancox, Winsome Whitehead, Iris Armitage, Mary Pilkington, Marjorie ißryce, Nesta King, Dulcie Patchette, Joyce. Smith, Muriel Stone, Lois Worsley,. Clarice Hancox, Phil Litherland, Thelma , Jeseup, Betty Litherland. ■

• Miss E. CI Waite, of the Matamata Junior High School staff, who has been appointed to a position at a Christchurch school, was given a farewell dance at the High School on Friday night, when the staff and prefects of the school arranged the function. Mr. W. Tisch, on behalf Of Miss Waite's friends, presented her with a set .of books, and in doing so spoke in : praise of the guest of honour, who was highly esteemed both in school and by .a wide circle of friends in Matamata: ■ Prior to the breaking-up ceremony at the Matamata Junior High- School the members of the staff presented Miss Waite with a fountain pen, and the headmaster said Miss Waite was practically one of the foundation members of the staff, and she had greatl/ assisted in the growth of the school. I

The Miss.es Joy and Moira Hamner gave a Christmas party at the Tudor tea rooms on Saturday. The table wae arranged with festive decorations, and several yuletide g'ifte were distributed. Among those present were: Misses Pattie Grayson, Peggy Jackson, B. Richwhite, Dorothy Gwynne, Margaret Sharman, Joyce Watkins, Barbara Watkins, Moira Flyiui, G. and J. Oswald, P. Lucas, R. Barker.

A performance of Maunder's Sacred Cantata, "Bethlehem," attracted a large congregation to the Balmoral Presbyterian Church on Wednesday evening. The singing of the choir throughout was of a high standard. The chorusce "Glory to God," "Darkness Hath Passed" and "Highways and Byways" were particularly well interpreted. Some fine solos wete sung- by Miss Meryl Harvey, Mrs. Bruce, and Mrs. Milligan (sopranos), Messrs. H. Langton and J. Wilford (tenors), Messrs. Eoy Stephenson, H. S. Harvey and Stewart Harvey (baritones and bass respectively). Credit for the excellence of the performance was due to the organist, Mrs. H. S. Harvey. In response to many requests the cantata was repeated at last Sunday evening's service to ■ a well-filled church. The Christmas message from the pulpit was given by the Rev. W. Gilmour, B.A.

Everything looked very gay on the Carlton croquet greens last Saturday afternoon, when the occasion was the annual Christinas party, given by the president, Mrs. Hamilton, to the members of the club. The pavilion and tea tables were beautifully decorated, and looked very attractive, with the club colours (black and gold) predominating. The association was* represented by Mrs. Keesiug (lion, sec.) and Mrs. Finch (assistant-secretary).. Progressive croquet was played, the prizes going to MesdaincsClarkson, Baker and Perry in the A grade. In the B grade Mesdames Sykes, McDonald and Sands were successful. During the afternoon Mr. Laurence, an old friend and member of the Carlton Club, but who unfortunately., owing to ill-health, has had to retire from active play, paid a tribute to Mrs. Hamilton, not only for the work she had done for the cliib, but for her splendid !sportlike spirit in connection with all clubs. Mrs. Keesing also spoke in glowing terms of Mrs. Hamilton's work and influence in connection with the association and the very happy feeling that prevailed among the members. During the afternoon tea Mrs. Clarkson (senior vice-president) presented Mrs. Hamilton with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, *nd on behalf of the A inter-club players, Mrs. Dukes presented her with a necklet.

' The Loval Auckland Past Grande' .Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., held its ; annual children's Christmas party in the Manchester Unity Hall last Saturday afternoon, when a large number of children, parents and friends spent a very happy time. Bro. MacMillan gave, a short addrees of welcome, after which community singing and games, under the leadership of Bro. Hawkins, were enjoyed. Bro.. Diggle presided at the piano, and the following items were rendered:—Songs, Phyllis Williams and Pamela Millar; recitation, Dorothy Diggle; dancing, Jean Wemyse and Heather Cloaey; trumpet solo, >, Jack Diggle. Competitions were won by Sister Cooke and Bro. Aitken. The arrival of Father Christmas, in the person of Bro. Sutcliffe, with, a well-filled box of toys, was loudly cheered. Each, child received a gift, a bag of sweets and icecreams. The success of the function "was largely due to the work of the energetic secretary, Bro. Hampton, and Iris committee, Mesdames Hampton, Johnson and Hewitt, Sisters MacMillan and Cooke, Bros. Hawkins, Sutcliffe, MacMillan and Closey. A dainty afternoon tea and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" brought to a close the afternoon.

