ST. MARY'S HOMES

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 86, 8 October 1930, Page 15

ST. MARY'S HOMES

HER EXCELLENCY' VISITS

Although, there wore grey skies and a cold wind at Karori, a very,'pleasant time was' spent at St. Mary's Homes when Her Excellency Lady Bledisloo paid her second visit there yesterday afternoon, accompanied by Mrs. Bathurst. Within doors many pleasant preparations had been made, including some beautiful flower decorations. The sitting-room, where tea was placed for tho guest of honour and her party, was tastefully arranged with Iceland poppies and yellow kowhai, the New Zealand flower being in great beauty. Lady Bledisloe was met at the gate by Mrs. Sprott (president of the guild that controls tho homes) and by. members of the guild. A guard of honour was provided by the girls of the homes who belong to the" Guides and who looked very neat and smart in their uniforms, somo of them showing quite a number of tho badges, which all stand for good service of one sort and anothor. Tho smallest girl had the pleasure of presenting a beautiful bouquet to Her Excellency, who then made a tour of the promises, showing much interest, and expressing her pleasure at the .homelike and non-institutional appearance of the place. Misses Parlane and Tclfer and other members of staff assisted in the entertaining, and, with tho girls, dispensed a very dainty afternoon tea, which was much appreciated. Mrs. Sprott, in her welcoming speech, thanked Her Excellency for sparing time to pay.the homes a second visit this year, stating that when she came before only;the committee members had been able to greet her, but on this occasion there was a gathering of good friends and helpers. The committeo accomplished a great deal of good work. She" mentioned among other matters that the afternoon tea, cakes, etc., had all been the work of the girls, the materials having been collected by the hon. secretary, Mrs. Wilsone. •

Lady Bledisloe spoke of her pleasure at being able to visit tho homes again, and paid a tribute to the work of New Zealand women, for,.she'said, wherever she went she found evidences of so much kindness and thought for others.

After tea had been served, the thrco Mioms all feeing fnilj; thrpeged jyith.

visitors, thero was some good music given under charge of Mrs. Ginn, who trains tho girls in singing. Some part songs were well rendered, and solos were sung by Mrs. Bamsey ■ and Miss Ethel CUt«£. Among the many guests were: Mrs. Stowe, Lady Myers, Archdeacon and Mrs. Hansell, Rev. A. T. B. Page, Bcv. Archdeacon Johnson, Lady Luko, Lady Buekleton, Mrs. A. de B. Brandon, Mrs. W. Blundoll, Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Graham, Mrs. Hayes, Mrs. Phillips-Turner, Mrs. uud Miss Vickerman,. Mrs. Hart, Mrs. W. E. Davidson, Mrs. C. and Miss Mary Biehardson. Mrs. B. W. Kane, Mrs. Wroughton, Miss Didsbury, Mrs. Fry, Miss Allen. Mrs. Larnoch, Miss ,Barraud, Mrs. Pow, Lady Carncross, Miss Downio Stewart, Mrs. H. Hall, Mrs. Bristowo, Mrs. Watkins, Mrs. Gear, Mrs. F. Ward, Mrs. Smyth, Mrs. W. G. Field, and Mrs. and Miss Lysnar.