ST. DAVID’S DAY

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27909, 5 March 1956, Page 2

ST. DAVID’S DAY

CELEBRATION BY WELSH SOCIETY

“St. David’s Day is a day when we remember we are Welsh and are proud of it. We cannot get away from something that is within us—that Welsh way of life, which is so important a heritage. We feel impelled to do all we can to preserve and develop it. We have a birthright no man can sell and a secret joy no man can tell,” said Mr R. Wynne Owen, president of the Christchurch Welsh Society, when he addressed on Saturday a large number of members of the society and friends from many parts of New Zealand who gathered to celebrate St. David’s Day. The link of spiritual unity with the motherland and the Welsh language and tradition were kept alive by such gatherings, said Mr Wynne Owen, who reviewed the life and work of some of the great men of Wales.

The following contributed to an all-Welsh programme: Solos, Mesdames E. Wayne Overend, W. J. Roberts, and Eiddwen Murray; duets, Mrs Olive Harris and Miss Gwyneth Ferris, Messrs G. Wayne and Evan Llew Roberts; recitation, Miss Nerys Nolan; quartet, Mesdames Bron wen Roberts and Myfanwy Dodd and Messrs G. Wayne and Llew Roberts: pianoforte duet, Misses Ruth and Bronwen Richards.

Mr W. J. Roberts gave an interesting address on “Know Your Welsh.” The singing of the Welsh choir, conducted by Mr James Griffith, was much appreciated. Accompanists were Mesdames G. Wayne and Bronwen Roberts.

The hall was decorated with Welsh flags and emblems, and flowers given by Messrs T. and R. Davies. Greetings from New Zealand and overseas Welsh societies were conveyed to the meeting. Among the visitors welcomed were Mr and Mrs Beech (Hawera) and Miss Marjory Williams (Pembrokeshire). The celebrations concluded yesterday with afternoon tea for visitors and friends, and a Cymanfa Ganu (Welsh Singing Festival) was held last evening.