AT THE COMMUNITY CLUB

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 136, 10 June 1924, Page 9

AT THE COMMUNITY CLUB

A MEMORABLE EVENING.

Though there is a very large space available at the Community Club for Territorials and Senior Cadets at Buckle street, every part was crowded last night when an entertainment was given specially in honour of the great number of people who gave assistance at the re: cent pageant. The rooms were gaily decorated with flags and greenery, and much interest was taken ih the improvements already effected under the direction of the House Committee, and with the help of Mr. Thomson, director of games and sports, and a number of the Territorials and Cadets. A committee of ladies was in charge of the supper arrangements, which were very, excellently carried out, and a most acceptable supper was served. Mr... J. P. Firth, president, welcomed the guests, among whom were the Mayor of Wellington Mr. R.A. Wright, M.P., Sir John Luke, M.P. and Lady Luke, the recent "Queens" of the pageant, • Queen Elizabeth (Mrs. Ash-, ford), Queen Mary of Scots (Miss Hilda Miles), Britannia (Miss Marjorie O'Shea), Joan of Arc (Miss Joan Kirkcaldie), and Nurse Cavell (Matron Wilson). There was a large attendance of officers of the Wellington Garrison and of the Territorials and Cadets companies, Colonel Powles (Central Command), Lieut.-Colonel Avery, Lieut.-Colonel M. M. Gardner, Major Jennings, Captain Reeves, Captain Miles. Colonel .Hall, and Mr. Blythe, of the-R.S.A., and piany others.

Mr. Firth, in a brief speech, said that the "at home" was. held with two objects, to gather together those who had helped at the pageant and thank them as far as possible, for there were so many that there was no chance to do so individually. The result of the pageant could not be announced till after the drawing of the art union, but it was estimated that a net profit of £3000' would be the result, which would be divided between the Community Club and the Regimental funds. The estimated total, attendances at the different centres, Wellington, Auckland, and Dunedin, where the pageant was shown was over 200,000, and the number of participants in the pageant and other attractions in connection with it was over 18,000. The big result, however, was the teaching of the history of the British ihce... Special mention was made of the' Living' Flag, the perfection with which it was carried out, and the enjoyment which it gave to thousands of people. Mr. Hopkirk," the marshal, and the headmasters of the schools were mentioned with grateful thanks for the trouble they took in connection with this excellent item. It was mentioned that the House Committee had lost no tune in beginning the reorganising which had been found necessary, and had been fortunate in securing the help of Mr. Thom-son,-and in engaging a suitable assistant for him; the purchase of a new piano had been made—an urgent necessity ; improvements to the canteen and office, the library, and reading room had been carried out, and the gymnasium was in the course of construction1. The system of educational lectures would be" resumed in July. . ' '

Mr. Firth then alluded to the sad accident at the park, when Gunner Patrick lost his right hand, and asked the hearty co-operation of all present in selling tickets foi' the ball at which the club hoped to raise a handsome sum for the benefit of Gunner Patrick, who had won respect from all by his brave and cheerful acceptance of the serious disability which was the result of the accident. The amount raised would be supplementary to whatever sum he received from the Government for the same cause.

It was mentioned that more names of ladies who would be willing to act as hostesses at the club would be gladly received by Mrs. E. E.; Muir, telephone 26-142. It is hoped that some one will volunteer for one Sunday in tho month, as thrco regular hostesses will take duty and the committee would be glad to hear of one more.

Thanks were given to all helpers, with mention of the Defence Department, and of some of the most popular assistants at the club, including the hostesses, whose work is always appreciated.

Dancing followed,'to excellent music by one of the leading orchestras in town, the supper extras being kindly supplied by the Regimental Band in inspiriting style. During the intervals some capital items were given by a number of members of the Charley's Aunt Club, who attended by special request. Mr. Bock sung; Mr. Oswin recited, the audience being reluctant to let him go; Mr. Carr sang, and as an encore led the audience in a community song which was a great success; Miss Kutner gave a musical monologue, and Master Cooley delighted all with is soprano voice. Mr. Norman Aitken gave a yery ncceptablo recitation. Mrs. Lundius and the pianiste of Mr. Tutclika's Orchestra played the accompaniments during the evening. Just before the dancing the film of the pageant, shown formerly at King's Theatre, and much admired, was shown, Mrs. Lundius playing the incidental music.

Among those present were :—Mr. and Mrs. W. Blundell and Mr. B. Blundell, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Pilcher, Miss lime's. Mr. J. S. Smytlie, Mrs. Cooper, Mr. and Mrs. M. Brookes, Mr. and ''Mrs. E. E. Muir, Mrs. Murphy, 0.8.E1. Mr. and Mrs. Shallcrass. Caplain and Mrs. Post.-Mr. anS Mrs. W.G. Reid, Mr." and Mrs. Sievwrieht, Mrs. O'Shea, Mrs. Digees-Smith. Mrs. Pow, Mrs. Buck. Mrs. Wilson, Mrs^ Dormer, and a great number of the maids of honour of the "Queens," as well as the club members, the latter assisting in many ways in the entertaining of the visitors.