LARGE PIONEER GATHERING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 95, 24 April 1939, Page 12

LARGE PIONEER GATHERING.

Reunion Meeting Of Old Thames' Girls.

Keference to the pioneering spirit of the early days in New Zealand and to the old traditions that were still being carried on by the members of the association was made by the Eev. J. Olphert in a speech given at the twelfth annual pioneer reunion of the Old Thames Girls' Association, held in the Lewis Eady Hall on Saturday afternoon.

In speaking of the long and successful existence of the association, Mr. Olphert mentioned the fact that it had held together members of one of the oldest pioneering districts in New Zealand. He referred to the wonderful spirit prevailing throughout the association, both in the keeping alive of old memories and in the work it had done for various charitable organisations throughout the city. Mr. Olphert congratulated the society on their excellent gathering, commenting on the fact that despite the weather many of the Old Thames pioneers had made an effort to be present.

The hall, which was packed with a representative gathering of Old Thames Girls, was attractively decorated wilh bowls of golden chrysanthemums and marigolds. The stage was banked with pots of rose pink lueulia, dahlias in the same shade, pink and mauve chrysanthemums and white Michaelmas daisies. On the stage were Mrs. A. Oldhain, president of the Old Thames Girls' .Msociation; Mrs. E. McMiken, secretau'Y,. and Mrs. E. Johns, Mrs. E. Webster aiwk Miss Sinclair, members of the club all over the age of eighty. A special welcome was extended to the latter by all the members and visitors present.

Mrs. A. Oldhain presided at the meeting, assisted by the Rev. J. Olphert, who lived for many years at Thames. A speech of welcome written by Mrs. Oldham was read by the Rev. J. Olphert. who also gave a brief description of Thames as it is to-day. Reference was made by Mr. Olphert to the recent death, of two life members, Mrs. E. Green and Mr. W. Gribble. As a mark of respect members present stood in silence. Enjoyable Programme. During the afternoon an excellent programme was presented. Vocal duets were given by Mrs. V. G. Threadgold and Mrs. H. Sharp; songs by Miss Betty Brown; recitations by Miss L. Hendra; vocal duets by Mrs. W. W. Meek and Miss V. Middleton* songs by Mr. Cliff Firth; cornet solos by Mr. Brian Dalton; and vocal duets by Mr. and Mrs. W. Leather. The accompanists were Mrs. Keg Reed, Mrs. W. Walker and Miss Lilian Reed.

At the conclusion of the programme afternoon tea was served by Mrs. M. Dawson, assisted by a committee of members.