COUNCIL OF WOMEN

Evening Post, Issue 113, 10 November 1930, Page 13

COUNCIL OF WOMEN

SUCCESSFUL GARDEN PARTY

Tie Wellington branch of the National Council of Women held a well-; arranged garden party in Queen Margaret's College grounds on Saturday. Although the weather was not very good till late in the afternoon, it was not bad enough to keep away those who were really interested in the council, and its work, and there was a fair number present. The garden, an old one, is very beautiful, and the English trees in their early summer garb were a joy to behold, while there was a mass of early bloom in the borders. The rock garden, which is a new departure, was a great pleasure to garden lovers, some of the plants being rare and new, and all very bright and beautiful. The lawns were green, and the tennis court was in good order, and the Boys' Institute Band (which kindly gave its services) pleased all with cheerful aud well-selected music. On account of the weather the verandahs and hall of the college were placed at the disposal of the council, and Mesdamcs Line, O'Shea, Coventry, and assistants had the tea indoors in very pleasant fashion. Lady Hoskiiig opeued the sale and party, making a thoughtful and appreciative speech. She expressed her pleasure at being asked to open the proceedings, dwelling on the fact that the council was an international one and one which had education as its aim, informing itself in each country of the problems connected with women and children. It was its province to present a sane and impartial view of the problems in its own land, and the council should become a wonderful power in, the country, and its members among the best citizens. As all women were vividly interested in the cause of peace, the council, as one of an international chain, had special recommendations. She mentioned also with pleasure that she noticed in the constitution that the object of the council was to combine societies of both men and women in all work entered upon, as she looked upon combined effort as being the ideal and more likely to be completely effective as bringing to bear all kinds of knowledge, ensuring accuracy iv aims. She advocated peace in the daily lives of the people and deprecated acrimonious discussions—such were not likely to bring about a good settlement of the problems of the day and country. She urged that the council should not trust "to the spoken word," but should look for deeds, not words, and the hearty co-operation of every individual member and branch. Mrs. Stone (president) thanked Lady Hosking for her kindness in attending and officiating for the council, and expressed appreciation of her interesting speech. . The stalls and those in charge were as follows:—Aprons, Mrs. Jameson (convener); cakes, Mrs. J. A. Campbell (convener); sweets, Mrs. OuthwaUc (convener); books, Misses England and M'Rae; children's games, Mrs. Suckling; "bobs," Mr. H. J. Chapman; gate, Mrs. 11. J. Chapman and Miss B. Welch; cool drinks, Mrs. C. 11. Chapman. Miss Irene Wilson (principal of Queen Margaret's), Miss Smith (matron), and members of teaching and household staff all gave assistance, which was greatly appreciated by the executive committe of the council. Thanks were given also to the Misses Kex, who managed the: two "coster barrows," being capitally costumed.' The party was altogether a most enjoyable one. It was held in aid of the conference fund, and it is regrettable that it did not receive more general support, as the council works entirely for the benefit of people in the city who need organised assistance, giving willing and efficient sev-