EVENING RECEPTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 183, 4 August 1936, Page 12

EVENING RECEPTION.

LYCEUM CLUB MEMBERS. FAREWELL TO PRESIDENT. In honour of their president, Mrs. W. H. Parkes, the members of the Lyceum Club hclcl a reception in their clubrooms last evening. The large lounge was filled with members, which was a fitting tribute to the popularity of Mrs. Parkes, who will shortly leave for England. On her arrival the guest of Honour was received by Lady Wilson, who acted as hostess for the club. Mrs. Parkes was wearing a handsome gown of black velvet "under a silver grey wrap. Lady Wilson was in black ring velvet with beaded embroideries, and Mrs. MeClatchie, who accompanied Mrs. Parkes, was in japonica pink velvet. The lounge had been specially decorated for the occasion with tall stands of hydrangeas, which were set in each corner of the room. On incidental tables were bowls of irises and golden daffodils. Tall palms contributed to the effect and the glow of blazing logs in the grates added to the appearance and the comfort. The programme opened with a "Flower Song and Chorus" by members of the musical circle of the club, who were grouped 011 the stage, each holding a posy of flowers. As a solo was sung bp Mrs. H. Owers, the flowers were collected and massed in a basket which was handed to Mrs. Parkes by Lady Wilson. The flowers were from the gardens of members of the gardening circle. Lady Wilson, in extending to Mrs. Parkes the club's united wishes for a pleasant trip, spoke of the invaluable counsel Mrs. Parkes, as president, had alwavs given. On behalf of the members, she presented Mrs. Parkes with an umbrella and a beautiful tapestry work bag in appreciation of her untiring efforts for the club's progress. A bouquet of violets was also presented to Mrs. Parkes by Lady Wilson from the members of the Silverdale Institute, to which body Mrs. Parkes had recently paid a visit.

In thanking the members for the welcome accorded to her and for their gifts, Mrs. Parkes spoke feelingly of the assistance she had always had, not only from the executive and staff, but from every member of the club. Their loyalty and friendship, she said, were the things that counted most. It was with pleasure that she would look forward to her return to New Zealand.

The programme which was presented was arranged by Miss E. Kent and included songs by Miss Nancy Hanna, recitations by Miss Joan Ross, items by a quartet comprising Misses Kathleen O'Learv, Helen Gray, Moya CooperSmith id Dunne. A one-act play, entitled "George Proposes," was presented bv Miss Alice Kealy. Miss Nell Lush and Mr. Terry Agmen-Smith. Supper was served at the conclusion of the evening, tlio tables being beautifully arranged with wattle and Iceland poppies.