PILGRIMS’ GARDEN PARTY

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27225, 17 December 1953, Page 2

PILGRIMS’ GARDEN PARTY

EIGHT HUNDRED GUESTS AT ,« MILLBROOK ” J "" i i Anniversary Day was celebrated in } Christchurch yesterday by the flying t of flags from many buildings in the 5 city and by a very large and happy , garden party held by the Canterbury c Pilgrims’ and Early Settlers' Association. It was the 103rd anniversary of t the arrival of the First Four Snips, i The president (Mr G. Oakleigh Green-1 wood) and members of the committee ( of the association had issued invita- ( tions tn the party, which was held at ‘•Millbrook.’’ the home of Mr Heathcote Helmore. Fendalton. It would be difficult to find a more l beautiful setting for an outdoor party. 1 The property was settled by Mr Hel-' < more’s grandfather, and during his life- i time he had slanted many fine trees . that now beautify and dignify the , grounds and afford protection from the ' wind. Yesterday the sun shone warmly : and the record number of guestsabout 800-r-enjoyed meeting onp another under ideal conditions on the i lawns amongst the wealth of summer flowers—roses, lovely blue and white delnhiniums. and hydrangeas. ( The arrangements were excellent i Cheerful music was played by Mr* ] Clare Sim’s orchestra of two violins j a violoncello and piano, and two < marquees were erected to facilitate the serving of afternoon tea. In one 1 marquee on a large table with pale ’ green cloth and bowls of pink and ■ white geraniums the food was set out, and in the other cups and saucers were arranged. Early i n the afternoon ice creams were provided. All the guests on arrival were received by Mr and Mrs Greenwood and Mr Helmore. Mrs Greenwood wore a black frock, a full length black grosgrain coat, and a wide-brimmed black" satin hat. underlined with ivory satin and trimmed with handsome sweeping plumes shading from ivory to deep yellow. Her daughter, Mrs B. de Elank, wore a sleeveless frock of pink silk spotted in white, and a small pink hat to match. On view at the party were pictures of “Millbrook” as it was about 1860. and the handsome book, containing the names of members of the association. that is to be presented to Her Majesty the Queen next month.