THE ROYAL COLONIAL INSTITUTE

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 36, 11 August 1923, Page 8

THE ROYAL COLONIAL INSTITUTE

ANNUAL RECEPTION.

(FROH OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

LONDON, 28th June. In the case of so many social functions held in the height of summer in London one has to go from the evening air to the stuffiness of an underground room or a crowded hotel restaurant. AVhon the place of meeting is a spacious museum there is little regret in exchanging the pleasant outside conditions for electric light and full dress, even to medals and decorations. Tho annual reception of the Koyal Colonial Institute, invariably, held in the Natural History Museum, South Kensington, is therefore a popular affair. A certain air of dignity is lent to wie proceedings by the surroundings. Moreover, these people who have for tho most part had some association with the outer Dominions have a distinction which is not seen in an ordinary fashionable London crowd. Grey hair and ripe age are very noticeable, but the Royal Colonial Institute is a serious and learned organisation and Empire workers never retire. What is most interesting is the recognition of people one has known by sight m the towns of the Dominions, ttere visitors from every part of tho Empire come together, and one catches fragments of conversation which take one s thoughts to things and places far removed from London. ■ The reception held last night was quite as successful as any of its predecessors. Quests were received by Sir Charles Mliapd, the chairman, and other vicepresidents and members of the council. Ihe great central hall of the museum, with its marble pillars, its marble staircase at the far end overlooked by stained glass windows, its high galleries, was a very pleasant scene. Flags of all the countries of the Empire were hung from the walls, and decorative palms and plants were set m conspicuous places. From the nigh gallery above one looked down On the strange scene of moving colour amidst the elephants, the bears, and tigers. The scarlet uniforms of the String Band of SILk"? i° r Gu? rds made an additional splash of colour. An excellent programme of music was played throughout the evening. Supper tables were laid in various parts of the building. The guests were allowed to wander through the rooms and improve their knowledge of the animal kingdom. Some assistance to these investigations was given by the programme which included a brief account of recent accessions to the museum. -three hours passed very quickly, for it was not difficult to find out of the thousand people present, many old friends irom overseas. In the Reptile Gallery a concert was given under tho direction of Mr. P. Mavon-Ibbs, of Melbourne. \? w Wi? rV£ nfr ,by Mr" Howard Fry, Mr. Wilfred Temple, Mr. Norman Long Miss Ivy Philips, and Miss Mollie Seymour; and Miss Ivy Philips and Mr. Howard Fry contributed dusts. The "Barcarolle and other selections were played by Miss Mollie Seymour and Miss Nellie Norway on the hand bells and violin respectively. Almost the whole length of the concert room is taken up by tho model of a Dmosauri reptile, so that one had to view the performers between the legs or ribs of this ancient monster or through the bones of a giant sloth Many overseas visitors will have' pleasant recollections of this reception held m such unique surroundings. Amongst JNew Zealanders present were: Sir James and Lady Allan and Miss R. Allen, Lord and Lady Strathspey, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Murray and Miss Murray. Mr. and Mrs. Aitken, Mr. and Mrs. 'W. Brown Mrs Arthur You.icr. Mr. and Mrs. l! P. Blundell, the Misses Bullen, Miss Nixon Mrs. G. Anderson. Miss Anderson, Messrs. Gavin and Stewart Anderson Miss Cruickshank, Mr. and Mrs H. L. Friend. Mr. and Mrs. E. J Cordnor, Mrs. Hislop. Mr. Shayle Gardner, Mrs. Hobson. Major and Miss Rose. Mr. and Mrs. Dnwson, Mr. Graham Michie, Captain Millar.