FIFTH BIRTHDAY

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 3, 28 September 1939, Page 4

FIFTH BIRTHDAY

Townswomen's Guild In Palmerston North

The Palmerston North Towiiswomen's Guild celebrated its fifth birthday on Monday, the gathering being largely attended by representatives of all the women’s organizations in the city and by visitors from other districts. The president, Mrs. A. E. Mansford, presided, and welcomed all at the gathering, and associated with her were Mrs. J. Pow, Dominion president of the New Zealand Union of Townswomen's Guilds, Mrs. P. H. Kinsman, Dominion secretary, Mrs. E. J. Brownie, secretary of the Petone branch, Mrs. T. R. Moore, a vice-president, and Mrs. K. Manning, hon. secretary. There was an extensive programme, and chief among the items was an excellent “Conversation Piece,” by members of the Civic Circle, written and produced by Mrs. S. J. Bennett, on rumours and hoarding under war conditions and concerning four women meeting in the bus shelter in the Square. The women were the inevitable Mesdames Smith, Brown, Jones and Robinson, as presented by Mesdames H. F. Dodson, J. Spooner, R. A. Fuller and 'S. J. Bennett. Mrs. L. A. Northey was the announcer. A one-act comedy entitled “Hard Thinking,” wiiich would appeal to womenfolk in the habit of turning out their husband’s pockets, was presented by members of the drama circle and concluded the programme. Tho.se taking part were Mesdames F. W. Houghton (Arthur Brown), N. Tiddy (Muriel Wiggins), T. Tyrell (George Wiggins), and L. N. Carter (Amy Brown), the characters being well cast and admirably sustained. Mr. S. Bradfield was the author and Mrs. Bradfield the producer. The mayor, after being welcomed, congratulated the guild on the good work it was doing in filling a very necessary place in civic life. He trusted it would grow and prosper. He joined with the members in welcoming the Dominion officials. Before introducing Mrs. Pow, Mrs. Mansford said the thanks of the women of New Zealand were due to Colonel and Mrs. Pow for their generous offer to the Government of their 12-roomed home, fully equipped and staffed, in the event of emergency. Mrs. Pow thanked the guild on behalf of headquarters for its loyal cooperation, which had bellied a great deal, and said she was pleased and proud to learn that the branch had offered its services to the nation. There was a lot the guild'could do, and there were many vacancies women could fill to carry on till the men returned. It was a privilege to live under the British flag and have a loyal and patriotic band working whole-heartedly to maintain prestige. The handsome birthday cake, which had -been made by Mrs. J. Barsanti and iced by Mr. J. Weightman, was appropriately surmounted by red, white and blue candles and the Union Jack. There was a pleasing ceremony connected with the cutting, Mrs. T. R. Moore, vicepresident, being called mxm to light the candles, Mrs. Kinsman to blow them out, Mrs. Pow and the mayor cutting the cake, each one offering felicitations. Miss L M. Banks, matron of the Public Hospital, who has been assisting the V.A.D. with lectures, was also invited to cut a slice, and conveyed her congratulations and good wishes. Thanks were conveyed to Mrs. Barsanti and Mr. Weightman for their generous donations. HATAITAI TOWNSWOMEN The HaWital branch of the New Zealand Union of Townswomen's Guilds held its monthly meeting recently. That keen interest is being maintained was evident by the large attendance, and many new members were enrolled. Mrs. E. L. Russell, president, was in the chair, and welcomed the new members and visitors from the Kilbirnie-Lyall Bay, "Wellington Central and Miramar guilds, also Mrs. Rond, from Christchurch. The forthcoming annua] conference was discussed and it was unanimously agreed that Mrs. E. L. Russell, president, and Mrs. A. Russell, secretary, should go as delegates. It was decided that the Kilbirnie-Lyall Bay and the llatiritai branches should join for nursing instruction.

Members of the Miramar choir sang two part songs, Mesdames McKendry and Haywood duets and Mrs. Satberley two solos. Members of the Wellington Central Drama Circle contributed to the programme with an amusing play, “Far, Far. Away.” Those who took part were Mesdames Thompson, Bagnall, .lesson, Fowlds, Williams and Mrs." Sherwood (Hataiial branch). The president thanked those who had contributed Io the programme, which was arranged by Mrs. Sherwood. Afternoon te;r was served by the conveners, Mesdames Wilson, Keith, Jarvis, Callion, Hill, Hancock and Miss Katto.