A BOOK TEA

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 144, 21 June 1930, Page 13

A BOOK TEA

VICTORIA LEAGUE SUCCESS

From all points of view the Victoria League party held at the Pipneei1 Club yesterday afternoon to gather literature for lonely pqople and invalids, was a great success. Much gratification was expresesd at the presence of Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Bledisloe, their kind interest giving much encouragement. The rooms were v,ery bright and pleasant for a wintry afternoon, the decorations being of bowls of hydrangeas. Their Excellencies were received by Lady Buckleton (president) and Lady Luke and Mrs. W. G. Beid (vicepresidents), and conducted to the stage, where Lady Buckleton, in a brief speceh, welcomed them cordially on behalf of tho league, and thanked them for attending the party. ■ Lord Bledisloe spoke interestingly of tho league in England, which had entertained them before they left the Old Country, mentioning that he had been connected as president with tho Severn and Wye branch of the league about 25 years ago. He referred to the necessity for helping those who had settled in the backblocks as much as possible. The present way of bringing change and recreation to those who lived iv lonely parts, far from the ordinary amusements , of. towns, appealed to him as being an excellent one. He had spoken before on the desirability of people settling in the country parts of tho Dominion, and he would like to see as much as possible .taken to them of the amenities of life. The travelling cinemas, which were much appreciated in England, were possible for country folk, and wireless was a great blessing and pleasure, as well as a good educational factor. He was pleased to find that the Minister of Education had emphasised tho desirability of bringing education moro in touch with country life and ideas, and added that, in his opinion, everything which contributed to the happiness and interest ofhomes was most valuable. Ho hoped that some of tho literature collected would emphasise the beauty ana value of country life; sometimes the people missed the joy of their own land to a great extent because no effort was made to help them- to appreciate tho beauties at their doors.; He mentioned with appreciation the Now Zealand bush, which is ful of glories to those who can see such things, and concluded by oxtending the league many good wishes for the carrying out of its work. All were gratified1 at the large attendance at the party, as well as at tho fine collection of books and magazines, which was heaped up for the clever and energetic packers who were to tako charge next day. An excellent little programme of mueio was presented and enjoyed. Miss Judith Giesen played a piano solo,, and also < accompanied some of the songs artistically Mrs. Goodson, Mrs. Ivan Levy, and Mrs. Clinton Hunt sang, and Miss ZonaJupp recited charmingly. Afternoon tea was served, and tho time passed rhost: pleasantly for all. Her Excellency, who was presented with a bouquet of flowers, was in cense silk crepe with a coat of beige cloth, and beautiful furs, her upturned _ hat to tone with the.frock being finished with a diamond' buckle. Lady Buckleton was in brown silk marocain, and small hat to tono, and-with Lady Luke, was presented with posies. Lieut. Elwortuy attended Their Excellencies. Mrs. L. O. H' Tripp, Mrs. Pow, Mrs. Phillips Turner Mrs. A. L. Warburton (hon. treasurer), Mrs. Yaldwyn, and Miss Thompson, hon. secretary) all assisted in entertaining and looking after the guests, contributing much to the success, ot a delightful afternoon. ,