SOCIAL GATHERINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 211, 7 September 1933, Page 12

SOCIAL GATHERINGS.

A series of classes in the Y.W.C.A., aiming to train and add to the resources of girls living at home, is commanding interest. The curriculum for the ensuing term provides for dressmaking, home carpentry, business methods, home crafts and shorthand speed practice, all but the last being held in the afternoons. There are at present scores of girls iu homce who, in more prosperous times, would be earning their living. They do not need to take advantage of the State provision for unemployed girls, but they would find in theee classes a golden opportunity to keep up their efficiency and make the most of a small allowance. The fees are very low and the size of the classes is limited to ensure individual attention. * • • • At the final meeting of the committee's first year of office, the members of the iadies' committee of the Animal Welfare Association expressed satisfaction at the progress of the association, the work accomplished on behalf of animals, and the financial success of all activities. Solid ' team work wae responsible for the sound position which the association held after only eleven months' work. The evening bridge parties held by the committee had created much favourable comment, and it was decided that a series of bridge evenings, run on similar iines as the two held this year, would be given next winter. The first annual meeting of the associatidn would be held shortly.

A winter fair was held in the Town Hall yesterday, in aid of the maintenance of St. Mary's Home at Otahuhu. The fair was opened by Mrs. W. H. Pavkes, who was introduced to the large gathering by the Rev. P. S. Smallfield, chairman of the management committee. Mrs. Parkes spoke enthusiastically of the value of the work done in providing the girls with a course in infant welfare work. The difficulties encountered in financing the homes through the withdrawal of the Government 6ubsidy was also referred to. The 6peaker greatly hoped that in time to come, when money was more plentiful, it would be possible to provide a home at Otahuliu where unwanted babies and their mothers could be kept together. An excellent programme of songs, elocutionary and instrumental items had been arranged. Those contributing were Miss Patsy Morgan, Messrs. Maurice Grant, R, Morgan, Colin Rawnsley, and Verdun Dowriie. The stalls, attractively decorated with trellis work, greenery, and flowers, were storked with an excellent supply of a variety of goods, and those in charge were kept very busy by the many patrons. *' ' ,

The Thames Girls' Club held a reunion in the Druids' Hall on Tuesday evening, when an enjoyable programme was contributed by the Asquithe and Miss Joyce Asquith in songs, character sketch and elocutionary items; songs, Mrs. Dale and Mrs. L. Snowling; flute eolo, Mr. Mickelbough; pianoforte solo, Miss Bonnie Stubbing; elocution, Miss \Nola Howe. Competitions were won by Miss J. Aitken and Mr. Mclntyre. Refreshments were provided by the committe, those present being: Mesdames McGregor, president, Aitken, Fogarty, Stubbing, Andrews, Cordes, Pairson, Gribble, Mclntyre, McGeehan, McPherson, Taylor, Misses Aitken and Qillespie.

The birthday ball and farewell at present being organised in honour of Commander E. Lyon Berthon and Mrs. Berthon, who leave on October 2 for England at the expiration of Commander Berthon'e term, lias a large and energetic committee in charge of the arrangements. The ball will be held in the new clubrooms in the Missions to Seamen buildings, Sturdee Street. The ladies of the committee include: Mesdames F. Burges Watson, H. K. Vickery, Preston Chambers, E. H. B. Milsom, C. S. White, J. Frater, E. W. J. Bowden, L. S. Rickerby, W. W. Dove, Sinclair Reid, D'Arcy Folkard, A. J. Coutts, Mis6es Elizabeth Burges Watson, J. Craven, Margery Tiarke, Ellio Thronsen and Mary Milsom.

The St. Helier's branch of the League of Mothers meeting was held in the Peerless Hall on Monday. The president, Mrs. St. Clair Inglis, presided. Mrs. Haines, one of the oldest members of the league, gave a short resume of the formation of the league in June, 1927, and Mrs. Williams, on behalf of the members, presented the president with a bouquet, consisting of the league's colours, blue and gold, and a cut-crystal jug and goblets, in appreciation of her untiring services to the league. They also presented the past secretary, Mrs. Scott, and the present secretary, Mrs. Reg. Gisby, each with a crystal bowl. The speaker was Mrs. Rollctt, who chose for her subject "Children and Play." ,

A successful children's fancy dress ball was held in the Regent Theatre, Papakura. last evening, which was organised by the Chriet Church ladies guild, and the church funds will benefit considerably. The proceedings opened with a grand march of over 100 children in fancy dress. The hall was tastefully decorated with coloured streamers hanging from the ceiling, while big bundles of balloons were on the stage, and at a later period of the children's dance programme were released, and floated down to the children below-. The children's programme continued for two hours and was a mixture of modern and old-time dances. Credit was due to Miss Anderson, who had been coaching the children with their dancing. After dancing the children were treated to supper. An adult dance programme was continued after the supper.

