WEEKEND GARDEN PARTIES

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 138, 8 March 1943, Page 2

WEEKEND GARDEN PARTIES

A.N.A. Comforts Fund Fete

Warm tribute to the team work of the women workers at the A.N.A. Club was paid by Mrs. P. Fraser, wile of the Prime Minister, on Saturday afternoon, when she opened a garden party in aid of the A.N.A. comforts fund, in the grounds of Mrs. W. E. Herbert’s residence at ISti The Terrace. , , "I have the greatest admiration for the women doing such magnificent' work at the club,” she declared, adding that in the three and a half years since -it opened, they had given devoted attendance. Special mention was also made of Mrs. Herbert’s generosity during the year in rending her garden for such occasions. More than 300 guests, including American service personnel, were present, and the fund, whose prime function is to sup-, plement club amenities by providing extra comforts and innovations for the thousands of servicemen who visit the rooms each week, was considerably assisted. Though the day was overcast and a gusty wind swept the upper grounds, intermittent gleams of sunshine enhanced the beauty of the gnrden setting, with its planned flower plots, low stone walls, and profusion of multi-tinted hydrangeas and ptinga ferns. Guests wended their way down the tesselated walks at the back of the house to the lower lawn, where the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band, conducted by Flight Lieutenant Gladstone Hill, supplied a musical programme, and plenty of activity aud diversion was furnished by members of the A.N.A. girls’ committee, who assisted

the committee responsible for organizing the party;, members of the Tt.S.A. men’s committee.' who sponsored the competitions; and several comforts committee supporters. A bund of school-age helpers also gave enthusiastic support. Mrs. Fraser was introduced by Mr. L. Dwan. On her arrival she received a scarlet spray from Miss Myra Cohen, hon. secretary and treasurer of the A.N.A. comforts committee, and was welcomed by Mrs. H. F. O'Leary, chairman, and other members of the official party, including Lady Lake, Mrs. R. V. Goddard and Mrs. E. Puttick. Members of the comforts .committee who arranged the fete comprised : Mrs. L. Blundell, Mrs. L. IL Angus, Mrs. W. E. Herbert, Mrs. E. H. Luke, Mrs A. Weir, Mrs. M. O. Barnett, Airs. D. Gordon. Mrs. R. C. Burton, Airs. F. E. Bailev Airs. ,T. Murray, Airs. C. Quane, Airs. ‘N. A. Breach. Airs. A. McKinnon, and Airs. R. Caughley.