MISS MAUDE ROYDEN

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 193, 17 May 1928, Page 5

MISS MAUDE ROYDEN

RECEPTION BY WOMEN OF WELLINGTON

Miss Maude Royden, who arrived in Wellington yesterday, after a most successful tour of the South Island, was the guest of honour at a reception yesterday afternoon tendered her by the women of Wellington. This was held in the Concert Chamber, which was decorated for the occasion witli greenery and beautiful chrysanthemums. There were three or four hundred present, and afternoon tea was served by a number of members of the different organisations present. Miss Royden, who was accompanied by her manager, Miss Collisson, was received on her arrival by the Mayoress (Mrs. G. A. Troup), and conducted to the platform. In welcoming her on behalf of the women of Wellington, Mrs. Troup said it was both a privilege and a pleasure to do so. Since AVellingtou welcomed her as a distinguished woman a little over a week ago, they had followed her progress in the South Island, ami noted her kindly interest in them, and read the stirring messages she had given, and had felt bound to esteem her for her friendliness ami personal appeal, even more than for what she had done. Mrs. Trot|p said all were glad Miss Hoyden's interest in them and her belief in them had given them a new sense of their possibilities as women citizens of this young country. They were fortunate in having such a sympathetic interpreter to act between them and the Mother Country. It would be an inspiration in their future work, said Mrs. Troup, to have met and known such a devoted fellow worker, for that it what all felt Miss Royden to be. She concluded by wishing Miss Royden a happy tour round the Dominions. A telegram was read from Mrs. J. G. Coates, expressing regret at being unable to be present, and wishing Miss Royden a happy visit, and Mrs. R. A. Wright also sent an apology. Miss Royden thanked Mrs. Troup for her welcome, saying that she largely hoped to meet people during the afternoon. She referred to much that women had done in New Zealand and in England for the good of humanity, and especially for the child and the mother, and remarked that each country could help the other. She thanked ail for their very warm welcome. Afterwards Miss Royden met and conversed with as many people as was possible in the limited time at her disposal, Mrs. Troup introducing guests to Miss Royden. Among those present were Latty Pomare, Mrs. Hawken, Lady Luke, Mr. Troup, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Hunt, Mr. Mathieson, and members of practically all the women’s societies in Wellington. WELCOME COMMITTEE'S LUNCHEON. The Welcome Committee which has been making arrangements for Miss Royden’s lectures in Wellington met her at luncheon yesterday. The luncheon was held at the Pioneer Club, and was attended by over forty guests, who included the Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup and Mrs. Troup, Bishop and Mrs. Sprott, the Rev. Dr. Gibb, Miss 'Mary Richmond, and representatives of the Pioneer Club, University Women's Club and Federation, Y.W.C.A., English Speaking Union, Women’s National Reserve, Women Teachers’ and Educational Institute the Churches, Anglican Girls’ Clubs, Student Movement Spinsters’ Club, Society for the Protection of Women and Children, Borstal Committee, Jewish Women’s Club, Victoria League. League of Mothers, Kindergartens, Red Cross, secondary schools, St. John Ambulance, and District Guild.

Miss Kane, chairman of the committee, extended the good wishes of all to Miss Royden, and apalogised for the absence of Mrs. Henry. Smith, of the -National

Council of Women, and Mr. A. L. Hunt, of the English Speaking Union. Miss Chave Collisson, representing the British Commonwealth League, spoke of that organisation, which was endeavouring to link together women in all the British Dominions who are working in the women’s movement, and she took the opportunity of thanking all those present as the committee representing the different organisations working for Miss Hoyden's tour. Miss Royden briefly thanked all present, and told an amusing story illustrating the brevity with which a whole speech could be expressed. She was, she said, imitating that brevity, and only saying “Thank you.” After lunch everyone had an opportunity to meet Miss Royden personally. The tables were decorated with chrysanthemums in shades of bronze, and Miss Royden was presented with a posy of red roses and violets on her arrival.