The annual reunion danco of the Mount Roskill school old pupils was held in the Crystal Palace ballroom on Tuesday last. An excellent supper was provided by the ladies' committee, and a good time was enjoyed by all. Amongst those present were: Mrs. F. A. Garry, black georgette; Mrs. Sheppard, cyclamen taffeta; Mrs. Jenkins, biscuit satin beaute; Mrs. N. Benfell, black and white crepe do chine; Mrs. Brownson, blue taffeta; Mrs. Dale, black ring velvet; Mrs. Judd, figured marocain; Mrs. Dunmore, black georgette; Mrs. Brand J floral crepe de chine; Mrs. Herd, black ring velvet; Mrs. Walker, black eatin beaute; Mrs. Randrupp, sapphire velvet; Mrs. Wilkinson, powder blue georgette; Miss McLeod, floral georgette; Miss Correy, red crepe de chine; Miss Martin, brown satin; Miss M. Thomae, pink sequin lace; Miss D. Gerard, pink chiffon taffeta; Miss J. Chalmers, blue organdie; Miss Lyla Russell, white eatin and net; Miss E. Lord, turquoise satin; Miss j Audrey Shale, lemon georgette; Miss ' Joyce Bennett, blue organdie; Miss W. • Thatcher, apricot lace; Miss H. Harri-1 son, apricot organdie; Miss Connell, buttercup georgette; Miss Walker, red satin; Miss P. Noall, eau de nil eatin; Miss A. Noall, sea green lace; Miss Nita Grinter, pink satin; Miss G. Ellery, floral treorgette: Miss Harvey, pink georgette; Mies Mollie Bale, eggshell blue taffeta; Miss Shirley Stringer;rose silk net; Miss O'Snllivan, pink cr.epe suede; Miss Joyce Jenkins, apricot taffeta; Miss Carter, back ting velve*- j

There was a large attendance at a bridge and 500 party held by the ladies of St. Joseph's Parish League in the Kingsford Hall, Otahuhu, yeeterday afternoon. The hall was beautifully decorated with bowls of Iceland poppies. Mrs. H. T. Clements won the bridge and Mrs. Hodgson the 500. Afternoon tea was served, and Mrs. J. J. Graham, president of the league, presented trophies to the successful playere. Among those present were: The Mayoress, Mre. H. T. Clements, Mesdames J. E. Gillies, J. O'Toole, J. J. Graham, T. J. Flood, Ryan, Goodwin; Turner, Hayden, Rogers, McCowatt, Knobbs, Hallworth, Vessey, Broenan, Dudley, Kelly, H. J. Mofflt, Skellern, Carver, J. Jackson, Kenyon, Dodds, Hodgson, Doherty, Wliyte, Misees Sykes, D. Knobbs, Brosnan, Hilliard, Allcock and Graham.

The official opening of the new clubrooms in the Missions to Seamen Buildings will take place this afternoon. The Countess of Orford will preside, and the roome will be officially opened by Mrs. Preston Chambers, president of the Harbour Lights Guild.

The monthly meeting of the Papatoetoe Women's Fellowship was held yesterday afternoon, in fne St. George'e Sunday School Hall, Papatoetoe. The meeting took the form of a display of antiques, and specimens of work of art from Japan and India, with several good pieces of Old English china, were shown, while interesting talks on the origin and use of the articles were given by members. Afternoon, tea and a social chat closed a very enjoyable meeting.

A very pleasant'bridge afternoon was held at the Farmers' tearooms on Wednesday afternoon, in aid of the Mount Albert Welfare League, when Mrs. G. Howard acted as hostess. Those present were: Jlesdames G. Howard, E. C. Turner, W. Perry, M. Graham, C. Richards, A. Lee, A. Hay, I. Baker, E. Henderson, J. Webster, T. Price, Fred Marten, J. C. Duffus, Duke, Clayton, and Woolston. The prizes were won by Mrs. Clayton and Mrs. Woolston.