GIRLS' HAPPY WEEK-END

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 31, 6 August 1923, Page 9

GIRLS' HAPPY WEEK-END

.TWO SUCCESSFUL FUNCTIONS,

The Town Hall on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon presented a particularly happy appearance, when it was invaded by crowds of "prettily pattering, cheerily chattering, every-day young girls," to quote tho evergreen Gilbert and'- Sullivan. Although the weather wus as bad as could bo on Saturday, and much sickness about, there must have been about 1500 Wellington girls who appeared to enjoy the excellent entertainment arranged by the Young Citizens' League for their pleasure, and on Sunday afternoon there were about 500 present. Mr. G. A. Troup, president of the V.C.L., presided on each occasion. Mr. J. Hislop, a member of tho committee, Mr. G. Mitchell, secretary, and Miss Messenger, secretary of the special effort, and a number of members of the latter committee were 'present/ at both meetings. Tho Saturday programme began with community singing, inspiringly led by Mrs. Albert Russell, and thoroughly enjoyed by the girls, who responded really wonderfully, especially iv the singing of a round. Miss Turner's mandolin band provided much-appreciated orchestral items; a song by Miss Rogers being another good item, while recitations were provided 'by Miss Mary Cooley and Miss Wilson, who received enthusiastic applause. The little Misses Bell played a pianoforte duet, in place of some of those who were prevented from attending by the prevailing severe colds, and acquitted themselves well. The "team-work," a brass rod display by the Kilbirnie troop of Life-saving Scouts (Salvation Army); recitation and classic dancin'g,"^VlJKeiriber's;:'.bf the' Y.W.C.A; physical drill and morris dance by Wellington College girls: gymnastic . display by junior girls; and a fine exhibition, of electric-lighted clubswinging by seniors from the girls' classes^ of the V.M.C.A. were all quite "gems" iii their way, and were calculated to inspire girls who had not taken any interest in gymnastics with a desire to set to \work at once to attain a like proficiency. Misses Bartlett, Kirk; and Mills were capital accompanists, and the whole affair went with a swing and spirit that must have been a reward to the performers and to those who had worked hard in organising the entertain-, ment. On Sunday afternoon a number of well-known hymns Were heartily sung, under the capable leadership of Mr. Mason, of the Church of Christ.

Mr. Troup introduced the subjects of the afternoon in an interesting little sketch of the condition of the World at the time of the birth of Christ. There were, he said, two great divisions of Empire and thought. In the East the power and sway of Buddha 'were paramount. His doctrines taught the extinction of all desire, and the result of generations of that teadhihg was shown in the impassive countenances of the true Eastern races, lh the Roman world, stoicism, or the extinction of all feeling, was lite highest aim. It seemed a stpnge time for the forerunner of peace, kindness^ and lov6 to make His appearance. Mr. Troup in a few words showed tho tremendous changes which Christ had wrought, mentioning especially the change in the status of women, whom He elevated from a very piteous and miserable condition of body and mind. Miss Mary Cooley read with. rSverence and clearness a passage from the New Testament.

Miss M'Lean, principal of the Wellington Girls' College, touched upon the necessity of choosing which force a girl intended to belong to, that of good or evil, and urged specially the terrible mistake of luke-warnincss, with the Biblical denunciation of tho Laodiceatis. Miss Dunlop (Y.W.C.A.) spoke convincingly on tho fact that a, nation can "rise no higher than its women," and urged the great necessity of the girls being of the best and finest.

Dr. Platts-Milis said that doctors came to people in all sorts of ways, but she felt that in the teaching of the best citizenship they could do a great deal. She likened life to a garden, and developed the idea of the beautiful trees and plants; the hedges, which kept people from seeing and realising the beauties within; the pests which hatl to be eradicated; the birds, butterflies, and bees, which were types of joy, pleasure, and industry. The fruits of good living, and the joy of .•iltuinnieiH, were touchingly dwelt upon in a most delightful address, and thu speaker dosed with a- few words of warning to lire parents, who were told that the great sheltertrces of self-reverence,, self-control, modesty, and reserve were to be planted and eared for by them, so as to keep the garden of the souls of their children From the storms and stresses of the world.

Miss, Lucy Kershaw presided very efficiently at the organ. The .meeting closed with a prayer by Mrs. (Brigadier) Hoare, and the Benediction by Mr. Troup.