BRIDES HONOURED

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24798, 12 February 1946, Page 2

BRIDES HONOURED

ARRIVALS FROM CANADA AND TEXAS

“As retiring president of the North American Club, I am proud to welcome back to Christchurch several New Zealand servicemen with their North American brides; we assure them we are proud of their achievements and congratulate them on their good taste,” said Mr H. S. Vestey, when presiding at a reception of welcome given by the North American Club at the Mayfair lounge last night, in honour of brides who have recently arrived from North Alperica, and several servicemen who have returned from duty overseas. Mr Vestey specially mentioned 10 members of the club who had served, two of whom had been killed. The reception was attended by more than 30 brides, some of whom had arrived in Christchurch only the previous day. Nearly all came from Canada —from Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Saskatchewan —and one came from Texas. The Mayor of Christchurch, Mr E. H. Andrews, who was accompanied by the Town Clerk (Mr H. S. Feast), and Dr. W. A. Riddell, Commissioner for Canada in New Zealand, and Mrs Riddell. were present to add their welcome to that of the president of the club, who was assisted in his duties by Mrs Vestey and Mrs A. Dewhurst (a vice-president of the club). A specially invited guest was Mr C. G. McKellar, president of the Christchurch branch of the English Speaking Union. On behalf of the citizens of Christchurch, Mr Andrews assured the guests of honour that New Zealanders were a friendly people, and would do their best to make the newcomers feel at home in Christchurch.

“I have great admiration for those who make their home in new lands or in new parts of their own land,” said Dr. Riddell; ‘‘it takes courage, pluck, initiative to pull up stakes and begin again, and I hope that you, who have set out on this great adventure, will be happy in your new homes.” He was confident, he added, that international relations in the future would benefit from persons of one country settling in another country. “My time in New Zealand is drawing to a close,” he said, “but we are happy to be leaving behind us so many young, brave, energetic ambassadors of goodwill from America.” Mrs Riddell said she hoped the brides would be as happy in New Zealand as she and her family had been during their six years’ stay in the Dominion. One of the brides, Mrs P. Franklin, thanked the club and the speakers for their kindness. After the formal welcome Dr. and Mrs Riddell chatted to the guests. A short programme was provided by Miss Betty Dennis (piano solos and accompaniments), and Miss Isabel Purse (songs). Miss Dennis also played for the informaldance that followed.