The New Zealand Women's Association of Sydney, held a Christmas party on board the Aorangi on December 7, by .permission of the.Union Company. The saloon was decorated with bunches of ;pohutukawa, which had been eent over from Auckland at the request of Mr. L. J. Schmitt, the New Zealand representative in Sydney. Mr. Schmitt gave a brief address, and there was a musical programme, contributed by Mrs. -Spring Brown, Mrs. J. W. A. Prentice (president of the. association), Mrs. Garrett, Mrs. Walker, Miss Beryl Johnston, Miss Phyllis Siddone, and Mr. Alfred Primrose-. The many children who attended the party played deck games,-and a special table, gay with caps and balloons, was set for them. Bridge prizes won during the tournament were presented to Miss M. McFadden and Mrs. R. Smythe. At the official table-were Mrs. J. W. A. Prentice, Mrs. M. L. McDonald (secretary), Lady Julius, Dr. Arundel Orchard,. Miss Orchard, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Hill, Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Schmitt, Major Ross (representing the Union Steam Ship Company), and Mrs. Horace J. Buck. Mrs. A., Kilgour, who made the large Christmas cake, decorated with Maori figures, and Mrs. J. W. A.. Prentice also received bouquets from the committee. Among those present were: Captain Spring Brown (captain of. the Aorangi), Mre. and Miss Childs, Dn and Mrs. Smalpage, Mesdames A. R. Watson, W. W. Pilkington, H. Orr, H. Meredith, Donald Ferguson,' S. Robbins, E. Klusindorf, Stanley Hempton, Dugald Campbell, E. S. Gable, W. D. Cunningham,- Wajter Lintoii, M. McLeod, S. Keith (Xew Zealand), R. Price (Dunedin), Astley B*lack, C. Eye, W. Keith. John Ferguson, Briaham, H. Perry, J. iendry, .Johnson (Wellington), Misses T. Tiirnbull, Mies L. Reid, and Effie Ferguson,

A successful garden party wae held in the grounds of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Taihape, on Saturday. The awnings of the gaily-coloured stalls and blooms of the flowers growing in profusion in the garden made a bright picture. Stallholders did good business, and the church funds will be considerably augmented as a result. The following were the chief stallholders: Cakes and produce, Mesdames V. C. Nicholls, J. J. Bridson and J. O'Brien; ice cream, Mrs. J. W. Forbee; bran tub, Mrs. P. Kearins; sveete, Misses Hall, Healey and Siddle; tea rooms, Mrs. T. Doyle and Miss P. O'Dea. Competitions won were: Dressing jacket, Miss K. O'Dea; boy doll, Miss N. Siddle; Christmas cake, Mise E. Donovan; tray cloth, Miss J3. Hanly; Christmas dinner, Mrs. D. Johnston; cushion, Mrs. P. Kearins; nhaypole, Mise N. Donovan.

The junior students of Mies M. Haresnape entertained their parents and friends at a private recital, held at the Penwomen's Club rooms on Saturday evening. They were assisted by songs by Mfes Myrtle Burns and Mr. Roy Shepherd, elocutionary items by Miss Doris Messer, and violin solos by Master Gerald Smith. Pupils taking part were Xancy Hughes, May Vautier, "Elva Warn,! Edna Golde'r, Nola Symes, Elaine Macdougall, Nora and Elea Pool, Minnie and Grace Kendall, Daisy Bright, Jack Crippen, Owen Cossey and Malcolm Macdougall. Certificates gained at recent Associated Board examinations and prizes during the year were presented, and supper brought a pleasant evening to a close.

The annual dance recital given by the pupils of Miss Phyllis Marmont was held on Saturday evening' at the Hall, in the presence of an enthusiastic audience. Those taking part in the programme were: Flo Edwards, Joan Leslie, Dorothy Budge, Hope Odium, Dorothy Browne, Patsy Odium, Elsie Spooner, Marjorie Sinton, Iris Norgrove, Nancy Atkinson, Joyce Edwards, Garth 'Beguely, Joyce and Shirley Graydon, Lilian Trotter, Shirley Hill, Noreen Peck, Eileen Saunders, Pat Win, Jean McKenzie, Sally Donald, Lila Quaiie, Ronnie Akersteii, Lorna Quane, Dulcie Hazeldean. Special items were rendered by Miss Joyce Marmont. The children received 'bouquets, and Miss Marmont was the recipient of a handsome present from. th» combined clase and several bouquets from individual friends.

Father Christmas gladdened the hearts of about 150 children when he visited the Kumeu Hall this week. Before the arrival of the honoured guest a programme, was submitted by the Huapai School children. Concerted items, part songs, and recitations by Shirley Duncan, June Lambden, Peggy Cole, Brian Cole, Hector McKenzic and John Bockman were given. Mrs. Wardle gave a sketch entitled "The Inventor's Wife." Miss Hoare acted as accompanist. Gifts from the tree laden with toys, and festooned with fairy lights and tinsel, were presented by Father Christmas. The ■ committee consisted of Mesdames Milligen, Davis", Dane, Garry and 'Martin. All the children were invited to attend the ratepayers and institute picnic at Brown's Bay on Boxing Day.